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Cleary Akister ViCP emerging questions for social work.pdf (424.95 kB)

Using volunteers in child protection work: Emerging questions for social work

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 13:58 authored by Teresa Cleary, Jane Akister
This paper examines findings arising from commissioned research into the use of volunteers in local authority child protection services. Concentrating primarily on findings obtained from interviews with local authority staff and stakeholders, the paper considers the merits and possible pitfalls of such schemes. Examined against the backdrop of the current economic climate and political agenda, it raises pertinent questions for social work research and practice, which include: • Is there a legitimate role for the use of volunteers in child protection work? • What are the ethical questions and practical risks regarding the use of unpaid labour in place of paid support staff? • Post Munro, do volunteers enhance or hinder progress in child protection work? • What are the lessons of conducting commissioned research and service evaluations? In addition, the paper forms a useful guide to individuals and organisations who may be considering the use of such provision as it contains detailed qualitative data documenting the views and experience of front line local authority stakeholders who have experience of one such scheme.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

Feb

Issue number

2014

Page range

21-31

Publication title

Childhood Remixed

ISSN

2515-4516

Publisher

University of Suffolk

File version

  • Accepted version

Language

  • eng

Legacy posted date

2014-04-02

Legacy creation date

2019-12-13

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)

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