Anyone involved in social work knows that it is complex and demanding work that can get very messay. We can get dragged in various directions and, if we are not very careful, we can lose our way. Because of this it can be difficult at times to stay focused, due to the various issues involved. In this course, well-known UK social work author Neil Thompson emphasizes the importance of having clear outcomes to work toward to help us keep firmly on track.

If we are clear what end result we are working toward, we can focus on the main issues and be less likely to allow ourselves to be sidetracked. Just generally trying to be helpful without clear and agreed outcomes to guide us leaves us open to losing sight of priorities and drifting. It is therefore essential that our assessment work includes establishing the outcomes – the end results – we need to address.

Neil introduces a helpful framework that It can be of considerable benefit in avoiding drift and a lack of focus. Having a clear and strong focus on outcomes gives confidence in the process to both worker and client and provides a firm basis for working in partnership.

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