Social Work In Northern Ireland Research Articles

The impact of bureaucracy and managerialism on relationship‐based practise: A mixed methods study of frontline social work in Northern Ireland

AbstractCombining quantitative data from a national survey (n = 252) with qualitative interviews with frontline social workers (n = 16), this manuscript examines the ways in which bureaucracy and managerialism has impacted social work in Northern Ireland, with specific attention to relationship‐based practise. Although policy documents emphasise the importance of relationship‐based practise, quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate social workers are spending increasingly more time on administrative tasks to the detriment of direct work with service users. A whole institutional response is necessary to develop conditions conducive to placing relationships at the heart of practise, and promotion in practise guidelines and policy documents alone is insufficient.

Changing trends in child welfare inequalities in Northern Ireland

ObjectivesThis study uses longitudinal administrative data to investigate the relationship between area level deprivation and the 1) referral, 2) investigation, 3) registration and 4) looked-after stages of children’s contact with child and family social work in Northern Ireland (NI) from 2010-2017 (stages 1-3) and 2010-2020 (stage 4).
 MethodsChildren’s social care data (SOSCARE database) for the years 2010 to 2020 were obtained from the Honest Broker Service in NI. The data were linked with the 2017 NI Multiple Deprivation Measure through the family of origin postcode. Cross-tabulations of year and deprivation decile were used to produce frequencies of children who experienced the four levels of intervention within each of the study years. These were then used to calculate various measures of absolute and relative inequality including the Slope Index of Inequality (SII), the Relative Ratio of Inequality (RRI) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII).
 ResultsThere was a clear and increasing social gradient in child welfare interventions over time. Children referred to children’s social care during 2010-2017 were 4-5 times more likely to come from the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived. Despite fairly stable levels of referral inequality, the ratio of children subject to child protection investigations rose from 3 in 2010 to 6 in 2017, the ratio of children subject to child protection plans rose from 4.5 in 2010 to 8 in 2017 and the ratio of children looked after rose from 4 in 2010 to 9 in 2020. This widening inequality was largely driven by the increasing involvement of younger children from the most deprived areas in child protection and looked-after processes.
 ConclusionIn an environment of economic austerity and reduced spending, we are intervening in the lives of children and families living in the most deprived areas of NI at disproportionate rates. The current independent review of children’s social care offers an opportunity to reconfigure current provision with a clear inequalities focus.

Stripping the Wallpaper of Practice: Empowering Social Workers to Tackle Poverty

The relationship between deprivation and health and educational inequalities has been well evidenced in the literature. Recent UK research has now established a similar social gradient in child welfare interventions (Bywaters et al. 2018) with children living in the most deprived areas in the UK facing a much higher chance of being placed on the child protection register or in out-of-home care. There is an emerging narrative that poverty has become the wallpaper of practice, “too big to tackle and too familiar to notice” (Morris et al. 2018) and invisible amid lack of public support and political will to increase welfare spending. This paper will examine poverty-related inequalities and how these affect families. It will discuss the importance of recognising that poverty is a social justice issue and a core task for social work and outline the range of supports that may be available for families to help lift them out of poverty. Finally, it will describe the development of a new practice framework for social work in Northern Ireland that challenges social workers to embed anti-poverty approaches in their practice. The framework emphasises that poverty is a social justice issue, seeks to provide practical support and guidance to re-focus attention, debate, and action on poverty in times of global economic uncertainty and give social workers the tools to make it central to their practice once again. It reinforces the need for social workers to understand and acknowledge the impact of poverty, and to advocate for and support those most in need. It aims to challenge and empower professionals to tackle poverty and inequality as an aspect of ethical and effective practice.

Re-engaging with community work as a method of practice in social work: A view from Northern Ireland

Summary This article investigates community work as a method in social work in Northern Ireland. It traces the processes that have led to the marginalisation of community work within social work practices and the complex relationship between community development and social work. Nonetheless, the welfare state is undergoing change, wherein new agendas of personalisation, service user involvement, community engagement and partnership are emerging, which are changing the occupational space of social work. We argue that this change can be an opportunity through which social work can and must re-engage with community development, particularly within the existing political arrangements and sectarian context of Northern Ireland. However, social work’s engagement in the community presents risks given its current relationship with the state and loss of trust within the Northern Irish community. We discuss these risks and further possibilities. Findings The article draws from contemporary literature on the current context of community development and service provision in Northern Ireland social work’s involvement. The possibilities for community social work are explored through recent policy initiatives and the current situation of the community sector. Risks that stem from social work’s relationship with the state, and with community organisations as well as the contradiction between discourses of partnership in service delivery and the ground reality are considered. Applications Our analysis suggests the need for (a) collective action by social workers through collective representation, (b) a new conceptualisation of professionalism that incorporates partnerships with other workers in the care sector and (c) education that has contemporary resonance.

