Supervising Social Workers in Involuntary Contexts: Some Considerations

ABSTRACT

This article outlines areas for reflection for those providing supervision to social workers working in involuntary and semivoluntary contexts. This includes clinical implications, impacts on social work identity, and potential impacts on the supervisory relationship itself. It suggests that there are some areas that could be considered for discussion and exploration that may be different in focus to other types of supervisory practice, encouraging supervisors to consider their own approach in response to the issues raised.

IMPLICATIONS

• Working in involuntary contexts raises specific challenges in relation to power and authority in practice, as well as a range of ethical dilemmas.

• Supervisors might wish to consider the issues raised with a view to exploring with their supervisees how working with involuntary clients changes their framework or approach.

对于那些为在非自觉及半自觉环境中服务的社会工作者提供监管的人士，本文提出了一些需要反思的方面，包括临床意义、对社会工作身份的影响，对监控关系自身的潜在影响等等。作者认为，有些方面的重点不同于其他类型的监管实践，值得讨论和考察，应鼓励监管者思考他们自己对那些问题的解答。

KEYWORDS:

• Supervision
• Involuntary Clients
• Reflection
• Clinical Practice
• Social Work

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.