Social Work Now (38) December 2007 : 21-28

This journal article describes the importance of how statutory child protection social workers respond to children, young people and families, with a particular focus on the importance of practice depth. A practice model ranging from conveyor-belt practice to pragmatic practice and reflective practice is used to articulate the concept of practice depth. The literature is cited as referring to in-depth practice as being promoted and supported by quality supervision. The authors argue that building practice depth requires a whole-of-organisation approach that acknowledges the challenges of contemporary child protection work, especially time and resource constraints. They argue that the Practice Frameworks introduced within Child Youth and Family in 2005 provide a foundation for more engaging quality practice. Vulnerable infant practice triggers are given as an example of recently introduced Practice Frameworks. The place of strengths-based practice in relation to practice depth is also outlined.