ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of the first-line fieldwork manager in social services departments. Managers are also operating in a climate of changing philosophy, where the dominant view is one of taking a ‘wider, more holistic view of the needs of vulnerable children and their families’. Supervision has been defined as a forum where a worker can talk about cases, look and ask for guidance, express his/her feelings, learn about procedures, policies and methods, and evaluate practical and emotional needs. The developmental role of the supervisor is to enable staff to reflect on their performance and use their experiences to develop their practice. The supportive role of the supervisor is to help staff identify and manage the stresses and risks associated with child protection work, particularly where other agencies’ roles may be reduced whilst agency and conference expectations of the keyworker increase. Social workers working in the area of child protection can feel particularly vulnerable, for a number of reasons.
