In the UK apparently it is not whether, but wither Social Work

Here are some excerpts from an Article in the Guardian dated 27th November 2006

"For some time now there has been concern that social work is a "demographic time bomb" in terms of the nature of the qualified workforce. The influx of recruitment into social work in the 1970s is now nearing retirement and some departments are concerned about losing significant proportions of their qualified and experienced workforce over the next decade.

Recent government recruitment campaigns have targeted social work and social care in an attempt to encourage people to consider this as a worthwhile career.

However, alongside adverts promoting social work are the negative images portrayed by the media both about social workers and the service users they work with. This is highlighted by current government initiatives and media attention regarding young people, "problem families" and refugees and asylum seekers.

Given the lack of respect afforded to such groups themselves, is it any wonder that the social workers trying to support and empower them are likewise undervalued? . . . .

Improving recruitment into social work needs a genuine commitment to enhancing the status of the profession, which in turn requires that government policies reflect an ethical and positive approach to the sections of our society with whom social workers engage. This does not occur in the context of campaigns and policies that marginalise and criminalise those in need of guidance, support and the resources to enable them to lead worthwhile, valued and independent lives. . . . .

Good staff development and a sense of being valued by their employers is crucial to providing an environment in which social workers feel able to manage their work and enhance the knowledge and skills needed to keep up with the ever-changing legal, policy and research context of practice. Management training and development is also key to retention, with good supportive management cited as a significant factor in determining whether they felt positive and valued in their work and organisation."

It would be interesting to speculate about the situation in Australia. I wonder if like the British we undervalue people with the social work skills and their clients? I wonder if all of the workers who were recruited in the 1970s are now really heading into retirement and if so what is the situation with their replacements?

If anyone has some data they would like to share post me a link or some of the information.