Challenges of recovery-oriented practice in inpatient mental health settings - the potential for social work leadership

Recovery-oriented practice has become the main mantra in mental health services, irrespective of the way it is understood, accepted and practised. This article aims to analyse the principles of recovery as stipulated in Australian national policies and to examine the challenges associated with implementing these in an inpatient mental health facility. Using a qualitative method incorporating a literature review, documentary analysis of policy and standards and reflections on social work practice in an inpatient facility, this analysis reveals a powerful alignment between recovery and social work principles. However, the analysis also highlights the noticeable absence of social work in contributions to the literature and research around the move to recovery-oriented practice. The paper concludes with a call to the social work profession to recognise its potential for taking a leadership role in mental health reform with participatory and person-centred approaches.