Attaining Theoretical Coherence Within Relationship-Based Practice in Child and Family Social Work: The Systemic Perspective

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Social work practice has an essential, yet ambiguous, relationship with theory. This state of affairs is currently evident in the range of contemporary relationship-based practice (RBP) models being applied within Child and Family Social Work. This article argues that there is an urgent need for a theoretically coherent conceptualisation of these models to enable social work practitioners to embrace their common precepts and so enable more effective interventions. In contrast to attempts to show the distinctiveness of current models for reasons of fidelity, model identity and marketing, this unifying approach advocates for recognition of the commonality and complementarity of contemporary RBP models. The article argues that systemic theory which applies a social constructionist orientation can provide this coherence, helping social workers develop their practice in an informed way. In making this case, the emergent evidence base is noted and recommendations are made about how greater convergence and complementarity can be promoted. This article contributes to the debate about how practice and policy should be guided by theoretical ideas of coherence, alongside more utilitarian ideas advocating the importance of evidence and effectiveness.</jats:p>

‘Keeping the ‘heart’ in practice: the importance of promoting relationship-based practice in practice learning and assessment’.

“…Students are set within the wider ecological context of the placement, and accordingly the systems in which that placement operates. (Coulter et al, 2020).…”

“…There have been many contemporary texts describing the importance of relationship-based practice: Trevithick (2003), Ingram and Smith (2018), Ruch, Turner and Ward (2010), Munro (2011), Hennessey (2011 and Coulter et al, (2020) being notable texts. Relationship-based practice is a slippery fish which draws on an eclectic mix of underpinning theories, some of which will be referred to in this article.…”

“…One can visualise it as a pebble thrown into the whole systemic pond on placement, rippling outwards and extending into all of its parts. Coulter et al (2020) argue for theoretical cohesion between relationship-based practice in child and family's social work, and a systematic approach. They firmly situate relationship-based practice in the middle of the wider systemic relationships where the social worker uses relationship-based practice to involve and facilitate change by collaborating and involving all parties within this process (Coulter et al, 2020).…”

“…Coulter et al (2020) argue for theoretical cohesion between relationship-based practice in child and family's social work, and a systematic approach. They firmly situate relationship-based practice in the middle of the wider systemic relationships where the social worker uses relationship-based practice to involve and facilitate change by collaborating and involving all parties within this process (Coulter et al, 2020). This can be mapped onto student placement nicely, with the practice teacher or educator as facilitator in the systematic relationships on placement.…”

Relationship-based practice and the creation of therapeutic change in long-term work: social work as a holding relationship

“…Smith (2018) has analysed the dynamics of sustaining relationships where there is anger, aggression and hostility, and Turney (2018) considers relationships where love and positive feelings are the strong emotions involved. Turney (2012, p. 153) argues that the concept of relationship-based practice seeks to avoid 'psychologizing' the lives of service users and social workers, at the expense of leaving out the wider social and political context within which relationships go on (see also, Ruch et al (2018), while Coulter et al (2020) suggest that greater theoretical coherence can be achieved by locating such relational work within systems theory.…”