Study title

The qualitative research will take place in two practice settings to encompass a range of key social work tasks with children: firstly, frontline referral and assessment teams, where relationships with children may have to be developed rapidly, and secondly, looked after children's teams, where there is the potential for longer term relationships. In phase 1, the team will accompany social workers in their daily work and observe at least 80 meetings between social workers and children in home visits in the four UK nations. In phase 2, the team will video meetings with looked after children and use the videos to engage children and practitioners in reflections about how to improve communication. Findings from the project will be used to develop training tools for practitioners. The research will generate important new knowledge that will enhance the quality of social work education, practice and policy and in so doing improve children’s experiences of practice and practice outcomes. The project team are guided by a group of care experienced young adults.