Family social work practice

This chapter presents connections between the theoretical ideas that underpin, and the practice of, family social work. It examines what ‘family’ is and make explicit the central role that families have in all endeavours to protect and promote children’s welfare and well-being. The chapter argues that the social work task is intimately entwined with the needs and interests of the family. Drawing from the experience of social work in Scotland, the chapter analyzes how child welfare law and policy conceptualizes children and their families and the implications this has for social work practice. It focuses on an example of practice with families and, in doing so, explore some of the tensions and dilemmas that undoubtedly arise from family-orientated social work. The chapter considers the challenge of promoting and balancing the linked, but separate, needs and interests of family members in child and family social work practice.