Change of social worker..was it good or bad?

[LuckyCricket]

Hi

I have read through the previous threads on this but the threads were quite old.

Did anybody have a change of social worker between stages 1 and 2? Did it work out well or did you wish the original social worker was still assigned?

We've been told we may have to change and I'm a little anxious about it as I felt we had built a good relationship with our social worker.

Hi yes I had a change of social worker. Exactly between stage one and two. I didn’t really ask why, I just got the impression it was pretty standard for my agency. Because the stages were quite different, it was a natural point to change and not an issue at all for me. It’s not something I even thought about again until I saw your post.

They were both great, though the more experienced one I had for stage two was absolutely fantastic and I am so glad she was there.

Yes we also had a change of social worker between stages one and two, it seemed to be standard practice for our agency. We didn’t find it an issue at all. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know the new sw during the meetings to prepare the PAR. The only issue I could think is that you may not have met them in person due to coronavirus before you go to video calling, so it may feel odd at first, as we all do I think.

We had a change of social worker after being approved for adoption - as well as one after stage 1. I think it's pretty normal. I wouldn't stress about it.

Social workers all talk to each other (I think) and so therefore if you had a good relationship with one, the other will probably start off on a positive note if that makes sense.

Yes we had a change. For us the original social worker was so wonderful that it was a real shame to change.

The second one wasn't good at communicating with us at all and it became very frustrating. Luckily her manager stepped in a few times and really helped us along the way.

Yes we had 3, one for each stage (the third being matching). We felt a bit of a wrench each time too, but it seems to be standard practice, helps them to maintain objectivity and also means more orchestral have knowledge of you when it comes to matching. Look on it as a good thing!

More of the team, not orchestral....??!!

We had a change. At the time they were apologetic we wouldn't have the continuity but I think it worked our well. We had an amazing stage 2 worked who was agency and it meant she has less of a workload to worry about so could be really efficient with processing our home study. Also tbh I assume all workers receive similar training but I would imagine the skills involved with stage 2 would need to be v different to what's expected of a stage 1 worker which us far more administrative but it all depends how the agency organises workload, whether they have specialist or generic workers. I always maintain it was far more important to have a good rship with stage 2 and matching worker than stage 1. Stage 1 was adminstrative so I could live with being a bit Luke warm about my worker but it would have been a problem for me for stage 2. I'm sure you'll be fine. The majority of stage 2 workers are used to holding ppl through this sensitive process and are trained accordingly and most importantly despite what we think when we are panicking are human! What k would say is if you have any concerns or doubts about your assigned worker give them a little bit of grace time to give benefit of the doubt but best to addrras any serious concerns as early as possible as this rship is so crucial to you feeling supported. Sure you'll be fine tho. Good luck xx

Change for us was the best thing we ever done. Honestly believe if we had stayed with our original social worker we would have pulled out she was so negative and often sat crying as we talked through our infertility journey. We got reassigned someone new just into stage 2 and she was utterly amazing. No regrets and she was so easy to work with