Social Work Task Force: Profession ‘under attack’ from media

The government’s Social Work Task Force today warned that the profession was under constant attack from the media and urged practitioners to challenge negative coverage.

In its interim findings, submitted to children’s secretary Ed Balls today, the Task Force reported that social workers were “demoralised”  by media vilification, causing them to leave their jobs.

Need for strong voice

Many practitioners were frustrated over the lack of a “strong national voice” representing the profession at the time of the media interest in the Baby P case, highlighting an overall lack of leadership, the report said.

It revealed concerns that the profession was “not setting standards for itself” and was “vulnerable” to pressure from government and others seeking reform. Public distrust of social workers was also making it difficult for them to do their jobs.

Engage with media

The Task Force said it was “critical” for social workers to engage directly with the media to “break through the negative cycle of poor media representation and negative public perceptions.”

It said it would challenge public and media debate over the coming months.

The Task Force’s interim findings were published alongside the government’s response to Lord Laming’s review of child protection.

Community Care‘s Stand Up Now for social work campaign is calling for improved media coverage of social work. Sign our petition here.

Related articles

Social Work Task Force raises concerns over ‘poor’ IT support

Stand Up Now for social work – what you can do

Community Care‘s media monitor blog

LGA: Baby P treatment harms social worker recruitment

The Sun asks readers for views on social workers

Positive images of social work