Re-engaging with community work as a method of practice in social work: A view from Northern Ireland

• Summary: This article investigates community work as a method in social work in Northern Ireland (NI). It traces the processes that have led to the marginalisation of community work within social work practices and the complex relationship between community development and social work. Nonetheless, the welfare state is undergoing change wherein new agendas of personalisation, service user involvement, community engagement and partnership are emerging, which are changing the occupational space of social work. We argue that this change can be an opportunity through which social work can and must re-engage with community development, particularly within the existing political arrangements and sectarian context of NI. However, social work’s engagement in the community presents risks given its current relationship with the state and loss of trust within the Northern Irish community. We discuss these risks and further possibilities. • Findings: The article draws from contemporary literature on the current context of community development and service provision in NI social work’s involvement. The possibilities for community social work are explored through recent policy initiatives and the current situation of the community sector. Risks that stem from social work's relationship with the state, and with community organisations as well as the contradiction between discourses of partnership in service delivery and the ground reality are considered. • Applications: Our analysis suggests the need for: a) collective action by social workers through collective representation, b) a new conceptualisation of professionalism that incorporates partnerships with other workers in the care sector, and c) education that has contemporary resonance.

Social work and the shadow father: lessons for engaging fathers in Northern Ireland

AbstractThe legislative framework of social work practice has consistently highlighted the need to work in partnership with parents, with far‐reaching implications for families. However, the importance of engaging fathers in social work practice is an issue that has received limited attention within academic debate and research. A research study undertaken across six family centres, investigated paternal involvement in family centre social work in Northern Ireland. The study involved 46 semi‐structured interviews with social workers, fathers and mothers. This paper presents the views of 22 social workers on the barriers to paternal involvement in family centre interventions. A range of factors were identified which served to inhibit or promote engagement of fathers. There were substantially more deterrents than promoters, a clear indicator of the problematic nature of paternal involvement. The findings highlight that both attitudes and practices of social workers influence the engagement of fathers. Recommendations drawn from the findings are presented for the development of father – inclusive social work practices and research.

Deidre Heenan and Derek Birrell, Social work in Northern Ireland: Conflict and change

Deidre Heenan and Derek Birrell, <i>Social work in Northern Ireland: Conflict and change</i>

Deirdre Heenan and Derek Birrell (2011), Social Work in Northern Ireland, Conflict and Change. Bristol: The Policy Press. £22.79, pp. 181, pbk.

Deirdre Heenan and Derek Birrell (2011), Social Work in Northern Ireland, Conflict and Change. Bristol: The Policy Press. £22.79, pp. 181, pbk.

Social Work in Northern Ireland: Conflict and Change

Social Work in Northern Ireland: Conflict and Change

History of Child Welfare and Protection Social Work in Northern Ireland: Finding Continuity amongst Discontinuity in Case Files from 1950 to 1968

This article reports on research carried out on 189 child welfare files from the largest welfare authority in Northern Ireland from 1950 to 1968. The literature review provides a commentary on some of the major debates surrounding child welfare and protection social work from the perspective of its historical development. The report of the research that follows offers an insight into this important period of child welfare history in Northern Ireland between the two Children and Young Persons Acts (1950 and 1968). Using a method of discourse analysis influenced by Michel Foucault, a detailed description of the nature of practice is offered. This article is offered as a work in progress, focusing specifically on the case file analysis. Further work is planned for dissemination of more detailed analysis and discussion of the broader context within which the practice operated. The research seeks to raise questions based on problems identified in the present with our current understandings of child welfare and protection histories. While recognising the limitations of this study and the need for contextualisation surrounding child welfare practice at the moment, it is argued that some salient conclusions can be drawn about continuity and discontinuity in practice that are of interest to practitioners and students of child welfare social work and can raise questions for further research.

