Written for social work professionals and students, this book provides a critical analysis of both the practice of supervision and the theories behind it, questioning the taken-for-granted notions of supervision that have evolved through the years. Exploring an area that has received little in-depth critical research, the book brings to the discussion of supervision theory the same level of critical questioning that author Brian Belton proposes should be applied within the practice of supervision itself. Supervision: Praxis and Purpose will encourage the reader to engage in thinking about what supervision is, and what it could be. Readers will employ logical questioning and critical analysis to their own supervision - either as a supervisor or supervisee, whether managerial or non-managerial. Supervision will be based on the honing of professional judgment through the reasoned review of practice. The book will help turn supervision away from something designed to make the supervisee feel better, and toward something that enables the supervisee to "do better." (Belton argues that if a supervisor detects the need for therapy or counselling, it would be best practice to make the supervisee aware of this judgement and offer help with referral if required.) Based on Belton's work with young people, this book is applicable in various situations, including youth work and social work, and is set within the context of the Munro Review of Child Protection with its emphasis on regular critical supervision.

It is also useful in education, sports education, youth justice, counseling, and nursing.