Introduction
Social work embodies the empowerment of individuals who require support and assistance. While the profession is multifaceted, one aspect of social work that can be highly complex is the termination of services with clients. Termination can occur for various reasons and circumstances.
Nonetheless, there are ways in which the phenomenon can be approached to benefit both the social worker and the person or community receiving assistance. It is certain that, for termination to be executed positively, professional, ethical, and personal considerations must be taken into account. The process involves seamless transitions from one service to another, the application of moral principles, and a focus on the client’s needs and desires.
Addressing Termination
To examine the termination adequately from the perspective of addressing it effectively, it is essential to highlight the potential reasons that correlate with the phenomenon. The most effective way for collaboration between a social worker and individuals or communities requiring assistance is through achieving goals. During the collaboration between the two parties, goals are set based on the circumstances (Freeland, 2020).
For example, termination can be fulfilled when an economically vulnerable family acquires suitable living conditions and a stable income, allowing for existing problems to be minimized. Another example is the termination in case a child whose parents lost custody is adopted into a family that fulfills all the child’s emotional, economic, and social needs. However, other reasons why relationships with clients end include the relocation of the social worker, changes in the client’s needs, failure of individuals to receive assistance, or a lack of communication.
As a social worker, I will ensure that effective communication is maintained between the client and me. I will inform the individual I work with of the process and facilitate a smooth transition. The strategy is supported by researchers who emphasize the importance of informing children when social workers will no longer assist them (Curry, 2020). Additionally, I will ensure that the client experiences problem-free alterations in the event that additional services are required. For example, in cases in which I assess that a person is in need of inpatient or psychiatric interventions, I will prepare them for the transition and send all the necessary information to the institution that will take responsibility for further treatment.
It is crucial to minimize feelings of abandonment by highlighting that the needs of the client are primordial and the changes will either benefit them or are a result of excellent goal attainment. Answering questions, remaining cordial, and referring individuals to other qualified specialists if needed are important in maintaining progress and hindering possible barriers and limitations. Termination can be traumatic both for the client and the social worker (NASW, 2023). Nonetheless, the steps mentioned previously can help alleviate negative feelings and facilitate the end of professional relationships without compromising the positive changes that have occurred as a result of the collaboration.
Personal Reactions
Another consideration is addressing personal reactions to the termination. Both clients and social workers can be emotionally impacted by the fact that the relationship needs to be terminated. The emotional reactions, to some extent, are beneficial as they highlight the worker’s involvement in the case and their desire to help and generate favorable outcomes. For example, in a study examining social workers involved in child welfare and their subjects, termination was accompanied by sadness, anxiety, and regret by both parties (Curry, 2020).
Such emotions, however, are a testament to the healthy bonds that have been formed. Personal emotions can be regulated through discussions with the client and goal attainment, in the event of termination, if the client has achieved all the objectives. However, for social workers, psychological and mental health exercises can alleviate the adverse effects. When it comes to clients, the worker is to assure them that they can seek help and guidance, even after termination. Personal feelings, while impossible to completely dismiss, can be mitigated by open and honest communication regarding the upsetting circumstances.
Practical Implementation
My integration of termination in practice will consist of personal, ethical, and professional considerations. My goal will be to ensure the client does not experience abandonment. Instead, it is essential to communicate the need to terminate, assist the individual in transitioning to other services or specialists if necessary, and ensure that confidentiality and personal feelings are not overlooked during the process. As a result, the end of the relationship will be both professionally executed and considerate of the client’s feelings and needs.
Conclusion
One of the elements of social work that requires consideration is the termination of services. As a social worker, it is important not to generate feelings of abandonment. Hence, both professional and personal aspects must be considered. Communication with the client, terminating a relationship only based on valid reasons, and transferring a client to other services are essential elements to include. Additionally, the client is to be reassured that help is always available. As a result, the progress that was made is less likely to be hindered.
References
Curry, A. (2020). Envisioning a reflective, relationship-based approach to termination in child welfare: The importance of thinking, feeling, and doing. Children and Youth Services Review, 117, 105201.
Freeland, C. F. (2020). The impact of client culture on termination of the counseling relationship. Georgia Educational Research Association Conference, 5.
NASW. (2023). About. NASW, National Association of Social Workers.