 I've just read this article on the Guardian website. The author puts into words what I have been feeling for a while now. The general public just doesn't seems to get what it is we do! The media doesn't help matters of course. I feel proud to be a professional Social Worker. I earned the title academically with an undergraduate degree, post-graduate degree, post qualifying awards and professional development courses. I also earned respect in the field, amongst professionals and in the courts with my direct-work, assessments and analysis. I also know that there are many families and children out there that would say I had a positive impact in their lives too. I feel that the profession is a professional one with status equal to teachers, solicitors, psychologists, etc. The assessments expected of us by the courts are complex and comprehensive. We need a good grasp of sociology, psychology, and politics. Yet most, without any direct experience of Social Work, believe it's nothing more than a chat over a cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I've managed to produce some good assessments and direct work over a cup of tea. It's just that there is a whole lot more skill to it than that. Perhaps we should promote our profession more and toot our own horns a little bit. However, at the end of the day, does it really matter? It's the results that attest to our value as a profession. It's about the children that are saved and the families that are supported.
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