A quick straw type poll for anyone with social work involvement

[gothicmama]

bearing in mind resource limitations
what do you want from or how do you want your social worker to be. Thank you for your time

Bit of a broad question there! Is it possible to narrow it down to more specific questions?

I think that does need to be narrowed down slightly.....Ill be interested in these responses as im am a socail worker and have been for 5 years and have now found myself on the receiving end battling for services for my son.

my soical worker is fabulous but she also has a child who is disabled

fiofio- I think its made me a better social worker, people who dont know about my son have commented on my different work ethic and passion.

Sorry for slight highjack there......!

lourobert, it certainly makes a hell of a difference

trying to narrow it down for you
a)what makes a difference? knowledge of condition, empathy or something else

b)what is the worst thing a social worker can do or say

c) what is the best thing a social worker can do or say
I guess it is broad because everyones situation is unique and social workers vary

perhaps a better way is if you could create your perfect social worker what would they be like

perfect social worker. He is mine
he Is Kind. friendly brilliant with sn. (when he visits dd at respite he mucks in and takes of coats and stuff..to the amazement of the staff)
oh and he used to be ds's beaver leader so he understands nt as well.

I'd like one that fdoes what they say- if DS1 is entitled to respite I sdhouldn't have to telephone to find out that the assesment was never palced on file and its too late to book another one so bad luck

I'd also like someone to reply to e-mails

thank you for taking the time to answer, I shall remember waht you have said

a)what makes a difference? knowledge of condition, empathy or something else

• someone who listens, confirms issues with you to make sure they have understood and follows things up, letting you know what is happening even if they haven't managed to sort things out or get exactly what you want

b)what is the worst thing a social worker can do or say

• that they will do something and then don't

c) what is the best thing a social worker can do or say

• that they believe you and they will do their best to help you

What makes a difference?

• Having good links with other services and volunteer organisations so when you can't help, you Know A Man Who Can. Tea and empathy not really necessary.

• worst thing to do: be vague or unrealistic about what you can achieve. Honesty is appreciated.

• worst thing to say: justify lack of resources/help you can offer by making light of the need or seriousness of the child's condition.

• best thing to do: be organised. Return phone calls. Return emails. Understand who does what in your department and how to get things done. Make lists of actions and chase them up. Appreciate that parents lives may be too stressed/chaotic to do the same for you right now but that doesn't mean they don't appreciate these qualities.

• best thing to say: that you are listening and you have understood. As long as it is true, of course!