The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

TZU CHI 133 25 Emily Yueh-Mi Lai’s profile • Associate Professor cum Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, Tzu Chi University • PhD, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Chi-Nan University, Taiwan • M.A., School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, England • LL. M, Graduate Institute of Children Welfare, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan • LL. B, College of Law, National Taiwan University, Taiwan workers and the families concerned. Why do social workers persist in their work despite the sticky situation? “Because I find meaning in helping others,” was Emily’s answer. She had dealt with such a case, where the court ruled that a divorced couple share custody of their children. However, the mother filed for sole custody after being scolded by the father when she went to take care of the children. During the mediation process, Emily hoped that they could see the needs of their children amidst their marital dispute. “The father was very unfriendly to me. Even though he was very ill, he was fierce and drank heavily. Faced with such a case, I used various mediation techniques like interview skills, empathy, summarizing, praising, asking questions, and so on, to pacify his anger and guide him to solve the problems. Eventually, he felt our sincerity, and with his problem-solving ability stimulated, he reached a new agreement with his ex-wife to take care of the children together.” A month later, the father passed away. Emily has thought profoundly over this case: Had they not lent him a helping hand, he might have committed violence out of desperation after losing the lawsuit. “With our mediation, he could at least live peacefully in the final month of his life. When he passed away, his two children were by his side. As for the mother, she has no regrets either. Such a helpful process is meaningful and satisfactory. It is also what keeps me going.” Emily explained that family mediator is a professional field of work, where the appointees must undergo training, screening and periodic evaluation. To a certain extent, it has some overlaps with a volunteer’s role, except that its requirements are stricter and more professional. Social work is about dealing with people’s issues. Just like a surgeon who must know how to make an incision, a social worker must understand the context and situation, family ethics, interpersonal relationships, and so on, in order to find the right solution. Also, just like a doctor where different specializations are required to treat a patient when the situation calls for it, social workers can also gather various social resources and volunteers to achieve the best results and success. The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers