I want to study to be a childrens Social worker but have no clue where to start...?

[ScoobyDoo]

Don't know if i can do this as don't have much confidence/self esteme at the moment but i really need to study & do something just part-time though as i am also going to be working part-time.

I have thought about all sorts but i am just so convinced the righ way for me to go is care i find it so rewarding & more satisfieing then anything.

I would like to be a Social worker for children to help families etc.

I have just moved to Hampshire & have no clue where the nearest place to contact is.

does anyone know any sites/ideas where to start i would be most grateful.

\link{http://www.socialworkcareers.co.uk/Try here}

here even

Ah thanks i did manage to get to the social care but was reading & thinking thats not what i want but the bit on the right is exactly what i need to be reading.

Probably biting off more than i can chew but i need to do something & feeling very frustrated in my life & it's getting me down!

you now need to take a degree in SW if you don't already have a degree. this can be done PT through the OU.

But one of the best ways of qualifying is to take a training post (trainee SW/assistant SW) with a local council. they will pay for your degree, give you paid work when you're not on placement, and also arrange placements. in addition, they tend to run lots of workshops and seminars for students. I'd contact a few local councils (HR department or on the web) to see who offers these training posts.

I am a SW - currently working in mental health, but the qualification is the same. let me know if you have any questions.

hth

I did consider doing this Scooby and would also have wanted to work with children and families too, but obviously the training would require you to train in all areas of social work, and I wasn't comfortable with that.

if you want to train in a particular specialism, do explore this with the training provider. my course was really generic, but the trend is moving towards more specialist work, and I think nowadays many allow you to specialise after the 1st year.

I always seem to doubt myself though, i annoy myself because i want to do these things but feel i would not be able to after reading them when in reality i am not thick or stupid but am also not at the top end IYKWIM.

I would love to do this & to be honest through my working career most of it has been working with people with learning difficulties, home care etc i find these things more rewarding than working in an office, i have thought about this & really would like to qualify doing something not just plod along.

I have also looked into being a childrens nurse, working with sick chidren & being a midwife so as you can see there is a pattern.

I am seriously thinking about it but really lack qualification & just need to get the info & go for it instead of sitting here thinking i would never be able to do it!

Thanks for the information.

Will see if i can think of anything else i wanted to ask....

Scooby, we are so similar it is scary LOL.

I know, we both also seem to be at that crucial point where we need to do something to actually stay sane lol

I looked at where the courses were held on the page you linked to & none of them are near me

Will have to phone round local counccils see what they say, i do have a job doing home care which to be honest i think i am just going to take the offer as it is soo flexible & he will do the childcare vouchers for me, lots of training & i can do NVQ not sure whats holding me back really, apart from the fact i can't find his bloody number....

Oh that sounds good, especially if you can do the nvq. Do you have english and maths gcses above C grade ?? If so, you'd probably get onto a SW course with those and an NVQ 3, especially with experiance as a home carer.

Yes i have both B's for english & maths, have done about 6 years in the care work in all surroundings with all people, started the NVQ then left to have my dd & never finished it !

Think i will give the man a call tomorrow if i can find his number otherwise am sure he will call me, will have 2 days induction which he said he can do with me at my house because of dd, then one day i will have to go to the offices to do manual handling but my mum can have dd, then start work!

Maybe i should start here & go forward not just stand still like before.

Yes i think you should. Look at it this way, even if you do your NVQ and then change your mind about social work, an nvq 3 in care is accepted as entry to lots of similar courses, ie childrens nursing, and midwifery, so it will be useful, whatever you decide.

Good luck.

Very true Nutty, i will let you know how i get on am going to try to ring him tomorrow

Goodluck with your application form

Bit late here to pitch in, I suppose, but you say you would want to work specifically with children and Families...have you considered doing a degree like this

Hi there...I am currently in my 2nd year of a social work degree...

If you want to work as a social worker with children and families, you have to have a degree. You can do it full time or part time, I think part time is for those who are working in a similar field (not sure).

you will cover a variety of areas including the english legal system; child development; social policy; working with asylum seekers/ refugees, domestic violence, aids & HIV; and also attend placement throughout the 3 years.

You will have 3 placements in different areas, each have to be in different areas. In your 3rd year, you can specialise in either children and families or adults.

On my course, there are many men and women who have had careers in different areas/ same areas who have felt they need something more, and they have taken the huge step of going to university. The majority of the students are over 30.

It is not an easy degree, it takes a lot of commitment and determination as I am currently finding out. There is a lot of personal growth and development involved; you have to be prepared to challenge views you hold about yourself but also about other people.

There is also a bursary available for those on the social work degree, and you must also be registered and pay for you registration yearly with the GSCC.

If you really want to do something, you should go for it....you can do it. x

P.s. please feel free to message me if you have anymore questions. x

I would recommend working in a childrens centre or a family centre. It gives you an idea of how social work works and often can get free training though work.
I have been a family support worker for SS child protection for 5 years now. If you want me info please just CAT me.