The end of false choices

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expose and dispel some outdated dilemmas and straw men that have drawn attention away from debates of substance in social work. The paper presents what Frontline believes to be the substantive dilemmas facing the social work profession, as it looks into the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the insights and experiences of the past four years during which Frontline has been innovating in the field of social work education and leadership development.

Findings

Building a better social work system requires addressing several important questions, namely, whether social work; first, is a practical or intellectual task; second, is a generic or specialist profession; third, focuses on social or therapeutic change; fourth, requires bureaucrats or change agents; and fifth, involves measuring inspections or measuring outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper sets out the key dilemmas facing the social work profession, which must be debated and addressed in order to build a better social work system.

Citation

MacAlister, J. (2017), "The end of false choices", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 12 No. 2-3, pp. 158-163. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-07-2017-0032