Social Work Degree Essay

Working in Organisations
The intention of this essay is to analyse the aspects of organisational working practices, addressing the issues and needs of the service users in relation to my shadowing placement.   It will explore my understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of working with other agencies, with regards to inter professional and multi agency working,   also the essay will focus on different types of groups outlining their purpose and the dynamics internally and externally.
My shadowing placement took place with the Children’s Assessment Team (CAT) where initial referrals take place when there has been a concern about a child who may be suffering, or is likely to suffer harm.   The agency is a non profit, public sector organisation which has been commission by law, specifically to promote the welfare and safeguarding of children and young people HM Government (2010).   An organisation such as Social Work Services is a structure in society with distinct functions to accomplish the objective and requires administration by a group of people Mullins (2002).   The organisation involves many teams such as the CAT to serve and protect the public by assessing the needs of a child and works on prevention and intervention.  
Guidance from government legislation provides the policies and regulations, which state that each local authority must fulfil their duty by taking out an initial assessment from an appropriate referral. (Brayne and Carr 2008).   The underpinning legislation within the agency is the Children Act 1989 - Child Protection (Section 47) which helps to protect such vulnerable people.   Prior to the 1800’s, children were not seen as vulnerable, they were expected to work as adults in appalling conditions to provide financially.   Following the Second World War, children became recognised for their need of welfare, love and security and Bowlby’s attachment theory on the harm of separating children from their parents, was a key influence in the 1948...