Julia Ross takes the reader on a journey through the core of social service institutions in her book Call the Social, which explores the intricate and frequently overlooked field of social work. As an experienced social worker who has worked with children and families for more than 25 years, Ross presents an engaging story that may appeal to readers intrigued by social work. She highlights the value of social work and its influence on individuals, families, and society by focusing on the unseen and less talked about aspects of care and intervention that many social workers experience.
Inspired by the TV show Call the Midwife, Ross began writing this book after the 2015 Child Abuse Inquiry. The book is a powerful blend of memoir-style writing and professional insights, combining personal experiences with educational content.
Throughout the book, we are introduced to first-hand experiences of real cases, including a nurse’s perspective on social work, demanding situations of families in crisis, and ongoing encouragement for structural reform. Ross provides an unbiased view, highlighting examples of both the achievements and the tragedies faced by social workers.
The book’s chronological format allows readers to follow Ross’s career from her initial position as a nurse to her current role as a social work leader. This format also allows readers to reflect on both her personal development and the broader shifts in social work as it evolves. Along with her personal accounts that highlight the human side of social work, each chapter focuses on a distinct stage in her career.
One story that particularly stands out is Ross’s early experience helping families in crisis. In one of the most difficult cases, she describes a woman battling addiction while attempting to provide for her children. Ross highlights the difficult balance that many social workers must strike between professional boundaries and empathy. As she fought for the children’s safety, she explains how she worked hard to connect the mother with vital resources to help her battle her addiction.
Call the Social achieves its goal of providing a thorough and truthful representation of the social work field. Ross writes in an engaging and approachable manner that simplifies complex subjects without diminishing their intricacies. Her storytelling style makes the events vivid and enables readers to empathize with the scenarios she describes.
One of the book’s strongest points is Ross’s honest examination of the challenges in social work. By openly discussing her mistakes and controversial cases, she provides a balanced view of the profession. This transparency not only helps prepare future social workers for the ethical and practical dilemmas they may face but also contributes to ongoing discussions about improving social work practices and policies.
One drawback of the book is that it occasionally lacks a clear structural framework, skipping from one case or issue to another. Although this may reflect the sometimes disorganized nature of social work, readers may seek a more ordered evaluation of specific social work areas or practice frameworks and thus may find this challenging to follow.
The book focuses on social work in the UK, which may limit its relevance for international audiences. Additionally, while the historical context provided is helpful, it can sometimes overshadow more current issues in social work practice.
Overall, Call the Social offers valuable insights into the world of social work. It is an important and valuable read for both experienced practitioners and those new to the field, as well as anyone interested in understanding this vital profession. Through her honest reflections and vivid stories, Julia Ross highlights the complexities and significance of social work in society.