The family I was visiting had never had any involvement with children’s services before. None of the children had ever met a social worker, and they had little idea of what my role was or what to expect. I was there to meet two of the children at school after they’d shared some concerns about their father’s discipline at home, which had been quite harsh.

One child, Aisha, stood out to me immediately. She was the youngest and seemed incredibly shy, uncertain about meeting me. To help her feel at ease, we agreed to have the headteacher join our meeting, and to everyone’s delight, the headteacher brought along the school’s therapy dog. Not many schools have therapy dogs, so I was hopeful it would make a difference.

When Aisha arrived, her face lit up as soon as she saw the dog. She quickly settled onto the floor beside her furry friend, who clearly brought her comfort. Lying next to the dog, she began to open up, speaking freely and honestly in a way that might have taken much longer if not for the gentle presence of the dog. I was able to learn about her experiences at home, her feelings about her dad’s discipline, and what she thought could be better.

After the session, the headteacher and I reflected on how crucial the dog’s presence had been. It’s rare to have resources like therapy dogs in our sessions, but this one made a world of difference. Aisha felt comfortable and heard, and I left feeling hopeful. For a child who had never met a social worker, it was the start of a positive connection, and it reminded me of the small, simple supports that can make all the difference in helping children feel safe enough to share their stories.

*Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality