Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Página 115

Practice Issues

Dear Social Service Practitioners,
A common question that arises among practitioners in the social service
sector is the relationship between social work, social policy and social
change. Many in the sector are in it because they want to see change, and
by that, they mean improving lives. However, to create real change, social
service practitioners, social workers, social researchers,
and others
advocating for marginalized individuals and groups must understand the
relationship between policy and practice.
In the case of social work, policy practice is often defined as using the skills
learnt in social work to propose and change policies in order to better
achieve the goal of social and economic justice.

Contribution of social work in social policy and
social change
What we learn from practice can play a significant role in influencing policy.
What we learn in terms of the definition or framing of problems and in terms of
evidence and research, should influence the development of policy. Policies
that are informed by practice can better solve problems, meet needs, and
improve the well-being of people and communities. At the same time, the
role of policy is to create environments where practitioners can conduct
their practice. This is best done in an enabling environment that respects
their competencies, capabilities and choices. This will enable practitioners
to have the flexibility and freedom, within the context of the set social
goals and objectives, to do their work well. Practitioners at the ground,
at the organisational and at the policy levels can all contribute to policy
development. This is because, as practitioners from various fields, they
bring experiences and strategies to promote social change interventions.

Micro practice can inform policy
Many social workers and social service staff begin their careers with a passion
to help individuals and families. Social workers, in particular, have learnt how
to engage clients in the helping process through doing comprehensive
assessments, developing intervention plans,
and monitoring their
implementation. Even though part of the intervention may involve linking
families and individuals with community resources to meet identified needs,
many social workers focus on micro practice - helping specific people in
need. When social workers monitor family progress, they are often able
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