Getting past obstructive parents is essential when children are at risk
Jo Stephenson
Monday, October 25, 2010
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.
Deciding when to take action or make a referral is all part of the job. Social workers use their skills and experience to make the right call but having clear guidance helps. In Hampshire, health and children's services professionals have developed a joint protocol for bruising in very young babies, which means all cases are automatically referred for a paediatric and social services assessment. It has not been without controversy, but the move appears to be helping to prevent abuse cases from slipping through the net. Also in this month's issue, Dame Clare Tickell, chief executive of Action for Children, makes a compelling case for investment in early intervention services to stop family problems escalating, leading to fewer children being taken into care. Investing in preventive work has helped Lincolnshire County Council in our Behind the Rating slot, achieve excellent results.
And finally, a plea from the General Social Care Council (GSCC) to all those due to re-register in the next few months. Between January and April next year, approximately half of the social workers in England are due to renew their registration. More than 40,000 applications will be processed in a four-month period so Gail Gibson, the GSCC's head of registration, urges people not to leave it until the last minute. She tells Social Work Now: "Getting the form back on time demonstrates a social worker's commitment to service users and the profession as a whole."
Jo Stephenson, editor, Social Work Now. Email: jo@jostephenson.com