Effective Observation in Social Work Practice

Maureen is an Independent Social Work Consultant who was formerly the Director of Social Work programmes at the University of Leeds. She has substantial experience working with children and families as a social worker and a Guardian ad Litem. She now undertakes independent assessments for court proceedings in a variety of areas and continues her interest in adoption through chairing a local authority adoption panel and the Independent Reviewing Mechanism. Steve is an Independent Social Work Consultant, but he was previously Practice Co-ordinator for the Social Work programmes at the University of Leeds where he developed the practice curriculum for the new social work degree at the University. He currently acts as an Independent Practice Assessor for qualifying students, practice teachers and post-qualification awards. He is an experienced fostering and adoption worker and undertakes independent assessment for a number of agencies.

This is a 95 page edited book written by academics and experienced social workers and captures core skills of observation in social work. Very important book for all practitioners in social work and for students of social work.

• IntroductionAn introduction to the theories of observation - Nicky Ryden and Steve O’LoughlinApproaches to observation practice - Nicky RydenPractical techniques for the observation of service users - Nicky RydenObservation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties - Jackie Hughes and Bronwyn RobertsUsing observation in training and development - Nicky RydenGroups and observations - Steve O’LoughlinConclusion