Editorial: Putting ‘Social’ and ‘Community’ Back into Social Work

We write this Editorial having just watched the England football team win a crucial match in their progress through the 2018 World Cup. Over and above what was (at times) an unremarkable game, we were reminded again of the power of community—the teams, supporters in the crowd, groups of people over the world choosing to crane their necks at a screen in a bar or gathering together with friends and family at home, camaraderie and shared purpose making of the experience so much more than if viewed alone. How is that a whole country up to the World Cup had placed low expectations on the team and yet, as soon as the first match was won, the country is full of boundless optimism that England will do well and that ‘football is coming home’ optimism that is not based on any recent evidence! In social work, we make frequent reference to social and community support and resources, even care in the community, and continue to proclaim the psycho-social model—understanding the individual and family in their social and community context—and the social construction of problems as being our starting point in all intervention. Yet the age-old debate about how such understandings are carried through into practice is built around individual problem-focused referral and assessment and workloads made up of individual cases subscribing to a model of person-centred practice, with ‘personalisation’ being a policy mandate, persists.

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Editorial: Elder Abuse and Social Work: Research, Theory and Practice

This Special Issue of the British Journal of Social Work is dedicated to arguably one of the biggest challenges facing social work today: violence and abuse of older people. Despite increasing acceptance of elder abuse as a global public-health issue and violation of human rights, research, policy and practice in this area remain fragmented and there are serious gaps across all three areas. This Special Issue is devoted to examining the international development of research, theory, policy and practice in relation to elder abuse and domestic violence affecting older populations.

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Intersectional Stigma and Late-Life Intimate-Partner and Sexual Violence: How Social Workers Can Bolster Safety and Healing for Older Survivors

Abstract

Individuals do not become immune to the risks of violence and abuse as they age, and older adults—particularly older women—face intersectional stigma: the compounding of social prejudice and assumptions that draw on a range of factors, such as age, gender and sexuality. These biases influence perfections of risk, the relative invisibility of older women in the fields of elder abuse, intimate-partner and sexual violence, and a lack of recognition of older survivors’ needs among professionals in positions to help. Given that older women face attitudinal and practical barriers to services, social workers must comprehend the impact of both ageism and gender disparities on older survivors of intimate-partner and sexual violence. We offer recommendations to bridge the gaps between service providers’ assumptions about older women in crisis and the support survivors actually need.

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Making Safeguarding Personal and Social Work Practice with Older Adults: Findings from Local-Authority Survey Data in England

Abstract

This article presents the results of a survey of English local authorities undertaken in 2016 about the implementation of Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) in adult social care services. MSP is an approach to adult safeguarding practice that prioritises the needs and outcomes identified by the person being supported. The key findings from a survey of local authorities are described, emphasising issues for safeguarding older adults, who are the largest group of people who experience adult safeguarding enquiries. The survey showed that social workers are enthusiastic about MSP and suggests that this approach results in a more efficient use of resources. However, implementation and culture change are affected by different factors, including: austerity; local authority systems and structures; the support of leaders, managers and partners in implementing MSP; service capacity; and input to develop skills and knowledge in local authorities and partner organisations. There are specific challenges for social workers in using MSP with older adults, particularly regarding mental capacity issues for service users, communication skills with older people, family and carers, and the need to combat ageism in service delivery. Organisational blocks affecting local authorities developing this ‘risk enabling’ approach to adult safeguarding are discussed.

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‘These Are Vulnerable People Who Don’t Have a Voice’: Exploring Constructions of Vulnerability and Ageing in the Context of Safeguarding Older People

Abstract

This article reports findings from a Ph.D. study that explored the involvement of older people in adult safeguarding. The aim was to gain a greater understanding of the key barriers to involvement in this area. The research applied a qualitative approach, underpinned by a critical realist research paradigm. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including social workers, advocates and family members of older people who had been involved in the safeguarding process, as well as members of the Adult Safeguarding Boards in two local authorities in the north-east of England. Observations of key strategic meetings of the Safeguarding Adults Boards and associated subgroups were also undertaken, as well as an analysis of the local authorities’ key policy and guidance documents. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the data. A number of key barriers to involvement were identified and are presented within this paper. These are explored and discussed in relation to the ways in which the construction of vulnerability and the positioning of older people within society, and within adult safeguarding in particular, have contributed to them. Overall, it is argued that older people are considered to be inherently vulnerable, and that this reduces their opportunities to be engaged in adult-safeguarding processes. A number of recommendations for practice and policy are made.

