Uncomfortable with social worker

[bookishmumof5]

I'm going through a terrible mental health crisis at the moment and a referral was made to social services as I'm a single mum. I was open to this as I was told that they would offer support while I get better. I've been allocated a family support worker who is lovely, but I'm really uncomfortable with the actual social worker. She's not rude or judgemental or anything like that, but she won't let me speak for myself and exaggerates everything. She tells people I'm crying when I'm not, I referred to my ex husband as "the kids father" once and she's decided that I'm so broken that I can't even say his name and keeps bringing that up. She told me mum at one point that I was sobbing on the sofa and curled up in the fetal position, I was just sat there looking miserable. She also decides what I'm trying to say mid sentence and won't let me finish my point.

I fully accept that I need support right now, and I'm open to it, but I'm worried that this is all going to reflect the situation inaccurately. She's doing a child in need assessment on my kids which I consented to, and I'm really worried that everything is going to come off worse than it is (and it's pretty bad already tbh.) I'm also now worried about being honest with the crisis team, in case they report back to her and it all gets so much worse. Does anyone have any guidance?

Commenting to bump for you! Hope you get the advice you need xx

Hmmm, I think it would be worth asking for a different social worker tbh. You don't have to be critical of her in doing that, but given that you've noticed multiple inaccuracies/ exaggerations, and feel uncomfortable with her, it doesn't seem like this will be a helpful or constructive process. Sorry, this is difficult when you're already going through a lot.

Ask for a new social worker. It's not good what she's doing and if she writes it down on her report then that's what they will go off. Get a new one

Could she be exaggerating because she’s trying to get you help when she knows you don’t qualify for it in your current situation? If not, then asking for another one might be a good idea but they don’t have to agree and if not, you’ll still have to work with her and she’ll likely know you asked to change which might make things worse. Is there someone else eg family support worker who can come to meetings with you to act as a witness to the reality?

I would definitely ask for a new social worker, this one sounds very dishonest and unprofessional. Her behaviour is completely unacceptable.

I've had personal experience, feel free to DM me