Local Area Coordination: An Exploration of Practice Developments in Western Australia and Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, one local Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) Trust has appointed staff to act in the role of Local Area Coordinators to work with people who have disabilities. The model which was first developed in Western Australia in 1988 combines the role of case manager and community social worker and it is currently an established arm of their services for people with a disability. In 2001 the model was introduced in Scotland and the learning from this is discussed. This article explores the extent to which this model has been transposed to a HPSS Trust in Northern Ireland. The radical changes in social policy beginning in the 1980s affected both the UK and Australia in terms of the adoption of neo-liberal principles of welfare and the subsequent retrenchment from government-led welfare in both countries. In the UK this hastened the loss of community social work. Alongside changes to social policy the influence of ideological shifts in the place and the role of people with disabilities in Western democracies are examined. The context of statutory social work in Northern Ireland is discussed as a barrier to the full implementation of the model in HPSS Trusts.

The Times they are a Changing: The Challenges Facing Social Work in Northern Ireland

As public services in Northern Ireland begin to implement the far-reaching changes required by the Review of Public Administration, the likely consequences for social work services, including children's services, are considered. As no change occurs in a vacuum, this paper sets the Review of Public Administration in the context of other significant issues and developments influencing practice. It evaluates the social work profession's state of readiness for the challenges ahead and concludes that, while the key elements are in place, considerable leadership will be needed to ensure a coherent response to the new systems and requirements, oversee implementation of statutory responsibilities and to motivate, guide and retain a suitably qualified, experienced and confident workforce.

Mental health social work in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: challenges and opportunities for developing practice

Drawing on their experience of mental health social work in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the authors examine the impact of current legislative and policy change in both jurisdictions. The paper applies Lorenz's theoretical framework to develop a comparative analysis of how global and country specific variables have interacted in shaping mental health social work. The analysis identifies linkages between factors and indicates similarities and differences in mental health social work practice. The paper highlights emerging discourses in this field and explores the impact on practice of developments such as de-institutionalisation, community care, and ‘user rights’ versus ‘public protection’. The article concludes with a review of key challenges facing social workers in both jurisdictions and identifies opportunities for developing mental health social work in ways that can positively respond to change and effectively address the needs of mental health service users and their carers. The analysis provides an opportunity to evaluate Lorenz's theoretical framework and the paper includes a brief critical commentary on its utility as a conceptual tool in comparative social work.

Mental Health Social Work and the Troubles in Northern Ireland

Summary: During the last decade increasing attention has been paid to the impact of the Troubles1 on social work in Northern Ireland. In this paper, the authors describe the first survey used to test some of the assumptions which exist in the literature. An 87-item questionnaire was applied to a range of social work staff currently working in, or associated with, mental health settings. One hundred and one questionnaires were returned: it is estimated that this represented over 70 per cent of mental health social workers in Northern Ireland. Findings: The design of the questionnaire elicited both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings reveal a workforce with complex religious and national identities and many of the respondents have experienced relatively high levels of Troubles-related incidents whilst carrying out their duties in a variety of organizational and geographical settings. High proportions of respondents received minimal agency support and training to equip them to deal with Troubles-related problems faced by them during this period. Applications: The authors conclude that the profession and employing agencies should pay greater attention to past and present effects of the Troubles on social work practice and develop appropriate strategies for supporting, training and resourcing staff in this neglected area.

Learning Lessons from the Past or Re-Visiting Old Mistakes: Social Work and Community Development in Northern Ireland

In recent years there has been a re-emphasis on community development approaches in health and social work in Northern Ireland. Underpinning these approaches is the belief that local communities can be organized to address health and social needs and to work with government agencies, voluntary bodies and local authorities in delivering services and local solutions to problems. These methods of working challenge the traditional social work focus on individual and family casework interventions. Government in Northern Ireland has stressed that community development should no longer simply be an afterthought in key aspects of Health and Social Services, but should instead be at the core of their work. It is now officially recognized that community development has the potential to make a significant impact on a broad spectrum of policies and programmes, which are delivered through agencies in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. This commitment to community development has been outlined in a number of key documents and reports. This paper assesses the relationship between social work and community development in Northern Ireland. The first section looks briefly at the history of community development and social work and then sets out the context in which this move towards the promotion of a community social work approach is occurring. Against this backdrop, a case study of a Family Support Team, which provides a range of services in a community setting, is used to illustrate how the strategy has already been adopted and the lessons of this experience are explored and discussed. It is concluded that while this approach has a lot to offer it is not without its difficulties. Far from being a new philosophy, community development is being reinvented and reapplied. It is therefore crucial that old mistakes are not revisited and old prejudices

