World wide closed! Social worker field practice during the ‘lockdown’ period

Abstract

The current health crisis we are experiencing because of Covid-19 pandemic has put social worker training facilities in a new, unexpected position. How can a practice-based training programme be organised during a ‘lockdown’ period? How can practical skills be acquired when contact field instructors, social services and target groups is limited?In order to face the professional challenges posed by the epidemic, to better understand the impact on professional training, and learn more about the innovations and good practices used to tackle the problems, we organised focus group interviews with 15 field instructors and 15 students. The first results of our research provide evidence that, contrary to expectations, the world has not only narrowed but at the same time also expanded as a result of the restrictions. Although the outbreak of the COVID-19 has had a traumatic impact in many ways, the crisis had also positive consequences. With the intensive use of digital tools and forms of work, remote locations and target groups have become more accessible, special knowledge elements have been included in the training, and new opportunities for the development of personal skills have opened up in the education of social workers.