초록 열기/닫기 버튼
This paper aims to observe how the role of the social worker working in Mental Health has developed and progressed into a role that is now one that is integrated in Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). SectionⅡ outlines a brief history starting from the 1950s, with some of the first criticisms from both inside and outside the mental health system that impacted and pushed towards the closures of the mental health institutions towards community care. This augmentation of CMHTs naturally progresses this study onto sectionⅢ, which addresses the question of “What is Multi-disciplinary working?” within a community mental health setting. This section examines its definitions and objectives, and explores the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary working in mental health, considering the implication of potential “Role blurring”, hence enquiring if it “hinders or enhances the team?”. Continuing, sectionⅣ provides an investigation into the role of the Social Worker within CMHTs. It considers the rationale of the integration of social workers into NHS Trusts and the relevant government policies, examining what skills are needed, and required, by the social worker, and details what their training, practice, approach and values, provide to service users, their families, and their carers. To close, sectionⅤ outlines the Approved Social Workers (ASW) role and the proceedings, principles, and expectations from the legislation which has lead to the introduction of the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP). It focuses upon the role of the AMHP, with therecent introduction of the 2007 Amendments to the Mental Health Act (1983) and the General Social Care Councils (GSCC) recommendations and approval of training for AMHPs. Throughout this paper it becomes clear, is identified, and concludes, that social work has a distinct and important contribution to make to multi-disciplinary working, through its influence of contributing a psycho-social understanding of mental distress, therefore promoting anti-discriminatory practice and anti-oppressive policies and procedures. Finally, it observes how mental health social workers need to ensure that their work serves to empower people; their families, and their carers to live lives that enhance their capacity for being independent and healthy.
