Engaging with a service user in a statutory context
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource you should develop your confidence in integrating the legal and helping dimensions of your role in a way that is sensitive to the service user’s perspective.
In the context of a statutory intervention, service users can often be reluctant to engage with social workers. Though there are many reasons for this, one of the most important is that they have little choice in the decision that is made. However good practice requires building a constructive relationship with service users and a shared understanding of the issues they face.
This role-play activity from Karen Healy’s Social Work Methods and Skills (2012) looks at the challenges of managing the complex responsibilities of the social work role – its social control aspect in fulfilling statutory duties but also the importance of service user empowerment and respect. Recognizing this balance, and assisting service users to understand it, can reduce confusion and build trust, providing a solid foundation for practice effectiveness. A key element in this process is empathy, the ability to see the situation through the service user’s eyes.
Reflective Questions
- What personal and professional values did you draw on to help steer the focus of this imagined first meeting with Jed?
- Were there any points at which you felt outside your comfort zone? Why?
- Do you think there could be any limitations to empathy in a statutory social work context? What might these be?
- Have you been involved in any similar situations to the one discussed in this activity? How did the experience compare?