Current Challenges
Independent Social Work is an isolating and stressful profession, and the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges. Lockdowns and two years of government restrictions have led to increased demand on services. Vulnerable children have been at greater risk and we face a mental health crisis. Case numbers have increased dramatically, as have the numbers of vacancies for Local Authority Social Workers and the need to outsource growing caseloads. In the early aftermath of the pandemic, we are only just beginning to see the impact that it has had for families. Additionally, we now face the growing concerns about the cost of living. Families having to choose between warmth and food and the potential for conflict within Europe.
Individual practitioners have had their own first-hand experiences of trauma within this time but are also at significant risk of experiencing secondary trauma from the increased incidences of abuse, poverty, anger and mental health. Secondary trauma occurs when a ‘helper’ is exposed to extreme events directly experienced by another and becomes overwhelmed by the exposure to trauma (Figley, 1995). People who work with, listen to, and try and help adults who have been traumatised are at risk for internalising their trauma.
The burden of assessment responsibility
We witness the worst and the best of humanity, and both of these experiences can have a profound impact. The assessments we undertake carry a huge burden of responsibility. A standard Parenting and Risk Assessment can determine whether a parent is capable of caring for their child and with Care Proceedings now concluding within 26 weeks, parents have only limited time to make meaningful changes to what may be a lifetime of learned behaviours and poor parenting blueprints.
A Connected Person or Special Guardianship Assessment may be a child’s final opportunity to remain within their birth family, with the alternative often being adoption and Sibling Assessments can lead to the separation of brother’s and sister’s. We explore the vulnerability and capability of parents with learning difficulties through PAMS and ParentAssess Assessments, determine whether children can be cared for by parents who have previously harmed a child within out AAA Resolutions Model Assessments, determine whether young children are at risk of sexual exploitation, physical and sexual abuse or emotional harm and try to manage the complex challenge of parental alienation, where parents can lose sight of their children emotionally and sometimes even weaponize them within Section 7 and Section 37 reports.
The emotional cost
This is the life of an Independent Social Worker. Contrary to the belief of some, these are decisions that we do not make lightly, and for which we often pay a considerable emotional toll. The satisfaction of getting the best outcome for every child, supporting and protecting vulnerable people and witnessing the capacity for meaningful change is something that we are driven to achieve and what keeps us doing what we do. It is important that we remind ourselves that despite the challenges of social work, it can equally be extremely rewarding. Although social workers bear witness to pain and trauma, they also bear witness to resilience and healing and the potential for changed lives.
In mental health awareness month, we want to recognise and acknowledge Social Workers and Independent Social Workers, who can be overwhelmed by the personal challenge that the role presents at times. At Advanced CCA, we strive to listen to our ISW’s and value their work and the emotional challenges that they face on a daily basis. We offer opportunities for case discussion so that difficult decisions can be processed and reflected upon. These discussions offer a safe space, where practitioners do not feel stigmatised or judged and we would never accept secondary trauma and stress as ‘the norm’. This sharing of ideas can reduce the likelihood of secondary trauma but it is important to recognise that it is our capacity for empathy and compassion that is our greatest attribute, no matter the cost.
