I love direct work with children as part of relationship-based practice. I recently had a school that wanted to refer straight to Child Protection, but I knew that I could do some work with the family. Working with the parents and the school, we were able to make a big difference.

Henry* is 9 years old and is autistic, both his parents have learning disabilities, they struggle in some aspects. When I met him, Henry had been bullied at school because of his appearance, his clothes, and how he prepared for school.
For two weeks, every morning at 7am, I went over to teach the him how to brush his teeth, wash himself, and change his T-shirt. On the first day, he broke his toothbrush because he didn’t know how to use it.

I bought him another toothbrush, as well as some deodorant, gel to style his hair, and all the tools he needed to look well cared for. In the first week, we did this every day, and we also got him a haircut with a shaved design on the side.
At the beginning of the second week, he told me that nobody bullies him anymore because he looks so cool. He used to be called names, but after two weeks, that had stopped.

Children can be embarrassed to admit that you are their Social Worker, but I will never forget when he took my hand and dragged me through the school corridors, telling everyone with such pride and a smile that I am his Social Worker and that I helped him brush his teeth. Six months later, he told me that he no longer needs me because he can wash himself. It has also had an effect on the parents, who have learned along the way to wash as well. The school says they have noticed a big improvement—it’s smiles all around.

*Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality