A Survey of Approved Social Work in England and Wales

Abstract

SUMMARY A survey of approved social workers (ASWs) was undertaken with local authorities in England and Wales, to review the provision and organization of ASW services, and the contribution they make towards the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive mental health service. The findings show some variation in provision which is in itself indicative of a variety of factors operating to produce local and regional patterns of provision. Some of these are related directly to policy decisions, others to demographic and geographic variables, while still more are related to team structure, workload demands, and generic/specialist issues. The future pattern of mental health social work following the implementation of the NHS and Community Care Act is considered in the light of the findings from the survey. Under section 114 of the Mental Health Act, 1983, local authorities are required to appoint a sufficient number of approved social workers (ASWs) to carry out the functions given to them by the Act. The Act enhanced the role of the ASW and stimulated many local authorities towards investing resources into the training and approval of ASWs. The goal of having ASWs as an integral part of a comprehensive mental health service, offering assessment, care and treatment, and discharging their statutory powers in an informed and responsible manner has been hard to achieve for some authorities. The task involves the determining of clear principles and policies to underpin and guide service delivery, familiarity with geographic and demographic data (particularly with regard to minority groups), the ability to calculate the resources needed to meet the requirements of section 114, and sufficient negotiation and liaison skills to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Selection and