Relationships built on trust

The quality of the bond between a family and an intervention worker depends in large part on the ability to establish a relationship based on mutual trust. The most vulnerable families generally have a track record that has seen them come into contact with multiple intervention workers. This history may explain their reluctance to trust the person they are dealing with. Creating a safe zone and an atmosphere conducive to collaboration, while being able to rely on the complementary interplay between subject knowledge, soft skills and professional expertise, can be a winning formula for forging a sound relationship with families and fostering their empowerment.

• Subject knowledge

Studies have shown that immersing future intervention workers in real-life situations gives them an opportunity to develop specific soft skills, as well as build a solid grounding for their intervention work later on. Another beneficial strategy for intervention workers and managers is to keep their subject knowledge up to date through extensive reading and by continuing their professional development throughout their professional careers.

• Soft skills

Soft skills are the cornerstone underpinning intervention workers’ engagement with families. To ensure interventions can be positive, we must be mindful of our preconceived notions and limitations, seeing how nothing is immune to judgment. Moreover, it is essential to adopt the profound belief that every individual has the potential to improve his or her situation. In addition, we must demonstrate patience and empathy, be active listeners and embrace egalitarian interactions so we can develop relationships that are founded on trust.

• Professional expertise

Soft skills are part and parcel of our professional expertise. Parents are in the best position to act on their situation. We have to believe in their potential and guide their efforts, albeit in a flexible and adaptable manner, so they can come up with their own solutions at their own pace. Emphasizing parents’ strengths and successes, no matter how great or small, helps to enhance their self-confidence as well as the confidence of the person supporting them. By placing the emphasis on existing successes, this positive or appreciative approach has proven very effective. These factors contribute to the development of parents’ empowerment.