Memories from the frontline

• Published in: Journal of Comparative Social Work
• Main Author: Liza Manolis
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Stavanger 2013
• Subjects: critical reflection; First Nations; professional social worker; child Abuse; Strength Based Perspective; Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology; HV1-9960
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v8i1.95; https://doaj.org/article/186678a256234786b811def2e800c950

In this essay, a critical incident involving an experienced child protection social worker and a First Nation family is deconstructed utilizing Jan Fook’s Critical Reflection Technique (2002). This deconstruction process investigates the issues of professional boundaries, revictimization, vicarious trauma, power and oppression and the ideas surrounding what a “real” and “good” social worker is. Through the reconstruction process, it is discovered that the assumptions underlying these issues are not helpful, and in fact are harmful to both the social worker’s sense of self as well as to social work practice. A discussion on how to avoid succumbing to the assumptions and expectations is then generated as a means to encourage professional practice without fear. Lastly, a strength-based perspective will be utilized to demonstrate how theory was operationalized with this First Nation family.