Through their eyes: A social worker in Singapore shares the emotional highs and lows of their profession
An inside look at a social worker's journey, navigating the challenges and successes in rehabilitating troubled youths
SINGAPORE — In 2022, the number of serious child abuse or neglect cases investigated by the authorities in Singapore "remained high", as pointed out by Yogeswari Munisamy, a senior principal social worker at the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Child Protective Service.
According to an article by The Straits Times in October, reported cases had doubled from just over 1,000 in 2019 to about 2,000 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While such statistics obviously raised concerns on child safety and protection, there is another worrying trend implied amid the rise in cases - that of the increasingly challenging work of social workers, which could become physical and emotional strains on them.
How resilient do Singapore's social workers need to be in order endure or even thrive amid this situation? Handling emotionally taxing cases in these circumstances could present demanding challenges, requiring these professionals to summon strength and adaptability.
Navigating the twists and turns of youth rehabilitation
Anna*, who is in her late 20s, carries the responsibilities of a social worker, even amid the significant challenges she faces amid the complex landscape of youth rehabilitation over the last five years.
This path has been filled with moments of success that bring hope, as well as setbacks that cause distress. Nevertheless, her determination to create positive change remains solid and unwavering.
"When it comes to each case, change generally does not look linear and it's very slow," Anna said during an interview with Yahoo Southeast Asia.
"You have cases where it seemed like everything is well, and when you are about to close the case, you find out that there's some relapse and there seems a point of certain regression, and it can get quite demoralising at times."
Anna's primary focus revolves around family therapy, dedicated to guiding families and troubled youths toward healing and redemption. And in such therapy cases, the desired outcomes rarely appear immediately.
"Most of the time, (as social workers), we don't immediately see the fruits of our labour. Even after months or years, sometimes it remains unseen," she explained.
"The challenge lies in trusting the process and having faith in the innate humanity within each person. They don't want to harbour angst or anger towards their parents, or engage in family conflicts. Trusting in their hopes and desires, and equipping them with skills, means believing that one day they'll use these skills to manage themselves when necessary."
Most of the time, (as social workers), we don't immediately see the fruits of our labour. Even after months or years, sometimes it remains unseen.
Her support system and personal drive in social work
The support network within Anna's team of social workers serves as her anchor amid turbulent times. "Regular collaborative meetings where we discuss cases, share our trials, and seek input have been instrumental," she said.
Her passion for social work stems from her childhood experiences. Being the middle child in her family, she often had to play the role of mediator and, on retrospection, she believes it had greatly contributed to developing her social and emotional skills.
"I was drawn to social work because I thought that if work was going to be difficult, at least my tiredness would amount to helping somebody's life be better," she said.
Delving into anecdotes that have etched themselves deeply into her memory, Anna shared a success story of hers.
"There was this child who had been absent from school for over a year due to familial turmoil," she recounted. "Over a few years, working alongside the child through challenges, witnessing his academic achievements and personal growth - these moments reaffirm social work's impact."
The struggle between professional concerns and personal bonds
However, the emotional gravity of her profession occasionally infiltrates Anna's personal life, especially in her interactions with her sister.
"My sister, a teenager, resides with my parents," she said. "Hearing stories at work about troubled youths often triggers concern for her well-being. It's challenging not to project these worries onto her."
She grapples with the complexity of balancing professional insights with personal relationships. "I am honest with her. I know that my perceptions might not align with her reality. I tell myself that every person's story is different, and I cannot generalise like that. However, it's an intricate balance trying to discern between genuine concerns and overblown worries."
To counterbalance the emotional weight of her profession, Anna turns to various hobbies and her cherished furry companion. "My dog and my drawing hobby act as outlets—moments where I can detach from the complexities of my job," she shares.
In some cases, Anna's frustration at the apparent lack of progress also led her to devise another coping mechanism.
"One day, in a moment of despair, I sat down and started documenting every single case, writing down even the smallest signs of progress," she recounted "Listing those small victories, like a boy refraining from shouting at his parents, provided a new perspective. It helped me appreciate the small successes that might have otherwise gone unnoticed."
By shining a spotlight on the seemingly unnoticed, Anna said her profession as a social worker has changed her perspective—proving that sometimes, the smallest sparks ignite the biggest flames of hope.
(*Names have been changed and details have been modified upon request.)
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