Getting past obstructive parents is essential when children are at risk

25 October 2010 1 min read Jo Stephenson Social Care Editorial

Trying to work with families who won't co-operate is one of the hardest parts of being a social worker. But getting past obstructive parents or carers, whether they are openly hostile, or charming but tell a story that doesn't add up, is absolutely vital when children are at risk, as we explore in this month's cover feature.

The consequences of not finding a way into these homes can be dire, as shown by tragic cases, such as Peter Connelly, the "Family Q" case in Sheffield and the deaths of sisters Davina and Jasmine Baker, murdered by their mum in Cambridgeshire. Yet, as our feature points out, sometimes parents are labelled "obstructive" as a consequence of poor social work or because problems in their lives are so overwhelming, they find it virtually impossible to engage with professionals. Good support and supervision for frontline workers appear to be key in building relationships with these families, while working with other providers, such as those in the voluntary sector, can help social workers find a way in.

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