Training for competence in child protection work

This paper outlines the author's views on how training for competence in child protection work should be developed. It is also suggested that the ideas are of relevance for training in most areas of social work practice. In summary it is argued that much greater attention should be paid to teamwork skills and the development of strategies to further multidsciplinary work. The normal emotional reactions of professionals should be addressed and harnessed and, in training, resistances to looking at oneself and one's feelings need to be identified if students are to be engaged in such work. It is also suggested that investigating allegations of abuse is a specialist area of practice which needs to be taught as such. The author expresses some concern about how far the kind of experiential small group and individual training needed to pursue these ideas can be incorporated into CQSW courses, given the resource constraints now placed upon them.