Socialno delo on-line archive

Socialno delo, Volume 55 (2016), Issue 4

ARTICLES

Jasmina Rosič, Liljana Rihter
Risks to practitioners in the field of domestic violence - 167, (Abstract) (Full text)

Liljana Rihter
Employment and working conditions in the field of social protection - 181, (Abstract) (Full text)

Andreja Rafaelič
Rapid assessment and response for deinstitutionalisation - 191, (Abstract) (Full text)

REPORTS

Daniela Janušić
Constructive social work at the Leskovec pri Krškem Elementary School - 205, (Abstract) (Full text)

 
Jasmina Rosič, Liljana Rihter
Risks to practitioners in the field of domestic violence

(Full text)

The findings so far have indicated that client violence is common, especially in the family services. Clients in the field of domestic violence commonly do not willingly seek the services, resulting in violent behaviour towards practitioners. Several models for working with involuntary clients, and guidelines for working with clients’ violence were developed. Organisations are obliged to ensure safety for their staff. Trauma-informed care and supervision may be used. It has been shown that practitioners mostly experienced tense situations with elements of psychological abuse. Some practitioners did not report to be influenced by violent behaviour, while others experienced negative consequences on their well-being, work or personal life. Practitioners developed their own approaches to ensure their safety. Some also used elements of models for working with involuntary clients. Organisations ensured safety with supportive, physical ways and by forming violence prevention plans. It has been suggested that practitioners should be educated about how to work with clients’ violence and involuntary clients. Organisations should reflect on their work culture. Not only support and safety of the employees, but also respectful attitude towards clients should be ensured.

 
Liljana Rihter
Employment and working conditions in the field of social protection

(Full text)

In recent years, some important changes of legislation in the field of ​​social protection have been adopted. The government has passed a law including austerity measures in the area of ​​salaries and promotions in the public sector. Previous studies only show the effects of changes to users. In the article, the results are presented of the qualitative (meta) analysis of the research findings of the final theses of the students from the Faculty of Social Work between 2012 and 2015, which addressed topics such as employment in the field of social protection, working conditions and quality of working life. The results show that employees have more difficulties meeting particular needs of »having« (salary, promotion). In some environments they feel less secure because of threats of users. And it is also difficult to meet the needs of »being« (fewer opportunities for professional development). An area in which changes in the laws and savings haven’t had (yet) a significant impact are the needs of »loving«. Relations between employees remain one aspect which is generally well rated. Based on identified weaknesses, systemic changes are suggested that would allow for better working conditions, as well as organizational changes within the working environment that would enable more support to staff to carry out professional work, which will respond to the needs of users.

 

 
Andreja Rafaelič
Rapid assessment and response for deinstitutionalisation

(Full text)

The aim of the article is to systematically and chronologically analyse research that has been done in social work on deinstitutionalisation and that contributed to the development of the rapid assessment and response method (RAR). The heritage of action research in social work that contributed to the development of the RAR in Slovenia, is summarised. The development of action research and RAR in Slovenia has been divided into four phases: (1) the beginnings of action research with the socio-therapeutic projects, (2) the development of the methodology of action research, (3) implementation of social care system and (4) the development of long-term care and activism research. The RAR, as it was developed in Slovenia, is at the moment a very important tool because it enables research and also deinstitutionalisation planning. Slovenia is set to introduce the systematic implementation of deinstitutionalisation therefore it is especially important to have a good and systematic research plan, but also to be able to do it quickly and with focus on development.

 
Daniela Janušić
Constructive social work at the Leskovec pri Krškem Elementary School

(Full text)

For smooth functioning of all school activities, a lot of prevention work with children is needed, especially on the field of preventing violence. In this respect, the workshop entitled »No peer violence«, organized by the Institute for psychological counceling projects, plays an important part at the Elementary School Leskovec pri Krškem. When children experience violence, they are therefore quicker to express their uneasiness and are more prone to solve conflicts with peers when they appear. By playing different roles in the workshop, they learn strategies that enable them to take a stand for themselves. As a result of the workshop, relationships among them improve. Teaching assistance to the Roma children is also organised, as it develops their learning skills but also connects the school with the pupils' families and their wider social environment. If we manage to engage all parts in the educational process (pupil, class teacher, teachers, parents, headmaster) and get their contributions, examples of good practice ensue. One such example is descirbed, involving a Rome girl who was prevented to attend school by her father.