Critical Analysis of Social Work Intake Documentation

This document is a Critical Analysis of a Social Work Intake Referral Template used at a practicum agency (Family and Children’s Services Guelph and Wellington County, 2024 ). The analysis thoroughly describes the form's structure and content, critically reflects on its use in practice (especially regarding sensitivity and theoretical alignment), and proposes recommendations to better integrate Indigenous perspectives and principles of decolonization, equity, and inclusion. Document Description The Intake Referral Template is used for the admission of referral clients, assessing social and psychological elements, and conducting risk assessments for suspected victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and drug abuse. The form is lengthy (potentially taking up to two hours to complete ), is typically electronic, and is highly confidential, shared only internally among supervisors and caseworkers. Key Sections of the Form: Identifying Data: Intake worker details, date, time, and source of referral (anonymous or named). Family Information: Full names, addresses, relationships, alleged victims, and perpetrators. Family Functioning: Caregiving functions, adoption, and custody arrangements. Identity-Based Information: Includes Indigenous status, band name, race, ethnicity, primary language, and disability status. Intake Risk Assessment: Reports presenting harm and existing safety, detailing harmful adult behavior, severity, impact, and timespan. Complicating Factors/Strengths: Documents existing strengths, safety, and elements going well for the family. Decision and Rationale: Uses the Harm Matrix, Immediate Safety Scale, and Context Scale to justify actions (e.g., opening or closing a file). Checks and Approval: Includes Internal Record Checks (CWIS, CPIN, Child Abuse Register Checks) and Supervisor Approval. Critical Reflection and Limitations The critique focuses on the tension between mandated risk assessment and the agency's stated commitment to decolonization and equity: Sensitivity and Comfort: Many questions, especially those about alleged perpetrators, domestic violence screening, and private identity factors, are sensitive and challenging to ask clients. Theoretical Alignment: The form primarily aligns with Risk Assessment (identifying precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors) and an Advocacy approach (client-centered, resource identification). Missing Elements: Crucially, the form does not include the client’s goals or desired approach to addressing their issues, limiting the collaborative and empowering nature of the work. It also lacks a comprehensive social and economic assessment. Inclusivity Gaps: Although Indigenous status is recorded, the form does not include details on the individual’s cultural practices or perspectives. Systemic Injustice: The form's emphasis on mandatory reporting and collaboration with external agencies (like the police or Child Welfare Information System) may not serve the best interest of Indigenous and minority communities, potentially perpetuating mistrust, traumatic experiences, and oppression given the history of the Canadian child removal system. This focus on compliance and risk over family empowerment contradicts Indigenous approaches. Recommended Actions (Making Change) Integrate Client Perspective and Goals: Include a mandatory section where the client's expected outcomes, plan, and preferred approach are recorded to ensure a collaborative process and adhere to decolonization values. Enhance Decolonization and Equity: Include a section addressing issues of systemic oppression, bias, and discrimination. This will help eliminate systemic barriers and ensure the care is truly client-centered and incorporates Indigenous knowledge