Professional decision making and risk in social work / Brian Taylor.

This book is written to help social work practitioners and students on CPD courses make professional decisions with clients; from exercising statutory powers and duties to protect children from abuse, to making decisions about risk. This revised second edition has more of a focus on risk within social work practice as many social workers face daily pressure to make sound decisions in very difficult circumstances. In this complex arena of conflicting demands and considerations - from the public, the client, the family, the organisation - the professional needs a robust and yet flexible framework to inform practice decisions. Featuring illustrations from practice as well as case studies and practical activities to aid learning, this book provides a holistic view of decision making and risk as a core aspect of effective social work practice.

ForewordAbout the authorPreface to the second editionAcknowledgementsIntroductionConcepts and frameworks for decision making and riskCrises, emotions and supporting client decision makingConsent, human rights and reasonable decisions in lawCollaboration, communication and contest in risk and decisions.Professional judgement, bias and using knowledgeSafeguarding judgements and predicting harmTaking risks: values, gains and hazardsAssessment, risk assessment and decision support systemsDynamic decision making and managing care risksManaging decisions and risk: support, blame and learningConclusionAppendix 1:Pointers in designing or completing an assessmnet to inform a decision in uncertaintyAppendix 2: Supported decision toolAppendix 3: Professional Capabilities FrameworkGlossary of termsReferencesIndex