Examples Of Critical Incident In Social Work

A critical incident is an expected occurrence in group work, though not all incidents will carry the same degree of seriousness nor will they be unambiguous in nature. The reality of differences among even those with common backgrounds or presenting problems would allude to the fact that it is more likely then not that a critical incident will occur within a group setting. Though often conflict itself is perceived as negative, it can, if apprioately addressed, be a positive turning point in a group setting, a place of growth, and a deeper understanding can result from the critical incident. It is essential that the social worker take the proper steps during a critical incident, to the best of their ability, to promote the desired growth and to hinder …show more content…
The critical moment incorporated a serious issue of one member and the silence of the other members of the group. This critical incident clearly establishes the complexities faced by social workers in a group setting because of the seriousness of the statements of the group members. This required what is called a demand for work. “A demand for work is a term which encapsulates verbal and non verbal demands by one or more individuals that the group carry out its work: this can be manifest or latent content (e.g. in therapy for trauma survivors which one member shares the details of her trauma aloud and one or more members might become silent and withdrawn; the worker may see this as the group feeling unsafe and unsure, and a demand that safety be restored (Sommons College of Sociai Work , n.d., p. 1).” “Demand for work can be a slow, painful, difficult and require deep thought and reorganization of thoughts, but necessary to continue mutual aid (Steinberg, 2014, p. 32)”. The critical incident will be described below with the demands for work