Social Defence in Defence of Social Work: A Case for Advocacy

Revitalizing social defence as a sector within social work is essential for defending the profession and addressing its inherent stresses. This article explores how integrating innovative approaches such as Emotional CPR and ear acupressure, alongside advocating for comprehensive rehabilitation programs like SMILE, can empower social work educators and practitioners. By upholding the core values and principles of social work, these strategies ensure the profession remains robust, empathetic, and adaptive, capable of effectively meeting contemporary social challenges.

The relevance and identity of social defence within the realm of social work have gradually diminished, relegating it to a mere chapter in social work education or morphing it into other forms. This shift has prompted a need to reconnect, empower, and revitalize the profession. It is essential to reinvigorate the discussion around social defence as a distinct sector, capable of defending the profession of social work and addressing its inherent stresses, which, like a disease, affect social work itself. 

This article draws upon insights from a session conducted by Suneel Vatsyayan during a three-day program on Social Defence for Social Work Educators, organized by the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, from June 26-28, 2024.

The Relationship Between Stress and Disease in Social Work

The link between stress and disease is well-established but was not always recognized, particularly within the social work profession. Social workers face considerable stress, which affects both their well-being and professional identity. This stress stems from the ambiguity and challenges inherent in the profession, including:

1. Treating clients before completing assessments and diagnoses to ensure cooperation.
2. Addressing issues such as drug use or begging directly.
3. Assisting clients in denial about the need for treatment.
4. Helping clients relax without losing control.

The Ambiguity of the Social Work Profession

Social work is marked by ambiguity, both in its identity and in the identities of those it serves, such as adults and children involved in the act of begging, transgender individuals, drug users, , and senior citizens. Vatsyayan Governing Board member of National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI)  , with his extensive background in criminology and correction administration, highlighted this ambiguity and the stresses faced by social workers. His work with the Delhi Police Foundation for Correction, De-addiction, and Rehabilitation and founder of  Nada India Foundation as well as his initiatives in setting up mental health and drug de-addiction centers in beggar homes and prisons, provides a unique perspective on these issues.

Social Experiments and Empathy in Social Work Education

Vatsyayan emphasized the importance of social experiments in teaching social work. He showcased a video of an online prank show illustrating how people respond to situations where they do not want to be identified as beggars or even be associated with them. These experiments help social work educators and students understand the emotional and social dynamics at play. 

He introduced the concept of "Emotional CPR" (Connect, Empower, and Revitalize), a tool to address the emotional stresses of social workers and clients. Emotional CPR serves as a first aid measure for emotional health, akin to CPR for physical health, and can be a valuable tool for self-care and client care before formal interventions.

Ear Acupressure for Stress Relief

Vatsyayan also introduced ear acupressure as a simple, effective technique for stress relief. This method can aid trauma recovery, reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate headaches, and promote general wellness. It is a practical tool that can be taught to social workers and the general public, enhancing the toolkit available for managing stress and improving well-being.

Challenges and Legislation in Addressing Begging

The session also touched upon the broader socio-economic factors contributing to begging, such as poverty, human trafficking, domestic violence, homelessness, unemployment, gaps in education, and mental health issues. The Delhi High Court's 2018 ruling that decriminalized begging highlighted the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and support systems.

The SMILE Program: A Comprehensive Approach

The SMILE program (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) is a key initiative under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, implemented by the National Institute of Social Defence. It focuses on:

• Survey and identification of beneficiaries.
• Mobilization and outreach to encourage individuals engaged in begging to avail services.
• Providing education for children engaged in begging.
• Comprehensive resettlement.

The Role of Social Work Practitioners and Educators

Social work educators have a crucial role in beggary prevention, transgender welfare, drug abuse prevention, and old age care. They must advocate for:

• Integrating social defence into social work education.
• Addressing the emotional and professional stresses faced by social workers.
• Promoting inclusive and adaptive approaches in social work practice.

Conclusion

Revitalizing social defence as a sector within social work is essential for defending the profession and addressing its inherent stresses. By integrating innovative approaches such as Emotional CPR and ear acupressure, and by advocating for comprehensive rehabilitation programs like SMILE, social work educators and practitioners can uphold the values and principles that define and sustain the profession. This holistic approach ensures that social work remains a robust, empathetic, and adaptive field, capable of meeting contemporary social challenges.