Difficult safeguarding issues

[missmapp]

I am a DSL at school. There are 2 others and ,sadly, we are all kept busy in our roles. One of my families been going through very difficult times. The core groups have been hard and, without given too much info, care proceedings implemented due to on going issues. I had a strat meeting tonight with more disturbing issues. I am finding it hard to leave it at work IYKWIM. I am experienced in the role but this family has been harder. I am so worried about the holidays. Does anyone in a similar role have supervision or other support ? Any advice on how to separate work and home ?? Thank you

[parrotonmyshoulder]

I pay for my own counselling. Also camhs liaison is great informally. And I offload/ share with one close colleague.

But it’s hard, isn't it? More so for me when it’s nearly a holiday.

[ReadingRiot]

Some staff have regular supervision and it's a available for everyone who wants it (we have a full time counsellor). It should be available through your LA OH if your school don't provide it routinely.

[missmapp]

Thanks. Will look into options mentioned. It is so hard coming up to the holidays.
Found myself snapping at home so need to find a way to off load.

[missmapp]

I can speak colleagues but have a reputation of coping so people tend not to think I need to talk things throu gh. I suppose I need to get better at asking for help.

[Apple23]

Does your school or LA buy into a staff support helpline? You might have leaflet or card tucked away somewhere.

[missmapp]

Good point apple23 sure they do. Will have a look

[jubbablub]

We have two full time members of staff devoted to safeguarding and they have supervision monthly.

[ASauvignonADay]

Similar role and no supervision but do have a really supportive team and line manager, and supervision was offered when I dealt with a really difficult case that I also couldn't leave at work. I can't say there was an easy fix - I only worry less about it now as the situation in that particular case improved. I am really conscious about not staying at work too late and doing things for me outside of school, to keep the balance. Hope you're feeling ok now we've broken up (I know that in a safeguarding role the summer holidays make me feel a bit sick with worry for the first couple of weeks!)

[puttyandslime]

I'm a DSL and couldn't cope without Friday night drinking with my colleague, letting it all out!

It can get a bit much at times. I've been worried sick about the holidays. In the end I decided I'd rather be contactable except for a week when I'm away, than not know.

[trinity0097]

I’m part of a global schools group, we have a safeguarding advisor we can ring and speak to, for advice or support. She is an ex social worker so has been there, done it all!

She has set up local hubs for us DSLs to get together more informally than training to share experiences etc... perhaps you could get together with some local schools to do something similar? Deal is that no names are mentioned and everything stays confidential. It can help to get an outside perspective on things.

If you want to off load then feel free to PM me.

I’m in the midst of some weird cases at the moment. Later this week I will be ringing lots of social workers for updates, as I have so many open and unresolved things which I am not leaving until September!

[dinodora]

Some schools pay into a type of health insurance that can give 4 sessions (usually) if counselling, physio and minor ops etc, sometimes more. Might be worth checking.

[OldBean2]

I am a Chair with a previous safeguarding role. We have offered counselling and support to staff because you need to talk this out. It creeps up on you and then engulfs you.

Talk to your HT about getting your GB to find it. We are about to run a programme for middle management too. We are an inner City school and although my first responsibility is to the pupils, next come staff and I need to look after their well-being or we would not have a school.

If they cannot afford it, then try the Education Support Charity. Hope this is helpful

[missmapp]

Sorry, just checked this thread. Thank you for all the replies.
Trinity, I too will be phoning social workers next week. I seem to be chasing them so much at the moment. There are a few meetings I will attend in the holidays and need dates to sort child care. I know if I didn't chase, the meetings wouldn't happen and some families find the summer so hard, they really need the support. I

I am still thinking about families and worrying. Things always seem to reach crisis point just before a holiday . Will look into some of the options mentioned here. But it is good to know I a m not alone in finding things hard.

oldbean you are so right, it does creep up and then engulf you. I think that is what happenec. Have managed to stave it off previously so was a bit overwhelmed. How do you find the role of chair ? I t must be so interesting but sometimes so frustrating ! I love some of our chairs and frequently want to give them a round of applause mid meeting- so far I have managed not to !!

[MaisyPops]

Work should (in my opinion) have some supervision in place to help support staff who deal with those sort of issues.

If not, and you're part of a trust, are if they have counselling available as part of their central trust package. You may be able to opt in.

Massive hats off to you OP. I considered pastoral and safeguarding as a potential career pathway and dwelling on things was one of the reasons I ruled it out