Finding and Using Resources: Liaison

Abstract

Liaison is an integral part of community care, both in the long term and in particular cases. As a long-term technique it is concerned with building up networks of co-operation which become the background, the instrument and the reinforcement of attempts to assist clients and create resources. In certain cases, using these networks or forging new liaison relationships brings agencies and helpers into alignment and maintains them in their co-operative endeavour to help clients. Liaison is also a helpful support and enabler for social workers themselves: it eases the stress and loneliness of their tasks. As a system of working, and as a skill, liaison also has the important outcome of creating involvement and participation among people in the community and in different agencies in social care systems and makes them, in turn, richer and more varied resources.