Life Changing Decisions

A major challenge facing social workers working with children in court proceedings, is that you are frequently called upon to make some of the most difficult decisions; under pressurised circumstances, whilst mulling over choices that you hope will provide the best outcome for the child/ren concerned.

The decisions you have to make are not just onerous and complex, they are decisions that have far reaching consequences and can mean the difference between the life and death for that child.

This is the gravity of the work you are engaged in and it is without doubt a huge responsibility.

But who recognises and appreciates the extent of the seriousness of your job?

Although the children you work with or their parents do in one respect they invariably and understandably fail to grasp the whole picture. For them you often represent nothing more than public enemy number one.

They see you as someone who has done little else than split up the family (in the event you have had to recommend a child’s removal).

You’re not seen as someone who is focused on the safety and wellbeing of their child, not just currently, but throughout their childhood. As a result, your intentions are viewed with extreme hostility and distrust.

Your mangers and colleagues do recognise it, but beyond them no one else really does.

This huge responsibility is a burden you bear pretty much on your own, because it is your work, your assessment, your decision.

Yeah sure, you work on behalf of the local authority, or an agency, but when it comes right down to it, the ‘buck stops with you.’

It is your name that is on the statement, or the court report, so make no mistake, although you may work for whatever organisation you do, it is your professionalism and reputation that is on the line.

If or when you are called to give evidence at court the barristers are not asking for your manager or service manager, or anyone else in the organisation to explain or justify the decisions recommended, they are asking you to. The only time they would ask someone other than you is if you were unable to be present and you would have to have a very good reason for your absence.

So why am I emphasising this point to you?

Because I want you to be fully conscious of what you’re doing when you sign your name to assessments, having made the time to be as sure as possible about your decision, since you are the person who will be held accountable at court and by the family.

This job – as you already know – is not for the ‘faint hearted.’ It is a tough job that calls forth from you your ability to analyse, your sensitivity, resolve, courage, empathy, communication skills, ability to manage conflict and resilience.

People who gain a glimpse of the gravity of your job will often comment: “good luck with that, I wouldn’t want your job,” and that’s because very few people can do and would choose to do what you do.

Most people opt for an easy life, they shy away from tough decisions and want as few responsibilities as possible, preferring to leave the tough things to others, but that action as with everything else has consequences, though they may not realise it.

The really tough decisions are frequently painful but they are necessary in your work life, as they are in your personal life. Failure to make important decisions keeps you stuck, in limbo, going nowhere!

So the messages I want to leave with you are as follows:

1, Your job can be lonely and tough, so make sure you take time to care for yourself and have a good support system around you.

2, Your decisions are complex and hard so look at them from every conceivable angle before committing one way or another. Although I am sure you know this, it is generally helpful to bear that advice in mind!

3, Recognise the work you do is both a privilege and a responsibility – the latter of which is often perceived as outweighing the former.

4, Tough decisions though urge you to demand answers to tough questions and this is can help you develop a skill you can utilise, not just at work but in your personal life.

It is the questions you ask of yourself and the decisions you make, which determine the quality of your life!?