At a time when accountability and the avoidance of risk are increasingly demanded of social workers, the ability to make clear and informed decisions is essential. This book, written for practicing social workers undertaking their ASYE and compulsory CPD, has been designed to help professionals make sound judgments in increasingly complex contexts and under pressure. The focus is on empowering front-line professionals through reflective practice, so that they are able to draw on multiple factors and perspectives and make sound problem-solving judgements. The book begins with the core concepts, client focus, and legal background before moving on to consider the collaborative processes and the nature of individual judgements. It then considers particular dimensions of social work decision making, such as safeguarding, taking risks, assessment and dynamic decision tools and processes. It then concludes by look at the organisational context of decision management, with a focus on supervision, training and effective communication.
Introduction
A framework for decisions, assessment and risk
Client decisions, perspectives, emotions and crises
Legal aspects of decisions, assessment and risk
Assessment, risk assessment and decision support systems
Professional judgement, bias and using knowledge in assessment and decisions
Judgements about safeguarding and service eligibility, and predicting harm
Risk-taking care choices: values, gains and hazards
Collaboration, communication and contest in assessment, risk and decision processes
Dynamics of practice: managing risk, reassessing, and changing your mind
Managing decisions, assessment and risk: support, blame and learning
Conclusion
Appendix 1 Pointers in designing or completing an assessment to inform a decision in uncertainty
Appendix 2 Supported decision tool
Appendix 3 Professional Capabilities Framework
Glossary of terms
