Social workers urged to face up to difficult home visits

SOCIAL workers have been urged to become more resilient to foul smelling and filthy homes, dangerous animals, hostile and violent receptions and dangerous levels of deception when visiting the homes of at risk children.

Discussing the lessons to be learned for Irish social workers from the failures of British social services in the notorious Baby P case last year, professor of social work at the University of Nottingham, Harry Ferguson said the difficulties of child protection work needs to be highlighted as the concept of the “bungling social worker” has gained currency.

Mr Ferguson underlined the vital importance of family home visits even in face of the “hostility and deception”. He said social workers must face up to the “fear and disgust” these visits often induce and become more resilient.