Yet another social worker has been reprimanded for sexual misconduct with a service user, an issue which accounts for a third of conduct cases heard by the General Social Care Council. As a result, it is calling for a code of practice for social workers on sexual boundaries.

I am just wondering how difficult it is to identify where the line is between right and wrong in terms of how close you should get to a service user, and whether the GSCC and others really need to invest time and resources in drawing up a code?

Surely, the cases highlighted so far are just bad apples, right?

It's a tricky one. Someobody who has a relationship with a service user knows full well they are doing wrong - if they are a professional. So it's hard to see how creating a code of conduct will prevent them abusing their position. On the other hand, it would send out a very clear message that relationships between social workers and service users are an abuse and action will be taken against those who cross that line. Let's not forget, too, that aside from the glaringly obvious no-nos there are loads of situations that come up which can be a bit harder to judge when it comes to blurred boundaries. Mobile phones are commonly used by all now - even my Gran - but I wouldn't feel comfortable about a service user texting me. What's needed is a code about conduct, which is a little broader than sexual boundaries. That would be more helpful.

I have actually seen cases where social care workers lack boundaries - in one case where a person was taking drugs with a service user and having a relationship with them. This is just one among what seem to many to mention. I think standards are even more lax in the voluntary sector, where the cases I have been told about occured. At least there is the GSCC to pick up on cases of registered social workers...

 I think the boundaries being set in a framework would be a good thing.

I saw social care worker moved workplace because they had struck up a friendship and commenced relationship with a service user having met them through work in the voluntary sector.

 The organisation was told by the worker and she requested to move workplace.

 It rather begs the question did she do the right thing telling her organization, did the organization do the right thing by not repremanding her ? I

t appears a fairly measured and mature response to a sensitive situation by all parties, everyone was open and honest., but it made me feel professional uncomfortable. 

Fundamentaly i think we spend so much time, in social care, trying to break down barriers, seeing service users as people first, there are bound to be situations arise that are not abuse but are certainly not  professional. I would like clearer guidance to support organisations providing social care.