Messy Social Work
Learning from Frontline Practice with Children and Families
- Author
- Foreword
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Social work is a complex career - a hugely rewarding way to make a difference in people's lives, paired with an enormous responsibility to get it right. This (unofficial) guide, grounded in the author's decade-long experience on the front line of child protection, explores the intersection between these points and how to handle the challenges of the job while celebrating its joys.
This isn't a tidy list of textbook situations and perfect solutions - there are mistakes of all shapes and sizes, there are consequences, and (most importantly) there are reflections on what went wrong and how to not do the same thing in your own practice. Case studies and vignettes look into the realities of child protection from both perspectives, and what happens when what should happen doesn't match with what does.
This isn't a tidy list of textbook situations and perfect solutions - there are mistakes of all shapes and sizes, there are consequences, and (most importantly) there are reflections on what went wrong and how to not do the same thing in your own practice. Case studies and vignettes look into the realities of child protection from both perspectives, and what happens when what should happen doesn't match with what does.
- Published: May 21 2025
- Pages: 192
- ISBN: 9781805010067
Press Reviews
Dr Tessa Godfrey, University Lecturer, University of Greenwich
Richard brilliantly encapsulates child protection practice, from both a personal and academically informed perspective, making this book a 'must-read' for social work students and practitioners. Richard's story of his journey into social work, and his passion for the job, illustrated through episodes from practice, provide deep insights into this challenging and complex work.
Tapiwa Julius, Children’s Principal Social Worker
As a Principal Social Worker, 'Messy Social Work: Learning from Frontline Practice with Children and Families' by Richard Devine resonated with some of my own practice experiences. This book enables us to reflect on our social Graces-gender, geography, race, religion, age, ability, culture, ethnicity, and sexuality-highlighting their impact on our work with children and families. Devine's emphasis on social work integrity, particularly in balancing the rights of children and parents, mirrors the ethical dilemmas we face daily. His practical advice on assessment and decision-making, grounded in real-world scenarios, is invaluable. Overall, the book provides a realistic and insightful look into some of the daily realities and challenges faced by social workers, emphasising the importance of empathy, ethics, and effective case management.