What is the main purpose of supervision in social work practice?

The main purpose of supervision in social work practice is to provide guidance, support, and accountability to social workers. Supervision serves as a critical element of professional development that helps social workers reflect on their practice, enhance their skills, and ensure the delivery of effective services to clients. It offers a space for social workers to discuss cases, seek advice on complex issues, and receive feedback on their performance.

Moreover, supervision helps in maintaining ethical standards and adherence to legal requirements, ensuring that practices align with professional and organizational guidelines. This ongoing support and accountability foster a learning environment that promotes continuous improvement and professional growth, which ultimately benefits clients and the community.

In contrast, options like increasing client fees or closely monitoring schedules do not align with the supportive and developmental focus of supervision. Similarly, reducing caseloads may be a benefit of effective supervision but is not its primary purpose.