Abstract

Writing assessments and reports is a core part of a social worker’s role. Yet Ofsted, courts and research all identify a lack of analytical rigour in social work reports. Many are overlong, descriptive reports where what is needs is the application of professional judgement, a clear analysis and the ability to pull out causal relationships.

Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work is a guide to the principles of good writing and methodically shows you:

• how to analyse
• how to structure the process of writing an assessment (researching, chronologising, informed data-gathering, putting it all together), and
• how to get this done under time constraints.

Written in an accessible way and packed with examples and case studies, this book is both practically-minded and constantly returning to first principles: reminding you what it is you are trying to achieve and teaching you how to write reports that can be read by families and judges alike. You will learn how to write high quality, useful and timely assessments without becoming mechanistic or managerial.  It aims to kill the myth of a trade-off between efficiency and quality of work.

Chris has worked in social care roles since 2002 and qualified as a social worker in 2006. He works as a visiting lecturer to universities and trainer to local and national organisations, while continuing to practice what he teaches, as an expert witness and assessor in the family courts.

He is naturally contrary and instinctively challenges accepted views (including his own) to ensure that he continues to develop.

Very impressed as for 130 pages it provides information on a wide range of document writing - chronologies, genograms, analysis and other aspects of report writing. The information is easy to read and the layout assists in showing why certain report writing styles are effective and not-effective. It is what I really needed as it had shown myself the impact of how I would provide analysis can be useful but could be improved and it has made me aware of why it is important to develop my skills in report writing. IT covers the areas of bias and the impact of language used in report writing which can have long term implications for a case one is dealing with. Very useful for social work students like myself as well as colleagues who need to work more effectively. I also like the fact that the book is light enough to carry in my bag so I can use it whenever I am on placement. Highly recommended and will make your life easier as it gives you the background to effective report writing.

"This book is about the art and science of report writing in social work and provides an ‘everything you need to know but were afraid to ask’ account of how to produce concise, analytic writing in social work. The author locates effective report writing in the wider context of ethically aware, critically reflective practice which prioritises accurate recording as a means of freeing up time for what matters most: direct work with people.  The book is written in an exceptionally clear and engaging style which  combines a sense of authority with professional humility. It is a must for any social work student, newly qualified social worker or practitioner wishing to hone and develop their writing skills."