New Technologies Supporting the Shift to User-Led Approaches in Social Services: A Study of the Implementation of Baromètre

Les appuis conventionnels de l'action. Eléments de pragmatique sociologique

Abstract: L'article developpe un modele de l'action qui esquisse une approche "pragmatique" des conventions, tout en etablissant des articulations avec les approches universalistes ou culturelles. Il clarifie l'horizon d'une pragmatique sociologique soucieuse d'analyser les differentes modalites par lesquelles les personnes etablissent, dans le moment present, un lien entre leur experience personnelle, les traces du passe livrees par l'environnement, et leurs horizons d'attente. Il developpe l'hypothese selon laquelle plusieurs regimes d'action se combinent les uns aux autres dans le cours des activites. L'architecture de ces regimes est alors exploree en abordant leur articulation dans le temps, et leur distribution dans l'espace.

Social Work and Personalisation

Abstract: In the early years of the 21st century the policy of personalisation has been actively pursued across all four British countries. Drawing on the work of the disability movement, personalisation aims to increase the levels of choice and control for adult users of social care services. It suggests that much preceding practice has magnified individuals’ dependency and constrained their choice. During implementation it has been suggested that social workers should move away from rationing towards advocacy and brokerage. This paper examines social work within personalisation from three perspectives. First, it engages with those areas of policy that chime with social work principles and values. It then rehearses the elements of the reform agenda which are more questionable from the social work viewpoint. Finally it links the implementation of policy to the impact of substantial cuts in social care budgets as the effects of the Conservative-led coalition’s austerity programme bite.

The Strengths Model: Birth to Toddlerhood

Abstract: The Strengths Model/Perspective was developed by social workers and the profession continues to be the leader in its practice, research and refinement. This article traces the three decades of evolution of this approach and the continuing expansion of its use around the world. Cautionary notes are provided and an agenda for future development is proposed.

Les normes de qualité dans les services professionnels : une lecture des pratiques à travers la théorie des conventions

Abstract: Dans un contexte de stabilisation de la croissance de multiples marches, de nombreuses entreprises ont cherche a asseoir leur avantage competitif sur la qualite de leurs produits (Pavlidis 1990). Parallelement, la construction du Marche Unique en Europe a contribue a la prise de conscience du role de la normalisation dans le jeu concurrentiel (Mignot, Penan 1996). Des lors, la problematique de la qualite et de sa normalisation n'a pas manque de se developper considerablement en sciences de gestion. Toutefois, ce n'est que tres recemment que l'aspect normatif de la qualite est apparue avec une acuite particuliere. Apres la normalisation de la qualite des produits (certification-produit), puis la normalisation des procedes (assurance-qualite), on assiste desormais a la normalisation des methodes de management par la qualite au travers des normes de la serie ISO 9000. Ce mouvement normatif ne manque pas d'interroger le chercheursur l'« imperieuse necessite» et la « modernite» de ces outils de gestion (Gomez 1996a). Par ailleurs, la dimension institutionnelle de la gestion de la qualite, tout comme les pratiques d'elaboration des referentiels normatifs modifient la vision simpliste de la construction de la qualite au sein de l'entreprise.

Evaluation of self directed support test sites in Scotland

Abstract: ■ Those who accessed SDS packages during the test sites, were positive about their support and satisfied with the flexibility and choice that SDS had provided. ■ The test sites improved access to SDS especially for people with learning disabilities, but did little to promote SDS to other groups, for example, those with mental health problems, from Black or Minority Ethnic groups, older people, those who have addictions or homeless people. ■ In spite of considerable Scottish Government investment in SDS test sites, fewer than 150 new individual SDS arrangements were set up. This suggests that significant time and investment in infrastructure are needed to implement major policy initiatives. ■ None of the test sites had directly addressed issues around mixed funding packages, so the potential to integrate or join up funding streams e.g. with the NHS, could not be assessed. ■ The paradox at the heart of SDS was a (mis)perception by staff, service users, and carers of SDS as an alternative to, direct services and even, Direct Payments (DPs). New and parallel SDS systems to those delivering DPs were created by the test sites. ■ Active promotion of SDS, including DPs, increased the numbers of people opting for payments instead of direct services to pay for more flexible, individualised care and support. ■ All test sites invested in specialist SDS teams and project managers to support development of new systems and administrative processes, as well as generating a body of practice expertise. Consequently, some service users, carers and professionals perceived SDS as separate to both Social Work support and DPs. ■ None of the test sites was able to cut ‘red tape’ or reduce bureaucratic or administrative requirements. Instead, by designing new support systems for SDS, they experienced a (possibly temporary) increase in bureaucracy associated with assessment and resource allocation. ■ Only one of the test sites used test site monies to invest in strategic service development. ■ By the end of the test site period the 3 local authorities had resolved to move towards mainstreaming SDS with support from their senior management and Councillors. Evaluation of Self-Directed Support Test Sites in Scotland