BSW4802 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024
100% TRUSTED
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, A social worker working in an outpatient mental health clinic and is part of a
multi-disciplinary team assisting clients with mental health problems. The
social worker is also responsible to initiate group work and community work
projects in the community where the clinic is residing. George is brought to a
community outpatient mental health clinic due to his parent’s observation that
he is “not acting like a normal 13-year-old.” George did show great talent and
potential to develop as a soccer player but decided to quit the sport without
any reason. They brought him to the clinic because they think he is suffering
from the same mental illness his mother has, and the last straw was that he
was found with marijuana in his bedroom. The family reports a long and
detailed family history of substance abuse. George’s mother was a gifted artist
but because of her depression she did not pursue her career in painting
further. George’s father was a leader in initiating religious studies for church
members, but started to withdraw from assisting as a leader in the church
when his wife was diagnosed with depression. George’s mother lives with
debilitating symptoms of anxiety and intermittent depressive episodes. The
community in which the mental health clinic is rendering services is a
neighbourhood charaterised by adolescents who are experimenting with
drugs. Most of the parents in the area are ignorant about the impact of using
drugs on adolescents’ development and are not equipped with the necessary
skills to deal with the adolescents experimenting with drugs. 1. Elaborate on
the guidelines from a strengths perspective that the social worker will apply
when intervening with the family. (10) 2.
1. Guidelines from a Strengths Perspective:
a. Empowerment: The social worker will focus on empowering the family,
recognizing and fostering their strengths. Rather than viewing George and
his family solely through the lens of pathology, the social worker will
highlight their capabilities and resilience. This involves acknowledging the
talents and positive aspects within the family, such as George's soccer talent
and his mother's artistic abilities.
b. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the family and other
professionals is crucial. The social worker will engage in open communication
with George and his parents, involving them in the decision-making process
regarding treatment plans and goals. Collaborating with other professionals
in the clinic, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and educators, ensures a
comprehensive approach to George's mental health.
, c. Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting the cultural
context of the family is essential. The social worker will consider the family's
religious background, cultural values, and community dynamics. Cultural
competence helps in tailoring interventions that align with the family's belief
systems and traditions.
d. Resilience Building: The social worker will emphasize building resilience
within the family. This involves identifying past instances where the family
has successfully coped with challenges. Recognizing and reinforcing these
coping mechanisms can contribute to the family's ability to overcome
current difficulties.
e. Strengths Assessment: Conducting a thorough strengths assessment
will be a priority. This includes exploring George's talents, the parents'
previous achievements, and any supportive resources within the community.
Understanding the family's strengths provides a foundation for developing
targeted interventions.
f. Goal Setting: Collaboratively setting realistic and achievable goals is part
of the strengths perspective. The social worker will work with the family to
identify specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. This process helps in
maintaining focus and motivation throughout the intervention.
g. Narrative Therapy Techniques: Utilizing narrative therapy approaches
can be beneficial. By helping the family reframe their story, the social worker
can assist in changing negative patterns and perceptions. This involves
exploring alternative narratives that emphasize resilience, hope, and positive
change.
h. Psychoeducation: Providing the family with information about mental
health, substance abuse, and the impact on adolescents is crucial.
Psychoeducation empowers the family with knowledge, enabling them to
make informed decisions and better understand George's struggles.
i. Strengths-Based Language: Using strengths-based language in
communication helps reinforce positive aspects. Instead of focusing on
deficits or pathology, the social worker will emphasize the family's strengths
and potential. This approach fosters a more positive and hopeful outlook.
j. Advocacy: The social worker may engage in advocacy efforts to address
the community's lack of awareness regarding substance abuse among
adolescents. This can involve organizing workshops, providing resources, and
collaborating with other community organizations to enhance awareness and
support.
