Originally published in 1973, the aim of this book was to consider the relationship of a vital element in our social security system, the Supplementary Benefits Commission, to the personal social services, in particular to social work. Notions of ‘entitlement’ and ‘rights’ in means-tested benefit schemes are examined in relation to those claimants, including unsupported mothers and the so-called ‘voluntary unemployed’, who present particular difficulties to those administering the scheme. For many who claim supplementary benefit their only need is prompt, efficient financial service. For a few, their financial need is inextricably bound up with complex social and psychological difficulties. For such cases, the civil servants who administer the British Supplementary Benefits scheme need skill beyond that normally expected of such persons and their relationship with the social workers who are, or should be, in touch with such claimants becomes crucial. The book considers some of the underlying ethical issues, in particular the tension between equitable and individualised justice, involved in the exercise of discretion. It describes the structure and organisation of the Supplementary Benefits scheme and analyses the roles of officials that bear on welfare. It also examines the current situation with regard to the selection and training of officials and discusses the attitudes of social workers to officials. This work, drawing on the unique experience of the author as the first Social Work Adviser to the Supplementary Benefits Commission, was the first study of its kind to be published in this country and would be of great value to all students and teachers of social work at the time as well as to a wide readership of social scientists.

Originally published in 1973, the aim of this book was to consider the relationship of a vital element in our social security system, the Supplementary Benefits Commission, to the personal social services, in particular to social work. Notions of 'entitlement' and 'rights' in means-tested benefit schemes are examined in relation to those claimants, including unsupported mothers and the so-called 'voluntary unemployed', who present particular difficulties to those administering the scheme. For many who claim supplementary benefit their only need is prompt, efficient financial service. For a few, their financial need is inextricably bound up with complex social and psychological difficulties. For such cases, the civil servants who administer the British Supplementary Benefits scheme need skill beyond that normally expected of such persons and their relationship with the social workers who are, or should be, in touch with such claimants becomes crucial. The book considers some of the underlying ethical issues, in particular the tension between equitable and individualised justice, involved in the exercise of discretion. It describes the structure and organisation of the Supplementary Benefits scheme and analyses the roles of officials that bear on welfare. It also examines the current situation with regard to the selection and training of officials and discusses the attitudes of social workers to officials. This work, drawing on the unique experience of the author as the first Social Work Adviser to the Supplementary Benefits Commission, was the first study of its kind to be published in this country and would be of great value to all students and teachers of social work at the time as well as to a wide readership of social scientists.

This is a new release of the original 1926 edition.

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Risk Assessment in Social Care and Social Work outlines the theoretical issues behind the decisions, processes and organisations involved in risk assessment. Written by leading academics and experienced practitioners, it considers implications for future policy, drawing on the full range of perspectives in the most recent research. It considers the following themes: * The concepts of risk and dangerousness, and the ethical questions, which arise when assessments of risk are made. * The wider context of social policy and legislation, and the interaction between rehabilitation and the distribution of risk. * Social services staff and the risks they pose to their clients - the issues of selection, supervision and accountability; and risks to practitioners themselves. Individual chapters describe and compare methods of risk assessment with different client groups, including older people, children, people with mental health problems, and sex offenders. This book will ensure that practitioners, managers and policy makers deepen and coordinate their understanding of the key issues involved in both the initial choices made about the extent of risk, and the stable and productive management of the outcomes of those decisions.