Shhhh! Can You Keep a Secret?»: Reflecting upon the experience of working with «secret keepers» in social work.

Abstract

Working with adults who keep secrets can be complex, both in a practical sense and in terms of assessing and managing risk. This paper uses the theoretical framework of social construction to explore the intersubjective meaning-making of secrets and secrecy in social work, drawing upon current research, UK legislation and contemporary social work practice. The overall aim of this investigation is to explore the perception of secrets from the service user’s and the social worker’s points of view, as well as exploring the impact this has on the behaviour of all concerned. Meaning-making in relation to secrets and secrecy may become a source of tension between service users and social workers due to the different socially constructed understandings of secrets, the privacy of family life and the intervention role of social services. From this theoretical position, a critical reflection on secrets held by service users and their negotiated relationship with social workers demonstrates how complex the issue is in practice and offers insights into how this dilemma can be solved.