Child protection and welfare social work in Northern Ireland and the Republic: commonalities, divergences and possibilities

This paper provides a comparison between child welfare and protection social work in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland by considering some key aspects of its historical development. It is argued that social work must always be understood within its specific genealogical context that provides the profession with legitimacy and space to operate. In relation to Northern Ireland, the particular way in which child welfare and social work developed over the thirty years of the ‘Troubles’ is considered. Similarities and differences between social work in Ireland and the rest of the UK are also presented. For the Republic of Ireland, the way in which the profession struggled to gain legitimacy and recognition within a medically dominated health board system is explored. The impact of a number of inquiries over the 1990's is also addressed. In addition to recognising the differences between social work in both jurisdictions, possibilities for recognising ‘dimensions of commonality’ are also considered (McDonald, et al., 1993). The shared challenges to social work on both sides of the border at micro, mezzo and macro levels are explored. The paper concludes with some suggestions as to how we can take forward our dimensions of commonality at a time of reform and expansion of social work education in both jurisdictions. It is argued that attention must be paid, not only to our genealogical context, but also to our own archaeological construction.

Social Work in the British Isles

1. In Search of 'British' Social Work: Identity, History and Entanglement, Malcolm Payne and Steven Shardlow 2. Social Work in England, Malcolm Payne and Steven Shardlow 3. Social Work in Late-Modern Ireland, Fred Powell, National University of Ireland, Cork and Harry Ferguson, University College, Dublin. 4. Social Work in Northern Ireland, Jim Campbell, Queen's University, Belfast and Mary McColgan, University of Ulster, Derry. 5. Social Work in Scotland: After Devolution, Lorraine Waterhouse, University of Edinburgh and Janice McGhee, University of Edinburgh6. Social Work in Wales, Mark Drakeford, University of Wales, Cardiff and Charlotte Williams, University of Wales, Bangor 7. Guernsey: Social Work on a Small Island, John Wolfe, Deputy Director, Children Board, Channel Islands. 8. Social Work in the British Isles: Continuities and Differentiations, Malcolm Payne and Steven Shardlow. Appendix: About the British Isles. Bibliography. Index

Social Work and Social Justice in Northern Ireland: Towards a New Occupational Space

Summary This article considers the concept of social justice by reference to the experience of social work in Northern Ireland during the past forty years of communal, paramilitary and state violence. It notes the contested nature of the concept and its chequered history within the professional ideology of social work generally and its absence as a significant explanatory and motivational concept for social workers in Northern Ireland to date. It argues that in the emerging post-conflict situation social work as a profession needs to operationalize a view of social justice that acknowledges social and cultural diversity in order to redefine the profession itself and direct its relationship to both the state and civil society.

Using critical social theory to develop a conceptual framework for comparative social work

This paper sets out a conceptual framework for comparing and contrasting social work within nation‐states and across international boundaries. The framework is “situated” theoretically within a (late)modernist understanding of events within advanced capitalism and draws primarily on Habermas' critical social theory. The authors apply this framework to explicate the development of social work in Northern Ireland, a region in which high levels of political conflict mark it out as a site of local, national and international interest. It is suggested that the ideas developed from the case study have relevance for the social professions in other countries, particularly where social conflict is in evidence.

The 1986 Mental Health (N.I.) Order and approved social work in Northern Ireland: Time for change

It is thirteen years since the 1986 Mental Health Order (Northern Ireland) which introduced the role of the Approved Social Worker and designated his/her duties and responsibilities. This legislation is critically evaluated as a framework for good mental health social work practice. A number of ambiguities and complexities are identified in the Order and an argument is presented for a review of the legislation. A growing and significant body of research now exists which discusses and evaluates approved social work in Northern Ireland. It is the purpose of this paper to review this evidence in order to critically examine the changing face of approved social work. The paper will conclude with a demand for a systematic and province-wide research study of the training, role and function of approved social workers.