This week, we’re sharing a day in the life of a social work placement. No two days are ever the same for Rebecca, our social work placement at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. She is doing a 70-day placement, learning alongside our team. This work experience is building her skills and employability.
Rebecca, undergraduate at the University of Plymouth, is learning to support people in crisis at court. One minute she can be talking to someone in the cells; and the next, providing emotional support for a family at court.
Arriving at court
Passing through security each day is a reminder of the hidden world of the courts. As the breeze-block walls pass by, she reflects on how intimidating this must feel for someone as they arrive. She understands that each person has a back story and she looks forward to finding solutions to these complicated situations.
First stop, the cells
After reviewing the court listings with her coordinator, the first stop is the cells. PTSD from time in the armed forces means that this person is very up and down. It will help to have someone alongside so Rebecca organises a call to their support worker at Operation Nova.
One-to-one, tailored support
Next, Rebecca meets someone in the waiting area. After an initial assessment, she can give one-to-one support. This has been going on far too long. After some false accusations, things have come to a head. Without access to Legal Aid, our client is now very aggravated. Unfortunately, this person has learning difficulties. Primarily, she couldn’t read her post. This means that she can’t respond to an application. Rebecca and the team find a solution – her mother accompanies her into court and explains about the learning difficulties. Everyone works together to help the magistrates understand the circumstances. Finally, the situation is resolved.
Data inputting
Rebecca now turns her attention to the data base, ensuring that the CASS+ records are up to date. We need to make sure that our team can pick up these cases and support clients in the future. We also need vital statistics to report to our funders and secure future funding.
Reflections
At the end of the day, Rebecca reflects on her achievements. She knows that if CASS+ had not been there, many people would have gone through the system feeling alone, confused and distressed. She has diffused some difficult situations. Meanwhile, she has given comfort in uncomfortable situations. She knows that she has calmed people down and brought re-assurance by explaining what will happen at court. As a result, people now have the support they need to make changes in their lives.
We all make mistakes and these can be resolved when we all work together.
This is a day in the life of a social work placement. Please email admin@cassplus.org if you would like to work with us in this way.
Need support through court?
Drop in to your local hub in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin or Truro and get the help you need here.
