Interprofessional collaboration between social workers and school counsellors in tackling youth at-risk behaviour

ABSTRACT

In Singapore, although youths are engaged in school, at-risk behaviours still prevail. This study discovers the experiences of collaboration between social workers and school counsellors when working together to tackle the multi-dimensional problems that youths face. It is posited that the collaborative processes have strengthened as seen in the role clarity, flexibility and tight communicative processes amongst professionals. There are also issues of concerns raised, such as confidentiality and clashes in agenda. These are discussed in light of the processes and orientations that influenced professionals in their practise. Last, relevant recommendations are given to develop collaborative work.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional collaboration
• collaborative practice
• school social work
• youth at-risk

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.