What is the best approach for a social worker 30 minutes prior to an eviction?

The best approach for a social worker 30 minutes prior to an eviction is to contact the client to reassure them. This choice focuses on client-centered support during a critical and potentially traumatic time. By reaching out to the client before the eviction occurs, the social worker can provide emotional support, clarify what the client can expect during the eviction process, and discuss available resources or options that could assist them in coping with the situation.

Engaging directly with the client fosters trust and ensures that they feel supported, which can be essential for their emotional well-being during such a stressful event. It allows the social worker to assess the client's state of mind and readiness, and to prepare them for possible next steps, whether that includes finding temporary housing, accessing legal resources, or connecting with community services.

Other approaches, such as arriving with legal advisors or law enforcement, while potentially useful in specific contexts, shift the focus away from direct client interaction and may escalate the situation rather than alleviate the client's stress. These alternatives also do not prioritize the individual's emotional or psychological needs, which are paramount in the role of a social worker during a crisis like an eviction.