Social Work: An Introduction
Weblinks
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
There are a range of web resources that can support your learning across many of the topics and themes covered in Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition. On each chapter page of this website we have made some specific suggestions about web resources that you might look at. In addition, as a general statement about useful web resources we have repeated a General Resources section on each chapter page (see below). Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and are aimed at providing some starting points from which you might begin to explore what the web has to offer. Remember when using the web that it is important you assess the quality of the material you are looking at. There is much available that is merely personal opinion and much available that is factually incorrect. Accessing reputable websites increases the reliability and validity of the material presented to you. It is also worth being aware of the fact that some websites refer more heavily to legislation and policy in certain jurisdictions of the UK as opposed to others.
General Resources applicable to every chapter
IRISS – Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services; browse the IRISS Learning Exchange resources
Research in Practice The site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with children, young people and families. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
Research in Practice for Adults This site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with adults and carers. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
SCIE – Social Care Institute for Excellence Browse SCIE’s Social Care TV series for useful videos to inform aspects of practice
Also see:
SCIE’s Knowledge Reviews which draw on practice and research findings
A general list of all SCIE resources can be accessed via
Agency resources When you are on placement find out if the organisation you are working with has a subscription to information hubs such as,
Community Care Inform (corporate subscription only) or
Care Knowledge (individual subscription available).
Developing your own learning
There are a range of free courses available on web platforms, many of which support aspects of your learning in the topics covered by Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition.
For example, see the free course catalogue on the Open University’s Open Learn platform and have a look at the short courses available under the tabs for Health, Sports and Psychology; Education and Development and Society, Politics and Law.
Or the ALISON website course subject list
Or explore the Future Learn website and look at courses under the Health and Psychology, Law and Politics and The Modern World categories.
Chapter 25: The solution-focused approach
Alasdair Macdonald's website Alasdair Macdonald is, probably, the leading European authority on the evidence base for SF in therapeutic practice.
Bill O'Connell's website Bill is one of the UK’s leading SF practitioners. He is the author of multiple books on SF practice, which you will have seen referenced in the chapter.
BRIEF Chris Iveson, Harvey Ratner & Evan George all have a background in social work practice and, since the late 1980s, have developed BRIEF as the leading provider of SF workshops in Europe.
Robert Gordon University Aberdeen RGU has a research interest in solution-focused practice. This website also provides links to relevant learning resources.
SFWork Mark McKergrow and colleague’s website. Mark is a leading SF practitioner and innovator, particularly in the field of organisational SF.
Signs of Safety This website will inform you about the Signs of Safety; an innovative solution-focused and safety-organised approach to child protection casework which was developed from work in Australia.
Solutions in Practice Solutions in practice is an open resource for SF practitioners. As the parent organisation of the Scottish Solution Focused Network it supports the aims of Promoting Solution Focused Practice, Supporting Solution Focused Practitioners, and Engaging with wider agendas in support of Solution Focused Practice. They have a range of resources which you are free to browse and take freely what looks useful.
The Association for the Quality Development of Solution Focused Consulting and Training Website As solution focused practice has developed beyond therapeutic interactions the Association for the Quality Development of Solution Focused Consulting and Training (ASFCT) has developed as a forum for SF in organisational settings.
The European Brief Therapy Association The aim of EBTA is to promote and support solution-focused thinking and practices in Europe and beyond. The first EBTA conference was held in Bruges in 1994 and the association continues to bring together the leading SF practitioners across Europe.
The Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association The North American counterpart of EBTA. In 2001, Steve de Shazer and Terry Trepper, sent an invitation to a number of people in the North American solution focused community to gather together at Purdue University – Calumet to share experiences and tools used in teaching SFBT. Out of this meeting the SFBTA grew into a repository of resources and contact between SF practitioners.
United Kingdom Association for Solution Focused Practice The UKASFP website contains a wide range of resources about solution-focused practice; including a link to their online bulletin/ journal – Solution News.