Clinical social work is a specialized field of social work that focuses on helping people in crisis and trauma situations, psychosocial difficulties, behavioral and developmental disorders, as well as in situations of violence, neglect, injury, loss, and other risk factors.

In the conditions of Uzbekistan, clinical social work is required (in almost all areas) when working with children and adolescents from at-risk families, children in temporary shelters, returnee families, cases of violence, dependency, disability, stigma and discrimination, etc.

Clinical supervision is an internationally recognized mechanism that serves to improve the quality of social services, support professionals, and protect the rights of clients. It is a process in which social workers discuss difficult situations encountered in their practical work with an experienced specialist (supervisor), develop professional skills, and improve the quality and efficiency of services.

The main goal of clinical supervision is to support social workers, provide appropriate guidance on difficult cases, prevent burnout, and improve the quality of social services.

Clinical supervision in international experience:

In the USA and Europe: clinical supervision is a mandatory professional standard in social work.
In UN and UNICEF projects: clinical supervision is considered a key support tool for social workers working with children and families.
NASW (National Association of Social Workers, USA) defines clinical supervision as “an integral part of monitoring, evaluating and supporting professional practice in social work”.
IFSW (International Federation of Social Workers) defines supervision as “a tool for improving the quality of social work practice and for the continuous development of the professional”.