ABSTRACT
In general social workers were clear about the reasons for care, and about the steps of the process which had led up to entry. The social worker has a clear view of parental responsibilities and the responsibility of the agency in relation to them. ‘The child's welfare is paramount in deciding all questions about his upbringing and the administration of his property.’ Respect for the paramount welfare principle implies that any child in care will receive treatment appropriate to his needs. One or two social workers put forward the argument that the terms of voluntary care can force a difference in treatment, by making it necessary for social workers to negotiate with parents who might otherwise withdraw the child from care. The successful managing of voluntary care depends on an individual judgement - not only about the strength of the child's need for the parent, but about how much stress the parent can carry.
