Social Work Essay -- Papers

Social Work Social work is located within some of the most complex problems and perplexing areas of human experience, and for this reason, social work is, and has to be, a highly skilled activity.† (Trevithick, 2000,p.1) Explain the meaning of this statement, and consider whether it is an adequate definition of the nature of social work. The aim of this assignment is to discuss the interpretation of the statement given above, to analyse this definition and compare it to others that are available and to conclude by discussing whether this is an adequate definition in relation to the nature of social work. In order to fully discuss the statement given by Trevithick it is important to be aware of the history of social work and to observe the changes that have occurred over the centuries. Social work was developed in the late 19th century with the implementation of the Poor Law Report; this led to the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1934. Prior to this date, Charitable Organisations looked after people who were unable to care for themselves, in partnership with the Christian church. It is questionable whether these organisations offered help and support to people in need, or whether they just hid away societies most vulnerable people to take the problem away from the public eye. In a similar way to the 19th century, social work in the 21st century offers support and guidance to vulnerable people. Whereas, the methods used have been developed and improved upon to ensure that the service user is receiving as high a quality of service as poss... ...rs†. Because social work covers such a diverse range of the population and uses such a wide variety of methods this will make it problematic to construct a brief definition that covers all areas involved, as it also has to portray the complexity that is involved with the profession on a day to day basis. This may be why there is such a diverse range of definitions available in relation to the nature of social work. Social work is a profession that changes constantly because there is a great deal of continuous learning involved. Ideas and perspectives change all the time and although the implementation of the new degree will ensure that all social workers deliver a service to as high a standard as possible this is only achievable because of the change in standards put in place by the General Social Care Council.