2. Interventions for George and the Family:
a. Individual Counseling for George: Engage George in individual
counseling sessions to explore his feelings, reasons for quitting soccer, and
his experiences with substance use. Use therapeutic techniques to address
any underlying issues contributing to his behavior.
b. Family Therapy: Conduct family therapy sessions to improve
communication, understanding, and support within the family. This can
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024
100% TRUSTED
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, A social worker working in an outpatient mental health clinic and is part of a
multi-disciplinary team assisting clients with mental health problems. The
social worker is also responsible to initiate group work and community work
projects in the community where the clinic is residing. George is brought to a
community outpatient mental health clinic due to his parent’s observation that
he is “not acting like a normal 13-year-old.” George did show great talent and
potential to develop as a soccer player but decided to quit the sport without
any reason. They brought him to the clinic because they think he is suffering
from the same mental illness his mother has, and the last straw was that he
was found with marijuana in his bedroom. The family reports a long and
detailed family history of substance abuse. George’s mother was a gifted artist
but because of her depression she did not pursue her career in painting
further. George’s father was a leader in initiating religious studies for church
members, but started to withdraw from assisting as a leader in the church
when his wife was diagnosed with depression. George’s mother lives with
debilitating symptoms of anxiety and intermittent depressive episodes. The
community in which the mental health clinic is rendering services is a
neighbourhood charaterised by adolescents who are experimenting with
drugs. Most of the parents in the area are ignorant about the impact of using
drugs on adolescents’ development and are not equipped with the necessary
skills to deal with the adolescents experimenting with drugs. 1. Elaborate on
the guidelines from a strengths perspective that the social worker will apply
when intervening with the family. (10) 2.
1. Guidelines from a Strengths Perspective:
a. Empowerment: The social worker will focus on empowering the family,
recognizing and fostering their strengths. Rather than viewing George and
his family solely through the lens of pathology, the social worker will
highlight their capabilities and resilience. This involves acknowledging the
talents and positive aspects within the family, such as George's soccer talent
and his mother's artistic abilities.
b. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the family and other
professionals is crucial. The social worker will engage in open communication
with George and his parents, involving them in the decision-making process
regarding treatment plans and goals. Collaborating with other professionals
in the clinic, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and educators, ensures a
comprehensive approach to George's mental health.
, c. Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting the cultural
context of the family is essential. The social worker will consider the family's
religious background, cultural values, and community dynamics. Cultural
competence helps in tailoring interventions that align with the family's belief
systems and traditions.
d. Resilience Building: The social worker will emphasize building resilience
within the family. This involves identifying past instances where the family
has successfully coped with challenges. Recognizing and reinforcing these
coping mechanisms can contribute to the family's ability to overcome
current difficulties.
e. Strengths Assessment: Conducting a thorough strengths assessment
will be a priority. This includes exploring George's talents, the parents'
previous achievements, and any supportive resources within the community.
Understanding the family's strengths provides a foundation for developing
targeted interventions.
f. Goal Setting: Collaboratively setting realistic and achievable goals is part
of the strengths perspective. The social worker will work with the family to
identify specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. This process helps in
maintaining focus and motivation throughout the intervention.
g. Narrative Therapy Techniques: Utilizing narrative therapy approaches
can be beneficial. By helping the family reframe their story, the social worker
can assist in changing negative patterns and perceptions. This involves
exploring alternative narratives that emphasize resilience, hope, and positive
change.
h. Psychoeducation: Providing the family with information about mental
health, substance abuse, and the impact on adolescents is crucial.
Psychoeducation empowers the family with knowledge, enabling them to
make informed decisions and better understand George's struggles.
i. Strengths-Based Language: Using strengths-based language in
communication helps reinforce positive aspects. Instead of focusing on
deficits or pathology, the social worker will emphasize the family's strengths
and potential. This approach fosters a more positive and hopeful outlook.
j. Advocacy: The social worker may engage in advocacy efforts to address
the community's lack of awareness regarding substance abuse among
adolescents. This can involve organizing workshops, providing resources, and
collaborating with other community organizations to enhance awareness and
support.
2. Interventions for George and the Family:
a. Individual Counseling for George: Engage George in individual
counseling sessions to explore his feelings, reasons for quitting soccer, and
his experiences with substance use. Use therapeutic techniques to address
any underlying issues contributing to his behavior.
b. Family Therapy: Conduct family therapy sessions to improve
communication, understanding, and support within the family. This can
