The the norm appears to be one of accepting there will be resistance,hostile engagement and a resistance to engage in any meaningful meetings and or work.Should the question be why this is? and how do we make this better for service users and social workers.

Because the system does not support social workers to provide a professional service due to unmanable case loads,time constrsins ,in some cases complex issues, paper work,learning new systems,attitudes,and in some cases poor pratice and guidance, social workers have lost the core skills of engaging service users.

Social workers attempt to work with the resources to hand,however social workers do not have the power to provide resources and funding to better equipped the profession.

In responce to (pratice point),(focus point 1 and 2) very often motivational interviewing remains at the engagement stage and,hierarchical stages which can then result in care proceedings being initiated because there is no evidence of progression. In some case’s, this then forces service users to engage.

Does this then bring the best outcome for all? Just asking the question!!!

Should we not look at the wider issues of what is preventing engagement?

Are social workers really given the time to prepare for interviewing/assessing service users or is the expectation you will have all the answers in a couple of sessions.In my experince it does not work in this way.

The service needs support from senior management to be in a position to offer the above. Should there not be acknowledgement and steps put in place to address the issues faced by the service inorder to bring back trust in the profession.Ignoring the need for change to both pratice and resources may only cause issues for all.

Is social work not about using our skills,resources,and best pratice to achieve the best out come for all which in turn will reflect a better outcome for all.

These are my observations,option’s based on my own experiences.