Help or Hindrance? Outcomes of Social Work Student Placements
This paper discusses the preliminary findings of a pilot project exploring the perceived value of social work student placements to host agencies, including benefits and costs. Practicum is a central component of social work education. Universities and agencies need to respond effectively and positively to changes in social context. In an increasingly managerialist environment, practicum is often perceived as unrelated to core business with uncertain outcomes for the organisation. However field educator experience indicates that there are positive outcomes for agencies such as uptake of caseload, projects, reports etc. Systematic information on the positive aspects of practicum is an important element in advocating for social work as a profession with a range of skills to respond to a range of human needs and for a grounded approach to social work education. The paper also indicates areas for further research into the impacts of social change and development on social work curriculum and agencies.