Service user violence against social workers in Italy: Prevalence and characteristics of the phenomenon

2021 ◽  
pp. 146801732110091
Author(s):  
Alessandro Sicora ◽  
Urban Nothdurfter ◽  
Barbara Rosina ◽  
Mara Sanfelici
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Service User ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Professional Relationship ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Client Violence ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Victims Of Violence

Summary Client violence in social services is perceived as constantly increasing in Italy, raising deep concern. This article presents the results of the first online survey on the phenomenon. Involving 20,112 social workers, the aim was to determine the prevalence and forms of client violence towards social workers and to identify key factors associated with such events. Findings The results suggest that the vast majority of Italian social workers experience client violence during their careers. Verbal aggression and threats were most common forms of violence, followed by physical attacks and property damage. Young and less experienced social workers appeared more likely to be victims of violence, as well as those who more frequently work in isolation or without their colleagues’ support. Social workers in child protection services, services for adults and municipality services accessible to the entire population were found to be at higher risk of client violence. The social workers considered the quality of the client/professional relationship and communication skills to be critical in preventing and dealing with aggression by users. Unfulfilled clients’ expectation was considered to be one of the main factors contributing to frustration and the consequent hostile behaviour. Applications Violence against social workers is a ‘wake-up call’ that makes the weakening of welfare services, and therefore of professional social work, more visible. The first nationwide study on service user violence reported by this paper may significantly contribute to raising awareness about the phenomenon in Italy and to the devising of effective prevention programmes.

scholarly journals Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-172
Author(s):  
David J Gilbert ◽  
Raja AS Mukherjee ◽  
Nisha Kassam ◽  
Penny A Cook
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

scholarly journals The Perception of Social Workers in the N-E Area of Romania on Supervision

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Elena Unguru
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Social ◽  
Control Dimension

The supervision relationship is a long-lasting evaluation, oriented towards a number of purposes: improving the professional activity of supervised persons, monitoring the quality of services provided by practitioners, and promoting professional practice in general. The aim of the research is to analyze the main axes of the social construction of the supervision of social services in public institutions for child protection in the N - E area of Romania. The research was based on the questionnaire survey and was carried out between October 2018 and January 2019 in the public social work institutions in Bacău, Botosani, Iaşi, Suceava, Neamţ, Vaslui counties. Social workers prefer the supportive side to the administrative one, while supervision managers put the focus on the control dimension, but accompanied by the formative one.

scholarly journals Missing Hero: Co‐Producing Change in Social Housing Programmes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Knutagård ◽  
Cecilia Heule ◽  
Arne Kristiansen
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Service User ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Housing First ◽  
Service User Involvement ◽  
The Social ◽  
Housing Options ◽  
Housing Programme

The aim of this article is to develop theory and generate knowledge about the challenges and possibilities of co‐producing change in a social housing programme. The purpose of the project was to implement the Housing First philosophy in the social housing programme in the city of Helsingborg, Sweden. The aim was also to create opportunities for service user involvement. Several innovative measures were implemented in order for these changes to occur from autumn 2016 to summer 2017. The social services commissioned a university course on which social workers and their clients studied together on equal terms to create project plans for the further development of their own workplace. A “Future” workshop was held by the researchers with representatives from all the different housing options (the shelter, transitional housing, category housing, Housing First apartments), both clients and social workers. Repeated dialogue meetings were conducted at the different housing options to discuss how service user involvement could be developed and to discover new ways of participation. This article is based on a strengths‐based perspective using the theoretical discussions on social traps, as well as the concepts of enabling and entrapping niches. We show the importance of social workers identifying and supporting missing heroes—service users who want to participate and be involved in co‐producing change. We also show that if an organisation is not prepared for the initiated changes, there is a risk of disappointment due to awakened expectations that are not fulfilled. Building trust is also an important component to emerge from the material, but we also found that change processes can be initiated that continue and have impact beyond the initial project’s goals.

scholarly journals LEGAL PROTECTION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS (CASE STUDY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN BULELENG DISTRICT)

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Ni Putu Rai Yuliartini
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Service Center ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Victims Of Violence ◽  
Integrated Service

