INTRODUCTION

  • Yourself

    Introduce yourself to the victim. Let them know your name and ask them what their name is. Let them know you recognize they have been in a super difficult situation. Maintain a calm and slow tone.

  • Your role

    Let them know your role. To them you look like just another person perhaps even in a white coat and that can be intimidating. Explain to them that you are their social worker and that this means you are on their team and are there to advocate for them. Typically the victim will not know who you are or what you are there for. Using words such as “we” and “together” will help the victim feel as though they will not have to walk through this situation alone. Explain to them you are there to best learn and support their needs and and seek to understand what those are.

  • Confidentiality

    Explain to them what confidentiality is and how that applies to their situation. Let them know what you and the doctors can and cannot disclose to others about their situation and answer any questions that they have. Recognize that the information is a lot to handle especially considering the trauma they have undergone and recognize that you may need to take time to clarify speak slower than normal.

introducing you

This is an opportunity for you to connect and build trust and hope between you and you’re patient.

Some tips for introducing yourself include

  • Speak in a calm and slow manner

  • Give them your name and ask them theirs even if you already know it

  • Acknowledge their extremely difficult situation

An Example

Social Worker: “Hi ____, my name is ______. What is your name?”

Patient: “My name is ____”

Social Worker: “Well hello ______ I wish we were meeting under different circumstances I cant imagine how you must be feeling. I am so sorry you are having to go through this.”

Your role

After giving your name and learning theirs identify who you are and why you are there. Ensure you are using language that makes sense to them and that they understand what you are saying. Keep a calm, soothing voice as you continue. It is important they know you are there to be their advocate.

An Example Continued

Social Worker: “I know you have gone through a lot so let me take a second and explain to you why I am here. I am your social worker. When patients have gone through something really hard usually they are assigned someone like me to advocate for you and make sure you are okay. We are going to spend some time talking together about what happened and what some of your needs and concerns are. Is that okay with you and do you have any questions for me?”

Of course you can say this in your own words but ensure you cover the following

  • You are a social worker

  • You are there to be their advocate and are there for them

  • Ask them about any questions or concerns they have

confidentiality

An Example

In a situation with a minor:

“ (Their name), I want to talk to you briefly about confidentiality. When something is confidential it means that if you tell me something, I am not going to tell anyone else that information. So what you say will stay between you and I, unless I feel that you could be a harm to yourself or others. However, it is important for you to know that because you are under 18 year of age, your parent(s)/legal guardian(s) would technically have access to your medical record. If for some reason I felt like I needed to share something with your parent(s)/legal guardian(s), I would talk about that with you first. I know this situation is difficult, but I want you to be aware of the limits of our confidentiality. Do you understand that? Do you have any questions about confidentiality?”

In a situation with an adult

“(Their name), I do want to discuss confidentiality with you briefly. Essentially anything we talk about today will not be disclosed or talk about with anyone else without your permission unless I feel as though you could be at risk for harming yourself or others. Do you understand that? Do you have any questions about confidentiality?”