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Reaching Out for Help: Recommendations for Practice Based on an In-Depth Analysis of an Elder Abuse Intervention Programme

Abstract

Elder abuse is a growing public health concern with serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Intervention research is lacking despite its potential value to victim protection. This study investigates the first and longest-running social work intervention programme for elder abuse in Canada. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the scope of the problem and needs of the population to inform programme development through the recommendations made. One hundred and sixty-four cases of elder abuse reported from January 2012 to April 2014 were examined. Case characteristics and related recommendations are reported. Third parties reported most abuse, which was typically emotional and financial; polyvictimisation was present in most cases. Intake practices that may have facilitated reporting are described and recommendations to improve victim reporting and confidentiality are made. Victim health problems and dependency were common and many victims lacked support. Perpetrators often resided with victims and had mental health and social-functioning problems. Case management varied in length and several barriers were identified. Multi-agency work is recommended to better manage the needs of the victim, risk factors related to the perpetrator and victim–perpetrator cohabitation. Recommendations to improve the safety of the victim and that of professionals are also made.

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Gaining Access to Possibly Abused or Neglected Adults in England: Practice Perspectives from Social Workers and Service-User Representatives

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that examined social workers’ and service-user representatives’ perspectives on current options for accessing older people living at home when entry is being obstructed by a third party, there are concerns about possible abuse or neglect and legal approaches are not considered appropriate. In-depth interviews were conducted with social workers (n = 37) and service-user representatives (n = 11) from three English local authorities. Professional interviews focused on current practices in dealing with such cases. Service-user representatives were asked to discuss a fictitious obstructive case and potential actions that could be taken by social workers. Participants described current practice in terms of options for negotiation with third parties obstructing access to older people, ranging from ‘softer’ styles aiming to develop rapport to ‘more assertive’ approaches. Making good decisions about case allocation, being creative in pursuing cases and fostering good multi-agency relationships were valued by practitioners. Some service-user representatives questioned the time and resources involved in managing these cases. Policy makers may wish to consider developing guidelines for multi-agency partners outlining their responsibilities in such cases; practitioners may wish to consider whether offering an obstructer the services of an independent advocate would be useful.

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Family Group Conferences: An Opportunity to Re-Frame Responses to the Abuse of Older People?

Abstract

Recent legislative and policy changes in adult social care have refocused attention on a strengths-based approach to social work practice. The Care Act 2014 advocates a more inclusive and holistic understanding of individual well-being, which is evident by its expectation of more personalised responses to safeguarding. Family Group Conferences (FGCs) fit well with this policy shift but require further exploration before being integrated into work with adults. A fictitious case study was analysed through an organic group discussion, during which the authors applied their professional expertise to explore the appropriateness of FGCs to provide a response to adult-safeguarding cases. FGCs provide a viable alternative to traditional decision-making approaches in the adult-safeguarding field. The case analysis exposes three main areas that require further consideration to ensure effective implementation. The areas identified are divided into mental capacity, risk and funding. It is important that policy makers and local authorities acknowledge the complexity of transferring an approach originally designed for working with children and families to the context of social work with older adults. More effort should be made to address the practice tensions outlined within the article.

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Alleged Financial Abuse of Those under an Enduring Power of Attorney: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This article examines the issue of alleged elder financial abuse arising from the misuse of an enduring power of attorney (EPA) and the experiences of those vulnerable elders in attempting to access justice to gain information about their situation and/or to remedy the abuse. To achieve this, case file notes from 100 individuals aged sixty-five years and over who sought assistance from an Australian not-for-profit advocacy organisation were analysed. In particular, this article focuses on the nature of the allegations of financial abuse to illustrate the complexities that exist for those in these circumstances. Second, it will consider both the barriers and enablers of access to justice evident in the case files of the individual alleged victims. Lastly, based on the evidence presented, it will consider how these circumstances can be better managed or improved upon, particularly from the perspective of service providers and aged-care professionals.

