Crying Foul

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07/23/2010

Crying Foul

Was reading this article in the New Social Worker Blog about the social worker's role as a whistle blower, and our ethical responsibility in doing so whenever it comes to cases pertaining to child protection and suicidal ideation. The article goes on in stating the role of Social Workers in blowing the whistle whenever social injustices are in play.

During a discussion I had with a group of students the other day, the dual roles played by the social worker is evident: that of a collaborative ally with her client to identify and work together on goals, and the social worker's role in the element of social control, where there is a need to ensure that families are able to function and perform within socially ascribed norms of human development and safety. The latter, played out mainly in cases of child protection, is a controversial one, especially the main topic of many jokes about social workers.

This is a role I dislike somewhat, where the element of client self determination is replaced by the pesky need to ensure that certain standards are met. The social worker may cease to be seen as an ally, more of a nuisance, or even the "enemy". It is a thin path littered with glass; the one that social workers walk on to negotiate the boundaries of collaboration and enforcing limits to ensure safety. The decision to cross the path is an extremely onerous one, especially when one reflects on the lives that would be affected. This decisions are those which I wish and pray I don't have to make, but every once in a while, you are faced with the need to make one.

There are some ways to address this: working closely with formal resources, consulting your peers and supervisors (which I am thankful for), but one cannot help having that heavy feeling when taking that step into social control.

The only consolation, perhaps is that at least, by taking early measures in social control, there is still the opportunity to work collaboratively to identify strengths and solutions, as opposed to the harsh judgements and punitive measures families at risk may face later.

PS: a salute to the child protection workers and the challenging work they do... hurhurhur. balancing enforcement with empowerment is no easy feat. A thankless one as well

Posted at 01:25 AM in CASE MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL ISSUES | Permalink

Tags: Singapore Social worker

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