Social Worker

Having a child/young person in hospital can be a stressful time for the whole family. The rehabilitation Social Worker meets with all families who have a child/young person receiving rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the injuries and length of hospitalisation, the child/young person and family members may experience a range of emotions that can be hard to deal with.

The Social Worker offers consultation, assessment and therapeutic intervention focussing on the psychological and social impact of brain injury for the child/young person and their family.

The social worker can work with the child/young person and other family members on issues such as:

• The impact of illness or accident on the family.
• Adjustment to changes after the illness/injury - grief and loss.
• School issues such as bullying/conflict, self - esteem and social skills.
• Behaviour management in a family context.
• Information and advice regarding financial benefits, housing, accommodation and medico-legal issues
• Child protection.
• Relationships and sexuality.

The Social Worker also undertakes liaison and advocacy with government and non-government agencies on behalf of particular families or clients of the Brain Injury Service.