(By Athan Schindler, S&G staff social worker)

When I was in grad school, a professor (Dr. Streeter to be exact) said something to our class that has resonated with me ever since. He said, “There’s an Iron Rule in Social Work. It’s iron because it’s not flexible or bendable. You should never work harder than your client. You will not do your client any good by doing everything for him.”

I have bought into this philosophy. For me, it’s the whole “teaching someone to fish vs. giving them a fish” argument. As a Social Worker, I have worked very hard to establish my professional boundaries - to draw the line in the sand that I will not cross. I take great pride in integrity and sticking to my values. Up to this point, I have not broken this rule. Or, at least I’ve tried really hard not to.

One problem, though. I’m a Social Worker in a criminal defense law firm. By nature, our clients aren’t always the most responsible people in the world. They don’t always come to appointments- regardless of how many times you remind them. They certainly don’t always follow through with plans and action items. Don’t get me wrong; many do. However, the ones who could usually benefit most from an social worker’s assistance and the ones who usually REALLY need an excellent outcome in their criminal case, do not.

I have a true passion for being an agent of change for the people I serve. I really, really want them to achieve success - whatever that means for them. Problematically, I often find myself wanting their success more than they do. OK, ok… I’m exaggerating. Or am I? It certainly feels that way. And, I know I can’t make anyone do something they don’t want to do.

My question is: How can I empower my clients to invest their time and energy into their own lives and their own goals to their fullest potential?

I’m sure I’m really showing my inexperience as a social worker here, but it will be worth it if I could gain some tools and resources from some seasoned social workers.

Labels: social work

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