Attitudes of Social Workers to Work with Adolescent Clients’ Transitions

Romana Dimmrothova, Monika Punova

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to attempt to clarify the attitudes of social workers towards their work with the transitions of teenage clients who fall into the target group of at-risk adolescents. THEORETICAL BASE: The article is based on the Ecological Systems Theory and the Holistic Perspective of client, focusing on the transitional on individual level that can be described in the bio-psycho-socio and spiritual areas. Adolescent at-risk clients need social support that can be provided by a social worker whose attitude is an important factor that affects the clients change. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted in 3 county seats, which includes semi-structured interviews with 11 social workers who operate within 8 different types of organisations for at-risk adolescents. OUTCOMES: Transition proceeding is largely influenced by social workers’ personal approach. Comprehensive work on transitional and adequate, well- -timed support is essential for the clients’ transitions. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The implications include: reflecting a personal approach; being attentive to the phase of transition; developing competencies for work with softer methods concerning clients’ internal transitions; creating a network with intervening subjects; and sharing experiences and paying attention to self-care.

Keywords
clients’ transition, process of change, social work, work strategies, attitude, at-risk adolescents

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