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Working with children vs adults in social care settings

As a newly qualified social worker, you may be wondering whether you want to work in adult social care or children’s social care. In this blog, we look at the key separating factors between the two avenues, so you can make an informed decision which best suits your skillset and preferences.


Children’s social care


Before we begin, it’s important to note that ‘children’s social work’ encompasses a variety of roles, including child protection, assessment, fostering social works, children with disabilities team…the list goes on. The Social Worker Blog published an excellent article which breaks down the responsibilities of each of these roles should you need further clarification.


For the sake of this blog, we will be looking at children’s social care as a whole and the key aspects to take into consideration:


1. Developmental stages

Children go through various developmental stages, and social care workers must adapt their approaches accordingly. This may involve working with infants, toddlers, school-age children, or adolescents, each with unique needs and challenges.


2. Legal and ethical considerations

As a children’s social worker, you are responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the well-being of the young people under your care. For example, if you believe the service user is in danger of abuse, you must report it. Scenarios such as these are highly emotive, and can take a toll on the social worker’s mental health - so this is something to bear in mind.


3. Communication

Effective communication with children often requires specialised skills and age-appropriate language. Building trust and rapport with young clients is crucial.


4. Education and play

Depending on the child's age, social care workers may need to incorporate educational and play activities into their interventions to promote development and well-being.


5. Family involvement

Working with children often involves engaging their families or guardians to provide a support system and ensure the child's needs are met.


6. Advocacy

Advocacy for children's rights and access to education, healthcare, and other essential services may be a significant part of the job.


Adult social care


Here’s what a role in adult social care might look like…


1. Diverse Needs

Adults in social care settings can range from young adults with disabilities to elderly individuals requiring long-term care. Understanding the specific needs of each adult population is essential.


2. Autonomy and decision-making

Adults generally have more autonomy and decision-making capacity than children. Social care workers may support adults in making choices about their care and lives while respecting their autonomy.


3. Healthcare and medication management

Depending on the setting, adults may have complex healthcare needs and require assistance with medication management, physical therapy, or other medical interventions.


4. Crisis intervention

Adults may face crises related to mental health, addiction, homelessness, or domestic violence. Social care workers often provide crisis intervention and support.


5. Advocacy and empowerment

Advocating for adults' rights, access to services, and empowerment to make informed choices is a key aspect of adult social care.


6. End-of-life care

In cases involving the elderly or individuals with terminal illnesses, social care workers may provide end-of-life care and support for individuals and their families.


7. Legal and financial matters

Social care workers may assist adults in navigating legal matters, accessing benefits, or managing finances, especially in cases where individuals lack capacity (e.g. deprivation of liberty).


What’s the verdict?

Overall, it is a highly personal decision whether you choose to work in adult social care services or children’s social care services. We recommend choosing the option which best aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals. You may wish to speak to practising social workers to gain a better perspective or consider voluntary work as a way of dipping your toe in before committing to a full-time role.


Here at Imperium Solutions, we specialise in project-based social work roles. We have vacancies across both the adult and children's sectors; all you need to do is fill out our opportunities form and tell us what you’re looking for.


We wish you all the best with this exciting first step in your social work career!




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