The Work of a Family Casework Agency

say "We know what you don't do?but what do you do?" It is a fair question, for in recent years family caseworkers have been provokingly reticent about their activities and their place among the social services of the Welfare State. Is there, in fact, any role for a family casework agency, or are caseworkers making a place for themselves rather than admitting that they are redundant? That some of the work formerly carried out by family caseworkers has been "taken over by the State" is indisputable. There is statutory provision of basic material needs and the necessity for giving such help as temporary allowances, medical equipment and clothing for school children has been removed. At the same time there has been an increase in the development of specialised services: the social needs of infants, school children, deprived children, the sick, the aged, the mentally ill, the maladjusted and the delinquent are all cared for. It is an impressive array and it may fairly be asked what remains for any further variety of social worker to do. The answer, that no one specialist or department is responsible for the needs of the family