Social Work Successes

Iain Smith, who is criminal defence lawyer, shares his ‘success story’ of a young adult he was representing in the criminal court. This man had a significant attachment-based trauma history and was battling an addiction to drugs. Iain encouraged the Judge to view him through a ‘trauma lens’ and suggested that she should in fact be ‘praising him’ for his efforts to try to make improvements in his life. 

Iain is extremely passionate about trying to assist Judges with stopping the ‘revolving door’ of the criminal justice system, and looking beyond punishment and retribution, to instead focus on more long-term interventions, that might assist with repair and rehabilitation.  

Jo Norris shares a 'success story' from the mother and baby assessment unit she works in.  Parents are referred to their service, by the local authority, often for a 12 week assessment and at the end of this time they make a recommendation whether the parent can return to the community with their baby or for the baby to be removed from their care. 

The mum that Jo was working with had significant learning needs, struggled to mentalize, and had been using cocaine during her pregnancy. 

Natelie Robertson shares a 'success story' from her time spent working in The Youth Offending team. 

Natelie is a social worker who is championing social workers wellbeing. She discusses how  social workers are good at saving, fixing and supporting others, but not always so good at doing that for themselves. 

Check out her brilliant resources on Instagram: thesocialife_ 

Episode 1 coming on the 19th of March!