Launch of Capabilities Statement for Social Work with Autistic Adults

BASW launches the Capabilities Statement for Social Work with Autistic Adults in-front of an audience of social workers, heads of service and representatives from local authorities and universities.

Commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and developed by BASW alongside autistic adults, the Capabilities Statement is framed by the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

The Capabilities Statement provides guidance for professionals, managers and other stakeholders involved in delivering social work to autistic adults.

At its core, it outlines expected practice standards for social workers so they can support autistic adults to live the lives they choose.

It also supports social workers to meet the expectations of the Chief Social Worker for Adults in England’s Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for Social Workers in Adult Services. 

Commenting on this piece of work, BASW CEO Ruth Allen said:

“I am really pleased BASW and DHSC are jointly launching this guidance.   Autistic adults often cannot get the support they need and practitioners need professional guidance, support and development opportunities to improve this situation. 

“Social workers have a key and distinctive part to play in multi-professional services. This important capabilities framework will help to enhance and deepen social work practice with autistic adults. It takes a particular focus on relationship-based support, rights and an understanding of the strengths of autistic people as well as the distinctive barriers to wellbeing and care they often face.

“Special thanks to those who helped to shape the statement, particularly people with lived experience of autism. The contributions from autistic adults during the consultation were the foundation of this guidance.”

Speakers at the launch event include Ruth Allen (CEO, BASW), Lyn Romeo (Chief Social Worker – Adults, DHSC); Sylvia Stanway (Autism West Midlands); Philip Heslop (Northumbria University); Matthew Bushell (Kent Council); Jane Howson (Chief Executive Autism East Midlands)

The Capabilities Statement for Social Work with Autistic Adults can be accessed here