The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families
signifies a major achievement in the development of a coherent approach
to promoting the welfare of children while safeguarding them from harm.
In this article, the aspirations of the Framework are considered, with
particular focus on the challenges posed by the Framework, not only to the
practice of social workers but also to the status of the social work
profession. The area of professional judgement making is discussed, along
with the threats to the effective implementation of the Framework. The
author concludes that the Framework could bring about not only a better
deal for children and families service users, but a new era of professional
respect for social workers.