Ask the Experts: 'Teenage boy in care won't speak'

I have become the third social worker within the last year for a teenage boy placed in residential care. He is refusing to speak or otherwise engage with me. What should I do?

Colin Green: The relationship between a child in care and their social worker is important for the child and their family and is the basis for work on the child's care plan. Where a child has had many social workers, it is not surprising they lose faith.

You need to be persistent and consistent in your contacts with the child. Always complete any actions you have committed to and be ready to try different approaches to engagement. Without being intrusive, continue with regular patterns of visits and regular efforts to make contact by other means such as text, email, letter, and Facebook. It is important to engage with the child's family and carers so the child knows you are interested in their life. Attending events at the children's home or the child's school shows interest without needing the child to engage one-to-one with you.