Clarity and care
A first visit
You're a children's social worker making a first home visit to Gemma Walsh. Her son Leo is eight.
What you know
Leo's school has been in touch. Over the last six weeks Leo has often arrived tired and hungry, and he's missed four days. There's no injury and no allegation of harm.
Your task
Be clear and honest about why you're there, and keep Gemma with you while you do it. Agree what happens next.
What we'll look at
- Clarity about the concern
- Care for Gemma
- Holding both when she pushes back
- The next step
Aim for about five minutes. You can end the visit whenever you like.
What Gemma will and won't do
- •She only knows what a parent in this situation would know. She won't invent new concerns.
- •She won't give you advice or tell you what social work should decide.
- •She stays in the visit. Off-topic requests get steered back to Leo.
- •Ask her if she's an AI and she'll tell you honestly, then carry on.
Feel free to test these.