The study aims to investigate the challenges that social workers face in conversations with parents of placed children. The study also aims to account for how the social workers deal with the challenges they describe. The study is based on a qualitative methodological approach and is based on six semi-structured interviews with social workers. The study shows that the relationship between social workers and parents is crucial for effective change work. Many parents agree to family treatment in the belief that it is parental training that will result in the child being allowed to move home after the intervention has ended. There are also different opinions between the parents and the social workers about the basis of the problem. In order for the social workers to be able to meet the challenges, the social workers, in addition to a good relationship with the parents, also need to confirm them in their sadness and despair. More frequent follow-ups with the social workers are also required as many families associate the social workers with the social services. This view of social workes complicates the relationship between therapists and parents because the parents often have a negative view of social services and are therefore in a defensive position.