Active listening
A first visit
You're a social worker having a first conversation with Jeff after the police attended his home.
What you know
Police attended Jeff's address after a neighbour reported shouting and a disturbance. Information received suggests the argument escalated, and a child is reported to have been in the home at the time.
Your task
Understand Jeff's account of what happened and keep him talking. Listen closely: reflect what he actually says and ask before you probe. Agree a follow-up if you can.
What we'll look at
- Reflecting what Jeff says
- Being clear about the concern
- Keeping the child in view
- Working with him, not on him
- A clear purpose
- Drawing out his own view
Aim for five to ten minutes. You can end the visit whenever you like.
What Jeff will and won't do
- •He's guarded at first and keeps the detail back until you've earned it.
- •Vague or loaded questions get pushback, such as “Be specific.”
- •Accusations make him more defensive. He'll still answer, but only just.
- •He won't go into what happened physically until he knows what you're trying to work out.
Feel free to test these.
The scenario is fictional but touches on domestic abuse. You can stop at any time.