The Review Process in Social Work: Is it Working for Service Users?

Abstract

I have argued that the review process in social work I something that needs looking at. The reasons I have given are that there are three key issues with the review process as it currently stands. These are (1) it happens at the wrong time, (2) it’s about looking backwards and the here and now rather than looking forwards and (3) it needs to include other organisations to make it a proper review. Although there have been changes in the review process where I live, through the three conversations model, there are still questions that remain, such as whether it has ensured that it helps someone to make better life choices beyond the initial support. I conclude by making a call for research that explores the issues raised in this article, as there are questions that can only be answered by a research project that is focussed on the review process. My aim is to look at a process that is not often looked at, to empower service users to give them the opportunity to have services that fit into their life and not vice versa, and finally to empower social workers to benefit society more and not just carrying processes that fit their organisation’s needs.