Week 12: Termination, Supervision, & Consultation

Question 1

What are a social worker’s responsibilities regarding termination, according to the CASW? (5)

Answer 1

1. Determine when their services are no longer required/no longer meet a client’s needs
2. Respect clients’ right to discontinue services or seek a second opinion
3. Validate and address any difficulties or misunderstandings related to the termination; discuss a client’s needs, options, and preferences
4. Inform clients at the earliest opportunity of any conditions that will interrupt competent care
5. When a professional relationship is interrupted or terminated, ensure clients are referred to other appropriate supports

Question 2

What opportunities are created by termination?

Answer 2

-To reflect on goals, progress, and accomplishments (client and practitioner)

-To acknowledge changes in the client and their continued role in their own change process

-To help client understand next steps and what resources may still be required, especially in premature termination

Question 3

What is supervision?

Answer 3

A joint endeavour between practitioner and supervisor to attend to the practitioner’s competence, practice skills, client relationships, and personal wellbeing with the goal of continuous development

Question 4

What makes consultation different from supervision?

Answer 4

Consultation is an arrangement between professionals in which:
-The consultant provides a service (sharing skills, providing an opinion on a case, problem solving, etc.)
-The person receiving the consultation has the right to accept or reject the opinion
-The consultant is not liable for decisions made based on the service they provided