Integrating theory and practice in social work : the development of a knowledge and skills practice framework

• Main Author: Trevithick, Pamela
• Published: University of Bristol 2009
• Subjects: 361.3
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.559709

This commentary describes my intellectual project which has been to make a substantial and original contribution that promotes the integration of theory and practice in social work and within this task, to identify the specific knowledge and skills needed to engage with the social work task. The methodological approach adopted is focused on theory development and involved examining existing conceptualisations of knowledge and skills, defining key skills and interventions and identifying the theory base that underpinned their use within practice contexts. This work has led to the development of a Practice Framework that integrates knowledge and skills in ways that inform analysis, synthesis, assessment, decision making and action. Section I gives an account of the methodological approach that I have used in my research and writing. Section 11 looks at the policy context in which social work is located and analyses the coverage of theory and practice, or knowledge and skills, in key government policy documents, focusing particularly on children's services. Section III examines the field of social work education and training, with particular reference to the introduction of the new degree in social work. Section IV focuses more specifically on my contribution to theory development in relation to the conceptualisation of key terms in social work, with particular reference to their application in practice. Section V builds on this work and looks at the Know/edge and Skills Practice Framework I have developed and how knowledge and skills are integrated within this Framework. A sixth section compares my Framework with other relevant classifications and a final section of this commentary - Section VII - summarises the substantial and original contribution I have made in the area of theory development. This is evident in the Practice Framework I have developed, which links theory and practice - and integrates knowledge, skills and interventions - in ways that make this framework relevant in a range of practice contexts.