Establishing the Relationship

Abstract

How to establish a relationship with someone who wants no part of you is a major problem faced by correctional workers. The relationship begins with the investigation, grows when there is meaningful work together on clearly identified tasks, and terminates with the completion of those tasks and the achievement of mutual goals. Important ingredients in this process are the worker's ability to make clear the working pur pose, deal with resistance, convey his expectations of and re spect for the client, and use a family focus wherever possible. Resistance may be present in the worker as well as in the client, for to be pushed away by someone you are trying to help is hard to take. Expectation is an important element because it is based on capacities and strengths we see and want to bring into use. Respect for the client finds expression as we trust him with our observations and find ways of being direct with him about those things he can use in avoiding more trouble. Draw ing upon and using the power of the family contributes to the achievement of treatment goals, for there can rarely be a success ful relationship with a child if his parents are opposed. These elements, combined in the treatment relationship, make it an effective means of helping the probationer get with, rather than fight against, society.