Involuntary client

Involuntary client (Eng. “ Involuntary client”) - in social work - a person who is forced to seek professional help to improve his social / material situation, in order to avoid unpleasant (subjectively experienced) consequences ^[1] .

The status of a non-voluntary client is awarded when a direct or indirect threat to the health or life of third parties (children, neighbors, passers-by, etc.) is created as a result of the client’s actions or lifestyle. Such a threat is any form of violence ( emotional , physical or sexual ), alcoholism , drug addiction and other forms of addiction, mental illness or mental retardation . Each case is considered individually, developing and implementing the corresponding intervention plan (English "intervention").

As a rule, control over an involuntary client is exercised by social services, educational institutions, crisis centers, the police, the court, or guardianship authorities. Information about the threat from the client comes from his family members, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, charitable organizations, local governments or government agencies.

If a non-voluntary client refuses professional assistance, the authorities make an appropriate decision. Given the circumstances of the case, an involuntary client may be sent to forced treatment or community service. He may also lose his parental rights or serve his sentence in prison.

In the social services of some European countries, there is a practice of supporting involuntary clients by awarding them social assistance (benefits). An agreement is concluded between the social worker and the client on the ultimate goal of cooperation and the steps necessary to achieve it. If the non-voluntary client does not fulfill the terms of the agreement, the allowance is canceled [1] .

Currently, a whole range of measures and techniques is being developed aimed at improving the social / material situation of an involuntary client ^[1] .