The State of Social Work Supervision in Victoria According to the Practitioners

Abstract

Though supervision has been an integral part of social work practice since its inception there has been relatively little professional writing in this area since the 1950s and even less research. Two surveys were conducted in Victoria (with practitioners and administrators) to obtain information on the state of staff supervision. Data from the practitioners (N=102) indicate supervision is more available than it used to be; is considered to be necessary for effective practice; and most respondents believe it should continue indefinitely. While the quality of supervision has improved, one third of the respondents believe it needs up-grading. A majority think there should be more training programs in supervision, and that the Australian Association of Social Workers has a leadership role to play in this regard.