However, the profession is being hindered by inadequacies in basic conditions including recruitment, retention, frontline resources, training, leadership and public understanding.
It has frequently been referred to as "in crisis" over the past 15 years, especially within children and family services. Problems are also widely reported internationally, especially in Australia, Ireland, Sweden and the United States.
Research suggests the issues are complex; there are wide-ranging reasons for high turnover and vacancy rates, for example. In the UK, efforts to address the problems - the creation of the Social Work Task Force, plans for the College of Social Work, and Professor Eileen Munro's review of child protection - should help.
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