THE SOCIAL WORKER. PART 5

The first meeting between the social worker and the family might be one of apprehension and anxiety, rather than being viewed as a bed of roses.

And what of the service-user, client and/or their family; what are they likely to be looking out for when they first meet you, ‘their new social worker’? Will they, depending on the ages of the children, and their parents even want to meet you? Here, you will get a picture of ‘how the land has laid’ prior to your intervention in this family’s life, and, hopefully, ‘want to make a positive difference.’ 

The likely reaction of the family to you will be influenced by the relationship between them and their previous social worker, the reasons why the local authority became involved with the family, and what has been the outcome of that intervention to date.

If the local authority’s intervention was precipitated by, say a child protection concern, rather than, say, the family experiencing some child care problems and requesting the authority’s assistance, then your intervention could be perceived by the family as posing a ‘continuing threat’ to them. To which they might respond with animosity, suppressed resentment and/or acquiescence, or welcome appreciation.

While the nature of the circumstances giving rise to the local authority’s involvement, and the character and personalities of the parents/family are key factors in the relationship between the two parties, probably the most important indicator of how the family might respond to the new social worker, will be that of the kind and quality of the relationship between the family and the previous social worker.

A new social worker can change the dynamics of the forces impacting on the family, and lead to progress being made in effecting changes; or it might not.

If that relationship was a difficult and hostile one, the family might not be expecting much difference in their relationship with you, the new social worker, although, conversely, they might be anxiously or hopefully expecting to have a ‘new start’ with you. If the relationship was not a good one, you can expect and should be prepared to hear them voicing their dissatisfaction with the previous social worker.  In responding to his, you will need to endeavour to remain ‘professional’ at all times and avoid being seduced into ‘taking sides with them’ against the previous social worker. 

When confronted with these kinds of uncomfortable situations, I have tended to concentrating on playing the role of a listener, explaining how I tend to work, how I understand social workers should perform their duties, and be as understanding and supportive as I can, without taking sides.

Conversely, if the previous social worker was experienced by the family as being very good at their job and helpful to the family, the family is likely to be experiencing a significant loss as a result of that worker leaving. Consequently, they might be anxious and apprehensive about whether you, their new social worker, will be ‘as good and helpful’, and whether they will be able to get on with you as well as they did with the previous worker. In other words, you will or might have your work cut out for you, in proving yourself to them.



It can be seen, therefore, that it is not just you who will be carrying out your assessment of the family, but they will also be doing their own assessment of you.

The social worker and the family most probably will have different perspectives, but they have to have and commit to  the same objectives, if they are to effect change.