I don't like the social worker - can I request a new one?

It is often assumed that the social worker is for the parent.

Actually, unless you are a young person in care or you have a significant disability or learning disability, you won’t be assigned a personal social worker.

In care proceedings, the social worker involved is your child’s social worker, not yours.

Why don’t I get on with the social worker?

It is not uncommon for parents to have a difficult relationship with their child’s social worker. Truthfully, it makes sense that this happens. Particularly in care proceedings, which are stressful, emotional, and overwhelming.

At some point you will feel criticised by the social worker. It is part of their job to deliver difficult messages that parents often don’t want to hear and sometimes struggle to accept. That’s the case with anyone who tells us something we don’t like to hear – including our own family.

Proceedings are a time when you want to feel most supported, so it can be difficult to hear negative comments, particularly if you feel you have personally made improvements – but that does not mean that any improvement is not recognised.

If you are receiving criticism and think switching social workers will solve the problem, ask yourself:

• Would someone else really say anything different?
• Is the issue the person, or the situation?

This makes you think about the reality of the situation.

The grass is not always greener.

 

But can I still ask for a new social worker?

Yes, you can ask for a new social worker. But you cannot demand.

Often parents think that they are entitled to a new social worker because they are not getting on. And believe the social worker will be against them in their case for the rest of the time they are working together.

If there are clear, serious and proportionate reasons as to why a social worker must change, then a change of social worker may be required. However, it is important to remember that this is not something that the court can make a decision about or order. It is not possible to do that in UK law.

Parents should also consider that the fact a change of social worker is yet another change for a child too and the impact another new person in their life might have, particularly if they had just built a relationship with their social worker and were opening up.

 

So What Should You Do?

If you still want to make the request:

1. Speak to the Social Worker first.
2. Then speak to their Team Manager.
3. Make your request in writing (letter or email).
4. Keep a copy for your records.

 

Our strongest advice? Co‑operate.

You might not like the social worker. You might not agree with them. But building a workable, respectful relationship is one of the most powerful things you can do for your case.

Judges and social workers both look closely at:

• Your openness
• Your honesty
• Your ability to engage and communicate
• Your focus on your child’s welfare

Sometimes, the best strategy is simply to bite your tongue, sit on your hands, and keep talking.

Keep communication focused on your child and what they need.

You don’t need to be best friends with the social worker. But you do need to show you can work with them. In care proceedings, that cooperation can make a real difference.