The Importance of Gatekeeping in Social Services: A Legal and Policy Perspective

Abstract

Throughout their day, social workers face inflection points in the life of a case, and must make decisions with profound implications for the children, vulnerable adults, and families they serve. The upgrading of social service gatekeeping standards must be both a priority and ongoing process focused on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of these vulnerable citizens. ¶The initial gatekeeping assessment must make sure that—just like a hospital emergency room—people in dangerous or critical situations receive the attention they need before those with non-urgent issues. It must also ensure that the agency’s resources and staff are properly utilized. Moreover, social service agencies must recognize that it is not enough to simply establish reasonable standards and practices. They must also ask hard questions about the implementation of those standards and practices in the real world.