Safety as a Fifth Dimension in Supervision: Stories from the Frontline

Abstract

Child and family practice is recognised as a field of social work that has become increasingly complex. While evidence is growing in relation to effective supervision, there has been little research about the attributes of an effective supervisor, or the components of effective supervision. This paper reports on research undertaken in Victoria, Australia, which explored practitioners’ and supervisors’ experiences of effective supervision in this field. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with experienced supervisors and supervisees in order to explore the concept of effective supervision from participants’ perspectives. The data were systematically interrogated using a thematic inductive process, designed to enhance the voice of participants in the research. The study findings confirmed the complexity and centrality of the supervisory relationship, with the experience of a safe supervisory relationship proving essential. The importance of contemporary knowledge, leadership skills, and an enabling organisational and community context were also highlighted.

儿童及家庭实践被认为是社会工作的一个日益复杂的领域。关于有效监护的资料在日渐增多，但对有效监护者都有哪些属性或曰有效监护包含哪些元素，则很少研究。本文报道了澳大利亚维多利亚开展的一项研究，该研究探讨了实践者及监护者的相关经历。资料的猬集包括对长期监护者以及被监护者的的深度访谈，意在从参与者的角度探讨有效监护的概念。研究者使用一种旨在提高参与者声音的主题演绎过程，对资料做系统的梳理。研究发现肯定了监护关系的复杂性和重要性，经历一种安全的监护关系看来是不可或缺的。作者强调了当代知识、领导技巧、相宜的组织及社区环境的重要性。

Keywords:

• Supervision
• Child and Family Practice
• Child Protection
• Family Support
• Safety

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the supervisees and supervisors who contributed their valuable time to participate in this research. An initial draft of this manuscript was developed following an opportunity to present the study findings in Galway, Ireland. Heartfelt thanks to Caroline McGregor, Professor of Political Science and Sociology—Social Work, National University of Ireland, who reflected that this study showed safety to be the “fifth dimension” in supervision.