Hi Janet. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How long have you been a social worker for?
I qualified as a Social Worker over 20 years ago and have always worked with Children and Families.
I have recently completed the Post Qualifying Specialist Programme in Social Work with Children and Young People and remain committed to keeping up to date with current research. From my recent studies I would like to further develop the work of the Social Work Practice regarding contact and continuing work and support for birth parents.
I worked in an inner city locality team for about 7 years before moving to the Education Welfare Service where I supported children’s school attendance. I have also worked as a Learning Mentor in a Bristol secondary school, where I was able to focus on supporting children to achieve their educational potential. I have worked in a specialist team as a social worker for Children with disabilities.
I have worked as a Senior Practitioner in the Commissioning Team, which looked to secure high quality, effective value for money placements for Children in the care of Bristol. We also looked to match the needs of children with the experience and skills of the carer or provider.
I joined the Bristol Children in Care Service as a Senior Practitioner in December 2007. I also work part time as an Independent Reviewing Officer.
Why did you want to join the Social Work Practice?
I am interested in joining the Social Work Practice as whilst I feel we have many strides in improving the life chances for children in care, I would like to be involved in developing services which have children’s interests as the central theme of our work. I am committed to ensuring services within the practice are non discriminatory and are appropriate for Black and children from other ethnicities.
Do you have any particular areas of interest in terms of the services provided to children and young people in care?
I am interested in ensuring there is children’s active participation in shaping service delivery within the practice.
