Message #5360

[maind]

Hi pinkcandy - I would list the types of relationships first as Aunty Sue has identified and then underneath explain how working relationships differ from personal relationships. So your workplace will have policies and procedures which specify you cannot take gifts and you cannot borrow money from service users (and of course they cannot borrow money from you). It would be unethical to have a relationship with a service user as they will be considered a vulnerable person and you could be prosecuted for abuse. You have to be aware of the professional boundaries around the relationships you have with people you support and not overstep them (example could be that they should not be visiting your home or, they may confide information which they ask you to keep secret but you know you cannot). The language you use is also important - you might not mind swearing and maybe you might swear at home or among friends but this would be considered poor behaviour and unprofessional and even harmful to your relationships with other workers or the people you support. So there are lots of things that are different when engaging in professional working relationships and when you are out and about with friends and family - have a think about the differences and you will have a comprehensive answer!