In this episode the host of the Incredible Witness Podcast reflects on the demanding nature of being a social worker, drawing a comparison to the character Reed from the Fantastic Four who could stretch his limbs. The host discusses the constant need for social workers to go above and beyond to safeguard children and families, often facing uncomfortable and challenging tasks. They highlight the immense pressure and time constraints faced by social workers involved in court proceedings, where every action is scrutinised. The episode emphasises the importance of self-care and setting clear goals to avoid burnout and maintain well-being in a role that can be both rewarding and taxing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Social workers are expected to stretch and extend themselves in order to safeguard children and promote their well-being. They often have to perform uncomfortable and challenging tasks that others would shy away from.
• Court work in social work is particularly demanding and stressful. Everything is urgent all the time, and social workers are constantly under pressure to complete assessments and tasks within a specific time frame set by the court.
• Social workers in court proceedings are subject to scrutiny and criticism from other parties involved in the case, as well as from the judge. Non-compliance with court instructions can lead to severe criticism and negative consequences.
• It is important for social workers to be aware of their limits and prioritise their health and well-being. Burnout, ill health, and disillusionment can occur if they do not set boundaries and take time to reflect on their feelings and thoughts regularly.
• Having a clear purpose and goal in mind is essential for social workers to maintain their effectiveness and well-being. It is important to know why they are doing the job and set a timeframe or achieve a standard that holds intrinsic value to them.

BEST MOMENTS
"Social workers are invariably called upon and expected to stretch and extend themselves in the course of their work to safeguard the child or promote their well-being, and not just for now, but throughout their childhood."
"No matter how stressed and exhausted you might be, who cares? No one but you. You have to face the fact that it's simply the nature of your job."
"Being prepared for the unexpected, as well as the unexpected, is key to managing life to the best of your abilities."
"How far can you be stretched and yet remain resilient? How far or to what extent can you be stretched and continue to show empathy for others, when it feels like little or no empathy has been shown to you?"
"Being stretched and pulled out of your comfort zone is necessary in order to grow and develop towards a worthwhile goal. You have set your sights on, but to be challenged and stretched endlessly in the absence of a clear purpose in mind merely invites ill health and other undesirable consequences."

ABOUT THE HOST
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Instagram: michael240656

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.