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Understanding the Risks of Financial Scams as Part of Elder Abuse Prevention

Abstract

Financial scams have been described as the crime of the twenty-first century, representing a global challenge for agencies involved in the protection of older people at risk of financial abuse. Financial abuse is the second most common form of adult abuse, but traditionally research has focused on abuse that occurs within relationships of trust within families. Less is known about financial scams perpetrated by individuals or organisations unknown to the individual, and which specifically target older people. In part, this is because financial scams are often underreported, as victims can be reluctant to disclose their experience, posing challenges to those who have a safeguarding role. This paper discusses factors emerging from the literature that act as triggers for scam involvement. These include loneliness, emotional vulnerability linked to life events, cognitive impairment and mental capacity. The findings of a small exploratory qualitative study with older people and their carers (n = 12) who have experienced financial scams will be discussed in relation to the literature. These provide unique insights into the experience of being scammed and the impact on individual health and well-being. Key themes will be discussed in relation to social work practice and integrated working across health and social care.

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Safeguarding Staff’s Experience of Cases of Financial Abuse

Abstract

Financial abuse of older people is an important issue for all safeguarding staff, particularly social workers, who are often tasked with complex case management. Financial abuse can take many forms and can occur remotely to the older person and without their knowledge. However, research in this area is limited. This study was undertaken to understand how safeguarding staff in Northern Ireland manage these cases and the challenges experienced. Fourteen safeguarding staff, including social workers and nurses, participated in two focus groups. Using thematic analysis, four areas of concern were identified. These were capacity issues, relationships, structural context and rural versus urban context. The paper concludes that changes are needed in a number of areas such as social and cultural norms, legislation, policy and practice in order to enable social work practitioners to manage cases of financial abuse of older people in a more comprehensive way.

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The Contribution of Canadian Non-Profit Organisations in Countering Material and Financial Mistreatment of Older Adults

Abstract

In Quebec, a Canadian province, public policy focuses on a continuum of services. Non-profit organisations (NPOs), specialised in countering mistreatment of older adults (MOA), are essential partners. They work with social workers from public health and social services (PHSS). The research project Volunteering to Counter Material or Financial Mistreatment of Older Adults documents the roles of NPOs. This paper presents the specific actions assumed by practitioners and volunteers. Case studies were conducted with five French-speaking Canadian NPOs. Data were collected through content analysis of administrative documents and interviews (administrators, practitioners, volunteers and older adults receiving services) (n = 64 participants). Results are presented according to three roles: prevention, detection and intervention. NPOs that are either ‘specialised’ or ‘collaborative’ respond differently to material and financial MOA. NPOs participating in the project are mainly active in prevention and the volunteers are pivotal to certain activities. In ‘collaborative’ NPOs, detection typically occurs when older adults, while participating in prevention activities, recognise they are victims or witnesses to MOA. The subsequent intervention is mainly limited to referrals to the PHSS, specifically to social workers. In ‘specialised’ NPOs, volunteers are directly involved in detection and intervention when their experiences from their former professions are deemed relevant.

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Domestic Abuse and Elder Abuse in Wales: A Tale of Two Initiatives

Abstract

The abuse of older people in domestic settings is both a public health problem and a human rights issue. In 2013, the Welsh government used its new legislative powers and embarked upon two initiatives in the areas of adult safeguarding and domestic abuse, leading to the introduction of two pieces of primary legislation. The first was the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which placed safeguarding ‘adults at risk’ on a statutory basis and imposed new duties on local authorities. The second was the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, which addressed how public-sector bodies responded to domestic abuse and introduced a more strategic approach. Using research based in Wales, this article discusses the extent to which the two pieces of legislation promote a collaborative and integrated response from adult safeguarding and domestic abuse services and highlights some implications for practice. More strategic alignment between the two acts will create an environment within which older victim-survivors of domestic abuse have equal access to justice options and support services as their younger counterparts.

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Suggestions for Prevention Measures Based on Polish Research Concerning Older Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the needs of older victims of domestic violence under the care of social services or law-enforcement agencies, based on research conducted in Poland. The main purpose is to highlight the distinguishing features of working with an older client group and to determine whether services in Poland are adequately prepared for providing help to older victims. The resource base is research carried out for the projects IPVoW (research based on diagnostic survey methods and in-depth structured interviews), Mind the Gap! (based on re-analysis of data) and SNaP (based on re-analysis of data and in-depth structured interviews). This article is a review and comparative analysis of results obtained in these projects. In the period analysed between 2009 and 2016, the Polish legal system improved and older victims increasingly received more effective help. Nevertheless, meeting their specific needs demands a more comprehensive approach, which is undoubtedly more time-consuming and requires a different understanding than with other victims of violence. Unfortunately, the police, law-enforcement officers and social workers frequently do not have sufficient knowledge of gerontology. In order to be effective, working with older people requires special training, including knowledge of the overall process of ageing.

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Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018

Pew Research Center, May 2018, “Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018"