http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117976/how-security-guards-help-keep-social-workers-safe-on-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117976/how-security-guards-help-keep-social-workers-safe-on-home-visits.html One of the most memorable moments in the second episode of BBC Two’s Protecting Our Children programme came less than two minutes in. As Annie Semphill, the Bristol social worker, arrived outside the home of Shaun and Marva, she met with the two security guards who would accompany her on the visit to discuss the couple’s ability to care for their then unborn child. The security guards kept resurfacing too. Semphill’s visits to Shaun, who has a history of unpredictable violence, always had a burly, cross-armed guard close by. The use of security guards raised some eyebrows during Community Care’s live discussion as the documentary was aired with reactions ranging from shock at their use to wishes that their local authority would do the same (see box below). In a blog for Community Care a couple of days later, Semphill expressed surprise at people’s interest in the use of security, explaining that “it did make me feel safe to have two large uniformed men standing behind me as I...Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117943/social-work-raises-parliamentary-profile-with-cross-party-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117943/social-work-raises-parliamentary-profile-with-cross-party-group.htmlSocial work has raised its profile in parliament with the launch yesterday of an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the profession. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117886/service-user-involvement-in-post-qualifying-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117886/service-user-involvement-in-post-qualifying-training.htmlSocial work academic Jo Rees examines research findings on service user involvement in post-qualifying social work education.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117876/critical-success-factors-for-improving-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117876/critical-success-factors-for-improving-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board's recommendations provide a window of opportunity for social work to reassert its role and enhance its professional image. But what are the critical factors necessary for their successful implementation? Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlMental health consultant Mike Bush explains why trainers and employers must work harder to protect and promote the mental health and resilience of social workersFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlPeter Bates argues that more attention needs to be paid to poor personal hygiene and its contribution to social exclusionThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlI have recently completed a degree in criminology and law, and I want to pursue a career as a family support worker - but lack experience. What's the best way to go about getting to this field? Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMT