Some children are assigned social workers when governmental authorities intervene. These social workers may be of assistance if they are attracted to the child. However, in most cases their workload does not allow them to work with any client on an intensive basis. They want to see rapid results so that they can get on to other affairs. They are unlikely to be seriously concerned about helping the client resolve his problems.

Social workers may therefore record and report the necessary information, but they are not likely to take positive steps to help the child return. Most social workers will assure that the child lives and is raised in a reasonable home environment, and that he has the basic necessities for life.

The child may perceive the social worker's apparent lack of effort to return him to his home as tacit acceptance of his behavior. He will reason that if the social worker has not taken steps to return the child to his biological home, despite the fact that he is supposed to help, then he must have taken a legitimate step. Furthermore, if he feels that the social worker shows him some warmth, or is trying to make him comfortable in his new home, then he is indeed receiving benefits that he did not have at home.

Yes, a good social worker should explain to the child that he has done wrong and that their help should not be misinterpreted as approval for his actions. However, this is rarely the case. All too often, the child is given the wrong message about the social worker's efforts.

Undoubtedly, some social workers will read this website. They may want to change their approach based on this information.