By Richard Devine, Consultant Social Worker | Visiting Researcher at University of Cambridge | Trainer, Speaker, and Author of Messy Social Work
…the most important lessons I’ve learned from working with children and families as outlined in BASW’s Professional Social Work Magazine.
1. Our past shapes our practice – we need to be aware of it
2. Change is hard, especially without safety and support
3. Childhood trauma often lies at the heart of parenting struggles
4. I can’t make people change
5. I can’t eradicate risk
6. Compassion must extend to parents, not just children, but it doesn’t negate safeguarding
7. Ethics are personal
8. Effective direct work with children matters
9. The work is sacred, but so is humility
10. Looking after yourself is part of the work
Messy Social Work is available NOW! Well, technically, it will be tomorrow, but close enough 🙂
By Rich Devine (dated 20.05.25)
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I provide support for social workers on direct work with children, assessment skills, time management, and many other practice-related topics.