Taking Care: Criticality and Reflexivity in the Context of Social Work Registration

Abstract

Prompted by the introduction of statutory social work registration into the Republic of Ireland, the authors consider the assumptions that attach to regulation, including the promise of greater public protection vis-à-vis the management of misconduct issues by social work regulators. They ponder the paradoxical implications for the future of social work if, notwithstanding the arguments in favour of registration, social work fails to theorise and critically reflect on the prevention, interpretation and management of professional misconduct.