Social Work Violence and Risk

Authors Avatar

10042439

Social Work Violence and Risk

1.

The word risk is derived from the Italian word riscare which means ‘to run into danger’, Douglas and Wildavsky (1982). Notions of risk and dangerousness have been around for some time. People distinguish risk in many different ways and in an array of contexts. One person’s perception of what is a risk may differ widely from what another person sees as a hazard. However Douglas and Wildavsky (1982) believe that when the idea of risk is conveyed it is associated with danger and the probability of likely harm. Within the area of Social Work words such as ‘risk’ and ‘abuse’ have been largely replaced by ones like ‘welfare’ and ‘need’, the focus is now on ‘need’. These are seen as less stigmatizing, insular and confrontational. Coupled with this is an emphasis on drawing strengths from the family, (DOH 1999,2000). Although it could be argued that in recent years the assessment process has become more of a subjective experience with regard to the possible labeling of individuals and distribution of resources, (Hollows 2004).

There are two types of risk to consider in relation to the Social Work setting. Firstly risk to the client inscribed by the Social Worker. These are intrinsically linked to Judgments made by the workers and are important because of this. Cooper 2003, believes that where there is need risk exists. Social workers are required to make assessments based on strategic judgments which can lead to interventions to effect change. According to Hollows 2004, there are two types of risk considered in the assessment process. Firstly static factors, these are historic and do not change, associated with the persons past they can give the worker a more holistic picture of the situation and why the issues have arisen. They can be easier to assess by actuarial processes (equations, standardized material). Secondly dynamic factors. These may change and are split into two kinds. Stable (if the person has a problem with drugs) and acute (current situation and the triggers). From these assessments Social Workers are expected to anticipate what issues the client has and what are the causes. They must look behind the presenting problems and decide how best to respond.      

The second risk is the one, which the Social Worker carries when dealing with clients. Horowitz 1998, believes that workers are constantly exposed to the details of individuals lives which are often traumatic and disturbing and can also be laid open to violence and threats as part of the job. This can have a negative effect on the worker and can lead to lack of morale, discontinued functioning and increased turnover of workers because of the stresses of the position. Direct (aimed the worker) and indirect (aimed at the client) trauma can affect the workers personal vulnerabilities, e.g. (past life, current situation, values, coping abilities). These can affect the worker and numbing, hypervigilence and flooding effects can ensue, (detachment from the situation to manage a crisis and increased diligence when anticipating a similar situation). Although these may be useful in the short term they could hamper the effectiveness of practice if used as a long term coping mechanism. The use of supervision and support of families and colleagues is vital as part of the supportive process to minimize the effects and stresses that risk initiates.    

2.1

Louise:

At risk from Bill:

  • Static Factors: 

  • History of mental health problems

  • History of domestic violence towards family. 3 older children removed from his and his wife’s care because of this. Children in long term foster care – no contact.      

  • Dynamic Factors:

Join now!
  • Drink problem. Has an acute problem at present. Starts drinking when he is under pressure (trigger) and has recently been arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

  • Puts his own needs before those of his daughter.  

At risk from Mary:

  • S F:

  • History of mental illness. Bi polar illness and has been involved for a number of years with mental health services. Her condition is medicated and she is taking this on a regular basis. Louise is on the local child protection register because of the family history of mental illness.

  • D F:

...

This is a preview of the whole essay