The Study of Social Services Organizations

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The study of social services organisations, their structure, strategy and the quality of services they provide is significant to outcomes for service users and to professional development. A sociological perspective defines an organisation as a “social unit” constructed to carry out a specific function in order to reach a specific goal (Fulcher and Scott, 2007). How the organisation reaches its goals is dependent entirely upon the type of membership, mechanisms and motivations behind the function. This essay will analyse organisational structure, strategy and culture in context of the statutory agency, Children with Disabilities team (CDT) , by drawing upon practice experience within the team and making links to political and policy drivers and sociological theory. Payne (2005) has argued that social work is socially constructed in practice as well as in theory. With this premise in mind, organisations are as much constructed as the human services professions that operate within them. The social work role is paradoxical in essence, on one hand, promoting the rights of vulnerable groups and individuals and on the other, politically constructed to deliver elements of social control. Consequently, a social worker’s knowledge of organisational theory is vital in understanding how organisations themselves can be a representation of political and ideological structures. CDT provides and commissions a range of services to meet assessed need, based on guidance issued by the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH, 2000a). The agency exists and delivers services as part of an integrated larger organisation, the Department For Children & Education (DCE), lead by a Director of Services. CDT is a multi-... ... middle of paper ... .../www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/equalityanddiversity/equalityimpactassessments/eiaareaservicesforvulnerablechildren.htm [Accessed 20 November 2009]. Wiltshire Council., 2009. Latest News – New Policies in Place. Available from: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/latestnews.htm?aid=92722 [Accessed 20 November 2009]. Legislation Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995. Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 1995. Carers Equal Opportunities Act 2004. Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 2004. Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000. Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 2000. Children Act 1989: Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 1989. Children Act 2004: Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 2004 Disability Act 1995. Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 1995. Human Rights Act 1998. Elizabeth II. The Stationery Office, 1998.

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