Introduction (What is this topic?)

Many people with serious problems don't ask for help, even if they urgently need it. But they might come into contact with you about some other problem. You might be the only person who could identify their problem and get them help, even if their problems are outside the expertise or interests of you or your organization.

Harvey works for an employment agency, and Jenny comes in about a job. During the interview, Harvey notices that Jenny seems to have a substance abuse problem. He tactfully brings it up and tells her that he doesn't know all that much about it. They talk about it for a while and Jenny eventually says she'd like some help. But she's embarrassed and thinks she might be able to cope on her own.

Harvey mentions Barry, a guy he knows who runs an organization called InnerCity, and they could help her. Harvey offers to refer her, and Jenny reticently agrees. Harvey phones up and talks to Barry at InnerCity. He then passes the phone over to Jenny and Barry sets her at ease. They make a time to meet at InnerCity and exchange some contact details.

Harvey says that, if she doesn't mind, he'd like to know how the meeting goes. He knows it's easy for people to have second thoughts and simply not show up.

You need to help clients to address problems other than those they came to you about. You'll also need to decide whether to refer or retain the client, and whether a brief intervention is appropriate instead of an immediate referral. Then you have to help the client accept your response.

These clients with secondary issues are most likely to present first to juvenile justice, youth service, social housing, child protection or an employment service for an issue relevant to those services. But even if you work in other fields, you will still need to pick up on non-presenting problems.

You could identify harm, neglect, abuse or risk of harm, and harm can be physical, emotional, cognitive, psychological, sexual or financial.

The kinds of problems you are most likely to pick up are: