ABSTRACT
The CAT would refuse to take on the client unless there were special circumstances. They would try instead to clarify the situation for the agents, give them information about their client’s problems, advise them what clues to look for and what questions to ask, talk the agents through their own problems in responding, and suggest alternative responses which they could try out with CAT support and supervision. Like probation officers, social workers also used the CAT for help with assessment, but without as much concentration on formal reports. Most of the social workers felt inadequate in assessing drinking problems and were anxious lest any inappropriate enquiries or responses might disrupt the relationship with their client. Some crises, of course, such as threats of violence from a drunken husband required advice straight away, but the CAT also attempted to make some initial response to any problem within a week of the initial contact.
