When creating the Effective Child Protection Model, it was considered a key element of the project to have a practice leader who could mentor the frontline social workers with regard to understanding the different components of the model, and also with embedding training into practice.
Sessions are arranged initially to meet with the workers on an individual basis as it is important to begin building a positive working relationship where workers feel comfortable approaching the mentor for advice or support. It is also important to liaise with the team manager to plan how to effectively engage with the workers. A document clarifying the role of the mentor and the support available to workers has been created.
Further follow up sessions are arranged to strengthen the workers’ understanding and confidence in their use of the model and to offer further support to workers with the tools provided when working with children who are at risk of significant harm.
Further to this additional sessions are arranged between the mentor and worker as needed – this can be in relation to any aspect of the model: sometimes a case discussion to aid reflection is needed; sometimes workers want support in drafting the ‘steps to change’; some wish to discuss the Risk Model; and some want to discuss the focus on the change that they’ve identified. Whatever the issues that arise for the worker, the mentor is able to create a space to be able to hold such discussions.
The role of the mentor has to be flexible and understanding; recognising that the frontline workers are very busy and that their planned day can change very quickly depending on what is happening with any family they may be supporting. The mentor is available to support by phone, email, individual sessions, being present in the office or being available to attend a meeting; this also offers workers flexibility in how they can access support.
