Who am I
Hi, I am Rich Devine.
I’ve worked with children and families in child protection for 14 years.
Being a frontline case-holding social worker has taught me so much about resilience, compassion, and the power of connection.
I’ve written a book to share some of those experiences, and I also write a blog and co-host a podcast where I dive into the challenges and triumphs of social work.
Social work is my passion.
Whether reading, writing, or doing the work, I’m always looking for ways to make a difference.
I also offer training for social workers that can transform how we help children and families.
I’d love to hear from you if you’re looking for fresh ideas or practical guidance.
Some facts about me
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I qualified as a social worker in 2010 and have worked in child protection since, first as a case-holding social worker and then as a parenting assessor.
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I like doing social work, writing about it, and talking about it. I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and have been lucky to work with many local authorities and organisations, like BASW and Research in Practice. Get in touch if you would like me to work with you too.
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I wrote a book, Messy Social Work...sums up my approach.
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I have a Master’s in Attachment Studies.
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I have learned many attachment procedures, such as the Adult Attachment Interview, School-Aged Assessment of Attachment, and Pre-School Assessment of Attachment. I am obsessed with attachment theory because of its insights into helping children and families.
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I am an Honorary Visiting Researcher at Cambridge and have written some research. I don’t like doing it though because it is very hard!
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I have written (is it wrote? I still can never tell!) a blog since 2020. I think more social workers and practitioners should do it. I have also written elsewhere, like Community Care, Research in Practice, Family Law Week, Seen and Heard.
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I work a lot with Tim Fisher, a social worker. We have a bi-monthly column for PSW magazine and a podcast called Relational Activism in Social Work.
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Occasionally, I appear on the news…
Some more about me
I am married, and I have two children. We also have a little dog called Charlie.
I hate running, but I go anyway because I need endorphins. And it’s cheap. And Charlie likes it.
I meditate, journal, and take a cold shower every day. Because of my tricky upbringing, I need a daily programme to feel okay.
I like to read. Mainly social work books.