Self-Directed Support and Social Work

Abstract

This paper explores the place that qualified social workers will have in the world of self-directed support and personalisation. Using material from two case studies it argues that continued social work assistance is needed for many service users given the levels of complexity that typify their lives. It also notes that numerous local authorities are reducing the involvement of qualified social workers, citing the need to maximise the levels of choice and control that people have over their lives by reducing external involvement while responding to major financial cuts. It suggests that the consequences of this could be serious for many people, given the chaotic and dangerous nature of their life choices. However, since the allocation of social workers rests with bodies outside of the profession itself it has little direct control of the sorts of practice with which it is engaged.