Using volunteers in child protection work: Emerging questions for social work

This paper examines findings arising from commissioned research into the use of volunteers in local authority child protection services. Concentrating primarily on findings obtained from interviews with local authority staff and stakeholders, the paper considers the merits and possible pitfalls of such schemes. Examined against the backdrop of the current economic climate and political agenda, it raises pertinent questions for social work research and practice, which include: • Is there a legitimate role for the use of volunteers in child protection work? • What are the ethical questions and practical risks regarding the use of unpaid labour in place of paid support staff? • Post Munro, do volunteers enhance or hinder progress in child protection work? • What are the lessons of conducting commissioned research and service evaluations? In addition, the paper forms a useful guide to individuals and organisations who may be considering the use of such provision as it contains detailed qualitative data documenting the views and experience of front line local authority stakeholders who have experience of one such scheme.