Balancing Power

We frequently talk about the inherent power imbalance between client and social worker. Even the terms we use to describe the micro system the social worker is engaged with; client, consumer, service recipient, etc. We are aware of this power imbalance yet we discuss empowerment and we discuss it in the context of the social worker empowering the client. Maybe it is an issue of semantics, but however you slice the power pie the social worker is always left with more. Whether that be legitimate, referent, expert, or coercive power, the social worker is usually always the one with more power. 

An individual working with a social worker may try to find their power and it may be labeled as non-compliant- even that term illustrates the constant power social workers exert over their clients. Not following through on treatment plans because their do not reflect their values, not engaging with the social worker because their is no connection or there is a lack of cultural understanding, or completely removing oneself from a service are ways an individual could try to regain some of their power. 

How do we then start to balance that power?

Let's be honest, a client has little recourse when a social worker is providing poor services. They may be able to complain to a supervisor, but that may be ineffective and depending on relationships may hurt the client. Social work is not like a restaurant where Karen-ing out on management may result in immediate benefits.   

One way I believe we may be able to help shift some of the power in the relationship is to inform clients of their right to make reports to the state licensing board. A step forward would be to show them how to make a report. I don't know about every state, but in Ohio, your professional licensure is public record. Anyone can look up a licensee with first and last name to see the status of the license and whether they have had issues with the licensing board before. 

Providing the knowledge on making complaints to the license board can provide clients a vehicle to ensure the social worker is providing quality services that are ethical and in line with best practices. I do not believe that the majority of clients will follow through with making reports, but I do think that it would empower clients to report concerns to the licensing board. 

I believe that this may be part of informed consent, but is this fulling communicated to clients and do they fully understand what it means or how to do it. Clients can discuss concerns with client's rights officers, but they may be deterred due to the client's rights officers being employed by the agency. 

These are some thoughts I've had recently. There are more ways to start to bring about more balance in the client/social worker relationship, but this is one way I do not hear much conversation about. 

What are your thoughts? Do you inform your clients that they can make reports to the board if a social worker is being unethical?