This research aims to analyze the form of legal protection against child victims of violence in Buleleng. In addition, this research also analyzes the obstacles and efforts made by Buleleng police in uncovering cases of child abuse in Buleleng. This research is an empirical study with a study that sees law as a reality that includes social reality, reality of culture and others (examine law in action). This empirical law study aims to examine legal issues in its practical dimensions, especially related to legal protection for victims of violent crime in Buleleng district. This research uses primary data and secondary data with research location in Buleleng. Technique of collecting data is done through observation and interview. The collected data is then processed and analyzed qualitatively. The results of this study indicate that the Buleleng police prepare by receiving reports or complaints from victims of violence, whether orally or in writing as a form of regulation. The place for report or complain is on the section integrated police service center. Basically legal protection against child victims of violence is conducted in accordance with the Child Protection Act. Basically legal protection against child victims of violence is conducted in accordance with the Child Protection Act. While related to obstacles faced by Buleleng police in revealing cases of violence that occur to children that investigators often have difficulty in finding the perpetrators, lack of information from perpetrators or victims, chronology is often covered, not conformity information between perpetrators and victims. In addition, investigators find it difficult to obtain information or information from traumatized victims, lacking evidence, obstacles to finding witnesses, and the results of their visum. Furthermore, related to the efforts made, Buleleng police conducted the process of receiving reports or complaints from families of victims who experienced violence. In addition, assistance was also provided by the integrated service center for the empowerment of women and children in Buleleng, in the case of violence that occurred was accompanied, mainly related to cases of sexual violence. The involvement of an integrated service center for the empowerment of women and children is to further strengthen the mental victim through psychological support. Not only get assistance from integrated service centers for women and children empowerment but also receive assistance from social services.

scholarly journals Changing practice: The possibilities and limits for reshaping social work practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan E Laird ◽  
Kate Morris ◽  
Philip Archard ◽  
Rachael Clawson
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Family Practice ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Intensive Training

Since 2010, the United Kingdom has witnessed a number of initiatives that shift away from reliance on performance management to improve social work with children and families, towards a renewed interest in practice models. This study reports on the evaluation of a local government programme in England to introduce and embed systemic family practice through the roll out of intensive training to social workers and frontline managers. It was anticipated through the programme that child protection social workers would undertake more direct work with families and build more positive relationships, resulting in a fall in the number of child protection plans and children experiencing repeat periods of care. The evaluation adopted a mixed-method approach encompassing an online survey of social workers, interviews with team managers and family members, a case audit and statistical analysis of local level metrics. It found limited employment of systemic family practice or improvement due to the programme. Adopting the 7 S framework, this study examines the barriers to and facilitators of successful change and identifies generic considerations for change programmes in child protection social work.

scholarly journals Challenges and experiences faced by social workers working with children exposed to abuse and neglect

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keneth Tumwesigye
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Child Welfare ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Child Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Protection System ◽  
Whole Child ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Supportive Practice

Child abuse and neglect are the most disturbing problems in the field of child welfare. In the area of child welfare, all over the world, it is common social workers engaged with children such as psychologists; nurses and pediatrician are often affected while carrying out their respective duties.  The study is intended to explore the dynamic problems such social workers experience in their line of duty. The issue of social workers engaging with children exposed to child abuse and neglect require much attention and it has to be addressed in line with the child protection system. The child protection system is one of the frameworks of the whole child welfare which provide social services to children exposed to abuse and neglect. In the field of child welfare, different social workers for example pediatricians, psychologists etc work together in assessing children in relation to abuse and neglect. Therefore, this study showcases the need for supportive practice for social workers in the field of child protection to work together. Key Words: Child protection, Social worker, Child abuse and neglect,

A Study on Client Violence Experience of Social Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-89
Author(s):  
Jae-Yong Lee ◽  
Soo-Cheon Yi
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Client Violence

scholarly journals Practice in a Pandemic: School Social Workers’ Adaptations and Experiences During the 2020 COVID-19 School Disruptions

2021 ◽  
pp. 104438942110098
Author(s):  
Michael S. Kelly ◽  
Rami Benbenishty ◽  
Gordon Capp ◽  
Kate Watson ◽  
Ron Astor
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
School Social Work ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Virtual School ◽  
School Social Workers ◽  
Traditional Practice

In March 2020, as American PreK-12 schools shut down and moved into online learning in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, there was little information about how school social workers (SSWs) were responding to the crisis. This study used a national online survey to understand how SSWs ( N = 1,275) adapted their school practice during the initial 2020 COVID-19 crisis. Findings from this study indicate that SSWs made swift and (relatively) smooth adaptations of their traditional practice role to the new context, though not without reporting considerable professional stress and personal challenges doing so. SSWs reported significant concerns about their ability to deliver effective virtual school social work services given their students’ low motivation and lack of engagement with online learning, as well as significant worries about how their students were faring during the first months of the pandemic. Implications for school social work practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Modes of Relational Agency among Welfare-reliant Mothers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagit Sinai-Glazer ◽  
Boris H J M Brummans
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Human Agency ◽  
Relational Agency ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract How do welfare-reliant mothers enact their agency in relationships with social workers and social services? The present article addresses this question by investigating how twenty Israeli welfare-reliant mothers expressed different modes of human agency in in-depth interviews. Results show how research participants enact agency through (i) expressing anger, (ii) seeking help, (iii) resisting and (iv) engaging in non-action. By highlighting the multidimensional and situational nature of agency, this article offers a new relational lens for conceptualising and empirically studying human agency in social work.

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