SSW doesn't support me

[AllShockUp]

My SSW is pretty spineless and brings her manager to every meeting she feels may be difficult. Meeting record always bland and so neutral they don't convey what is discussed or my concerns only hers.

At what point do SW feel so jaded they spend their time covering their back as this is how i feel my SSW works.

Are you a la carer. Are you emailing your concerns ?

Yes LA. No done nothing except grumble here atm. Waiting for meeting minutes from last two meetings still. Meetings held 4 weeks and 1 week ago. In latter meeting, SSW denied something said in the former meeting and I asked for meeting minutes.... I am still waiting. Apparently, they are getting approved by SSWs manager which defeats the point as they will be carefully crafted to cover both their backs by the time I get them.

(Adopter here who wandered in).

In other situations like this I would be taking notes during the meeting myself and then emailing them out straight away.

e.g. 'As meeting minutes often seem to take a long time to be published and sometimes don't seem to fully reflect issues I raised, I thought I would send my own record whilst the meeting is fresh in my mind. Let me know if you think anything is inaccurate'.

Would that be possible?

The LA will have a complaints process which can be followed if you felt you were not being supported. Not a nice way to work given how challenging the profession is already.
You could also ask for a change of worker and cite personality challenges.
you could also consider changing to another LA or IFA?

Some good and bad Social Workers and looks like you have the latter which is a shame. Consider too that SW's are registered with the HCPC who have codes of conduct in regard to their practice. This may be worth a little research to ensure the SW is being professional and how this may be challenged.

Just realised I didn't come back to this. I made a complaint directly to Team Manager, of SSW's Manager. I was invited into a meeting a week later, clearly background reading had been done. Complaint listened to an SSW changed. Within 3 weeks I heard my old SSW was leaving the LA in two weeks time. Her manager disappeared from the LA too My new SSW is awesome, I am so happy. I am so glad I complained. The final straw was being told in the report I was waiting for (see original message) that I would not be recommended at Panel to continue fostering WTF! (she didn't tell me face to face) New SSW and Team Manager supported me in Panel and I passed. Now going for permanency with my young person. The original SSW nearly messed up my young persons chance of permanency too.

Glad this resolved it self and great news on permanency for your young person.