SOCIAL WORK IN A CHANGING WORLD
FAMILY FOCUS
I sit writing this article in a full circle moment . My first experience of social work was as a service user in my early 20s – I found myself feeling frustrated at the lack of action after years of failed opportunities for professionals to keep myself and my brother safe . It wasn ’ t one defining moment that resulted in me changing my
Embedding a whole-family approach is the best way to keep children safe and improve outcomes for their parents , says Rebecca Pettifor
career goal completely , it was a series of events that sparked curiosity and a drive to make a difference .
The senior social worker role is complex and , as it develops , I have found there is scope to be creative , which I love . A fundamental part of my role is to lead the service in making a difference to families impacted by substance misuse . What motivates me is knowing our offer is trauma-informed , nurturing , and understanding of to the complexities of family life . I pride myself on putting children and families at the heart of my practice and I can see the impact this is having in Kirklees .
I am proud of the offer we ’ ve developed and confident there is an evidenced impact , such as with the early support offer and Moving Children and Parents Together Programme ( M-PACT ).
As a social work team , we are empowering children who are hidden and parents who are embroiled in feelings of guilt and shame . We are creating safe spaces for families to be open about how substance use has impacted them , and inspiring change .
WHAT ADDICTION LOOKS LIKE The rainbow artwork above was completed by an 11-year-old – it reflects what addiction looks like to them . The rainbow is Grandma , she is her safe place . The thunder reflects her worries about parents ’ substance use and the rain is uncertainty . The lights represent when she was happy at home , and how she wishes they are always on .
When I think about what keeps me going at work it must be my social work practice and values . I enjoy developing others
24 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • OCTOBER 2023 WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM