Social work hero: ‘I actually cried when he shut the case’

This week’s social work hero is Stephen Field, a frontline child protection social worker in Lincolnshire.

Stephen Field

Steve has been working with children, young people and families in the area since 1992, when he started out as a family support worker before deciding to pursue a career in social work.

Samantha Clayton, Lincolnshire’s principal child and family social worker, says: “Steve’s work ethic is such that he is always striving to achieve the best outcomes possible for children and families.”

But perhaps the most powerful testimonial comes from a letter written by a mother Steve has worked with:

“I would like to leave some feedback regarding the fantastic social worker Stephen Field. He became involved in my case due to some extremely malicious false allegations made by my mother.

“Stephen was 100% amazing in every way dealing with this. I feel extremely lucky to have had his time as he also taught me some amazing coping mechanisms to move forward and offered practical advice which has really worked.

“I truly believe any family that has his help is very lucky.

I actually cried when he shut the case and left the meeting as I felt a sense of loss of a really valuable source of support.”

Councillor Jackie Brockway, working on the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, also has high praise for Steve, saying: “He not only makes a difference, but he sees the trust placed in him as a privilege and he treats that trust with respect and dignity.”

Well done Steve! You’re a #swhero! A box of chocolates is on its way to you now.

This article is part of Community Care’s Stand up for Social Work campaign. We’re standing up for social work by being honest, offering support and providing inspiration.

Do you have a social work hero you’d like to nominate? Comment on this article, tweet us @CommunityCare #swhero #StandUp4SW, tell us on Facebook or email us judy.cooper@rbi.co.uk. We’ll pick a winner each week and send them a box of chocolates as a little “thank you” for all their hard work.You can also see our heroes on our brand new Instagram account (Community_Care).