ASSESSING SOCIAL WORKERS by Ray Ferris

BASIC PRINCIPLES BY WHICH TO ASSESS SOCIAL WORKERS by Ray Ferris

Ray Ferris is a frequent commentator and occasional post writer here. Ray is the author of 'The Art of Child Protection'.

If you want to assess the social workers properly then you need to go back to basic principles. This is what I always start off with and when you do that the matters usually become quite clear. The basic mandate of child protection is to ensure that a child can be made safe at home, or in alternative care. This principle is firmly embodied in the CF&CSA and there are many admonitions to extend help to parents in making sure their children are protected. If we look at what happened to Derek Hoare in the light of these principles, we can quickly see that the director was in dire dereliction of his duty.

CHILD PROTECTION WORK IS DEMANDING / 543

Expeditiously investigate concerns. Empathetically communicate with parents. Absolutely protect vulnerable children. Committedly try to stabilize a family. Compassionately assist parents.

No one says that the child protection worker’s job is an easy one. The CP worker is mandated not merely to protect children but to enhance their life quality as well as to strengthen families, including perhaps the families from which children have been removed.

How quickly a CP worker adjusts to the demanding rigor of the job is uncertain. It is documented however, that there has been much difficulty for many years in recruiting and retaining competent child protection workers.