Boring Records? is a practical and eye-opening investigation into the central role of record keeping. The author highlights the importance of accurately compiled records in the work of professionals who are required to prepare written reports and files. Basing her ideas on research obtained within multidisciplinary child guidance clinics, Katie Prince:
makes clear the complexity, but also the importance, of case recording;
challenges the notion of record keeping as a mundane chore;
places record keeping in the context of a network of communication.
Using the first-hand impressions and comments of parents, children and clinical social workers, the author demonstrates the centrality of the work of record keeping for social work practitioners. This book is invaluable reading not only for social workers but also probation officers, teachers, healthcare professionals and sociologists and those who train, educate and manage in these fields.
Acknowledgements. Author's Note. Preface. 1. Spoken and Written Language: A Theoretical Framework. 2. A Context for Record Keeping in Child Care Social Work. 3. The Clinic Social Worker's Perspective. 4. The Client's View. 5. Towards a Way of Examining Both Theoretical and Practice Aspects of the Interactive Process in Case Recording. 6. Discussion of the Action Research (Theoretical Perspectives). 7. Description and Evaluation of the Experience of Open and Participative Recording Practice. Conclusion. Appendices. References. Index.
