Social work at the crossroads

The contribution of social work to society has always been contested. Social workers work with some of the most psychologically damaged and socially disadvantaged people, and are susceptible to public devaluing of the services they provide. Indeed, social work has been subjected to an ever-increasing volume of public debate and criticism, and its claims to professional status are under threat. Recent years have seen a constant attack on its values and principles, which has taken place at political, organizational and professional levels. Social work practice has been subjected to increased managerial control and social workers' levels of autonomy have been reduced. This has created a sense,of crisis, which has been experienced particularly within social services departments (SSDs), the main source of employment for social workers. The paper will argue that its survival as a recognizable professional activity is dependent on the extent to which it can redefine its role within society, and re-establish clarity about its overall purpose and function.