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Family first
MICHAEL SIEFF
Chev Social Services has a designated “Intake Social Worker”. It is her job to be the first point of contact for people seeking psychosocial help of any kind. She speaks to them, meets with them and assesses the nature of the assistance they require so that she can direct them and facilitate the allocation of a social worker (and frequently other experts as well) to the case.
But sometimes, as in the situation I am referring to, the intake process can be extremely complex involving a team of social workers and consultants representing different parties. In this case family dynamics and inter-generational tensions had resulted in an impasse damaging to the wellbeing and health of a family unit.
Unpacking and discussing a number of issues from the perspectives of different family members required a high level of professionalism. Everyone had to be heard and their feelings and positions presented and considered. Importantly, calm and order had to be maintained for without that there could be no progress on finding solutions and no hope of resolution.
I am understating it when I say wisdom and patience was evident in abundance and I was extremely gratified – and humbled – to see the process in action. The outcome, which was the culmination of open-minded teamwork and sincere, objective focus on seeking and finding answers, ultimately reached a win-win outcome that was rewarding and satisfactory to all parties. Most essentially, it protected the sanctity of the family unit in a mature and proactive manner.
When all is said and done, our Social Services division’s primary goal is family preservation. Watching how it’s done, was nothing short of inspiring.
May our partnership continue to thrive.
