Even perpetrators can become adequate parents. An understanding, therapeutic relationship, therapy services, and hard work can transform even predators. Workers recall how, by being objective and not having preconceived notions, they have changed the patterns of sexual predators and transformed them into adequate parents who could raise their kids free from their past patterns. Many parents just need some basic services and economic help. Social workers help many people who are good parents, but have just fallen on hard times economically.
Timing is everything.
Social workers need to take advantage of the window of opportunity when the client is ready and able to make a life change. But if social workers are overworked, they may not have the time to devote to that client at that moment. Social workers need the time to help, and it is harder to be empathetic and compassionate when rushed and frantic. The child welfare workload study conducted by the California legislature under SB 2030 reported twice as many social workers are needed to perform all the tasks required of social workers. However, it is not enough to make the present system twice as big.