To say that social workers are vital members of our communities is an understatement. Whether helping to make those they support physically and emotionally safer, or forming healing and trusting relationships, the work social workers do is lifesaving.

Unfortunately, the social work system does not always support and empower social workers to do their best work, nor give them the freedom to make the best choices for children and families. Social workers typically have high caseloads and are unable to have as much direct contact with children and families as they feel they need, often as a result of bureaucratic procedures and layers of management. Too often families feel they are being taken through a list of rules and procedures created by the social care system, without any real opportunity to get help. This can make them feel stigmatised, not listened to and disempowered, creating a hostile environment that is far less conducive for change.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers have had to adapt how they work to try and continue to support children and families, find new ways to communicate and mitigate new risks as many disadvantaged children have been unseen behind closed doors. As restrictions are eased and children return to school, the true extent of the threat and damage is emerging, and talented social workers in the public and third sectors are needed more than ever.