I have also known several Education Welfare Officers, personally and through my job.

Their role is a professional one and they are required to carry out a number of statutory functions on behalf of the Local Education Authority (LEA)

They are required, like all such professionals, to work within a legal framework
This could include giving consideration to applying for Education Supervision Orders under section 36 of the Children Act which empowers local authorities to apply to the courts for an order in respect of any child of compulsory school age who is not being properly educated suited to their age, ability aptitude and any special educational needs

For this reason it is extremely critical that, while supporting parents wherever possible, the relationship always remains on strictly 'professional' terms - certainly not the one described in a previous post.