Final answer:
The first step for a social worker in this case is to develop a safety plan for the victim, prioritizing their immediate safety and well-being. Ensuring confidentiality and adapting services to meet the victim's specific needs are also crucial in supporting the victim effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a social worker is faced with a situation where a child, who was sexually abused by an older sibling, continues to live in the same house as the perpetrator with permission from social services, the first and most important step the social worker should take is to develop a safety plan for the victim. This action prioritizes the immediate safety and well-being of the victim, addressing both physical and psychological safety measures. A safety plan includes strategies and steps the victim can take to stay safe, support services they can access, and guidance on how to respond in case of further abuse. Scheduling a joint session or contracting with the victim are steps that can be considered later, after ensuring the victim's safety. The offender attending outpatient sex offender treatment is also important, but it does not directly address the victim's immediate safety.
Ensuring confidentiality is crucial in building trust and ensuring that the victim feels secure in sharing sensitive information. In accordance with ethical and legal standards, the social worker must maintain strict confidentiality to protect the victim and to foster a therapeutic relationship based on trust.
Furthermore, understanding the context and adapting services to meet the specific needs of the victim, such as taking into account any disabilities, immigration status, or trauma history, is essential for effective service provision. By adhering to a trauma-informed care approach and fostering a non-judgmental environment, the social worker can support the victim in navigating the aftermath of abuse while building a foundation for recovery.