Working with Potentially Violent Clients in Their Homes

Social workers have a long history of working with clients in their homes. The mission and values of the profession support community-based service. Child welfare workers, in particular, routinely make home visits to clients. Social workers are at times at risk of violence when they work to assess and treat child welfare clients in their homes. Threats of and actual incidents of violence against social workers are increasing. Because of the current concern about violence toward social workers, practical strategies are suggested for reducing risks and maintaining personal safety while carrying out child welfare responsibilities.