Have your say
Have your say We were keen to learn about how you believe we should facilitate and promote positive, healthy relationships amongst young people. We share your advice on how to ensure person-centred care and discuss the issues relating to social work evaluation – in particular, what we should do to ensure robust evidence-based practice. Let us know if you agree with our community through our social media channels @myswnews or email us press@mysocialworknews.com
Children growing up within the care system may not be aware of what positive and healthy relationships look like, whether that’s with partners, family or friends. How can we, as practitioners, work with them to provide positive examples? “The best we can do is to continue having conversations with young people and delve into the reasoning as to why they may justify certain behaviours from others. Using asset-based and motivational interviewing skills, we should help them to come to
what good, supportive secure relationships are, and
workshops which include other areas like self-care,
how important they can be. We should encourage
being aware of your emotions and what do you want for
young people to join groups and social activities that
the future.” Elly, Social Worker, London
also demonstrate good relationships and enable them
Person-centred care is so important when it comes to social care. How can we make sure the voice of the person is always listened to and kept at the forefront of any decision-making process?
to feel part of these activities.” Teresa, Senior Social Worker, Kent “We should promote the diversity of many different types of family and home setups to help them feel secure, no matter their own situation. Much like therapy, we need to provide hope and foster a positive relationship with them so that they can have at least one example of a healthy and stable relationship, even if it is
“Every meeting I hold has the child’s name at the
on a professional level.” Lorraine, Social Worker, London
beginning e.g Frankie’s Contact set-up meeting. During
their own solution. I’d also advocate for one-to-one
“By maintaining consistent boundaries and managing
workshops around consent, positive behaviours in a
their expectations of us, and what we are able to do
relationship and working with them around the signs
for them. Our relationship with them should be the first
and indicators of domestic abuse. This would mean that
positive example of a healthy relationship we think
if they are faced with those challenges, they are able
about. I think this applies to our work with anyone.”
to identify them.” Jessica, Senior Progression Coach,
Michelle, Social Worker, Stockport
Manchester
“We need to talk constantly about what healthy and
“It is essential that all foster carers are trained and
unhealthy relationships are. For example, what are the
assessed in the correct way. We need to ensure that
warning signs/red flags? This needs to be discussed,
all placements are able to be role models to show
particularly with young women. We should look at
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each meeting, we always spend the first 5-10 minutes learning about that child, which focuses everyone on them as an individual and their needs. Service users should be given every opportunity possible to contribute to any decision-making process about their lives - directly, through an advocate or via technology (Skype/picture/video)” Nicky, Contact Service Manager, Brighton & Hove “All decisions about me should be made with me”. This is the grounding for any effective social work practice. Utilising the person’s assets rather than focusing
