It was more difficult than we thought: a reflection on 50 years of child welfare practice

This article discusses the struggle in the years since the Children Act 1948 to establish a sense of confidence and direction in the practice of social work with children and families. It argues that although there were important achievements in the early years and many examples of sensitive and committed practice in the period under review, the service has not fulfilled its early promise. It has failed to develop a coherent, indigenous theoretical framework for practice. The reasons for this and some of its consequences and the opportunities which now arise for professional refocusing are discussed.