FAMILY ASSIST IN THE CONTEXT OF JUDICIAL OBLIGATION OF COOPERATION

Abstract

Families are qualify for assist, in case of children taken to foster care or when the level of caring and educational competencies are insufficient. Family assistant is assigned at the request of a social worker or court. Clients also have the opportunity to submit an application for that kind of support. The superior rule in assistant work is voluntariness. The family during the cooperation with assistant may resign at any time. All they need to do is to make written statement. It is different when clients are obliged to work with the assistant by virtue of court order. In that case only another judicial ruling may “exempt” them from that obligation. When the family do not wish to work with assistant or the family hamper the cooperation, the family court should be informed about that situation. How to work with the client who was “motivated” by the court to cooperate with the assistant? How to work with the family which do not let the assistant to the house and do not fulfil individual aid plan? The situation is difficult, but not unmanageable. Appropriate approach of the “helper”, proper attitude and involvement could change clients’ hostile attitude and mobilize them to make an effort towards the change.