, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1. Analyse the case scenario and determine the five most appropriate engagement-phase tasks to
be performed during the first interview. Explain how each task should be applied when working
with the Naidoo family.
Justification (Why should this task be prioritised for
Engagement Phase Task
the Naidoo family?)
The scenario describes the family as "emotionally
distressed and reluctant to discuss their concerns openly."
A non-judgmental, empathetic, and respectful approach is
crucial to creating a safe space for them to share their
feelings. Using core conditions like empathy, genuineness,
1. Build rapport and establish a
and unconditional positive regard will help reduce their
helping relationship using
anxiety and defensiveness, which is essential for any
person-centred values.
further work (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.57). This is
especially important given the marital conflict and the
children's emotional struggles, as a trusting relationship
will allow the social worker to explore these sensitive
issues effectively (Weyers, 2011. p. 130).
Given the family's uncertainty and distress, clarifying the
social worker's role and the boundaries of confidentiality
will help build trust and alleviate potential fears. This is a
foundational ethical task that empowers clients by
2. Explain confidentiality, its informing them of their rights, including the right to see
limits, and the client's rights. their file and the limits to confidentiality (BSW4802,
Study Guide. p.57). Explaining the process helps to
structure the engagement and manage the family's
expectations, which is vital when family members are
reluctant to discuss their concerns (Weyers, 2011. p. 93).
The family's financial strain and marital disagreements are
evident, but their perception of these problems is key.
Discovery-oriented questions allow the social worker to
3. Use discovery-oriented "explore the client's perspective and situation," moving
questions to understand the beyond the surface details (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.59).
family's perspective. Asking questions like "What brings you here today?" or
"How has the change in employment affected each of
you?" will help the social worker understand the family's
unique experience, their felt needs, and the "push of
, Justification (Why should this task be prioritised for
Engagement Phase Task
the Naidoo family?)
discomfort" that motivated them to seek help (Weyers,
2011. p. 62).
The Naidoo family is facing multiple challenges, but they
have a history of functioning well (Rajesh had a job for 18
years, Priya is working). Identifying these past successes is
4. Identify and acknowledge the crucial to counter feelings of hopelessness. By focusing on
family's strengths and past coping their strengths, the social worker can help the family
mechanisms from a strengths "overcome obstacles" and empower them to find solutions
perspective. (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.58). This approach is also
aligned with the developmental approach, which builds on
the strengths and assets of clients and communities
(Weyers, 2011. p. 68).
The family's problems are not occurring in a vacuum. The
ecosystemic perspective requires the social worker to
recognize the interconnectedness of the Naidoo family
with their environment (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.57).
5. Understand the interactions This involves assessing the external factors contributing to
and transactions between the their distress, such as the impact of job loss (economic
family and their environment system), Anika's school environment, and the limited
from an ecosystems perspective. external support available to them. Contextualizing their
struggles helps the social worker and the family view the
problem holistically and plan for interventions that address
both individual and systemic issues (Weyers, 2011. pp. 20,
92).
QUESTION 1
1. Analyse the case scenario and determine the five most appropriate engagement-phase tasks to
be performed during the first interview. Explain how each task should be applied when working
with the Naidoo family.
Justification (Why should this task be prioritised for
Engagement Phase Task
the Naidoo family?)
The scenario describes the family as "emotionally
distressed and reluctant to discuss their concerns openly."
A non-judgmental, empathetic, and respectful approach is
crucial to creating a safe space for them to share their
feelings. Using core conditions like empathy, genuineness,
1. Build rapport and establish a
and unconditional positive regard will help reduce their
helping relationship using
anxiety and defensiveness, which is essential for any
person-centred values.
further work (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.57). This is
especially important given the marital conflict and the
children's emotional struggles, as a trusting relationship
will allow the social worker to explore these sensitive
issues effectively (Weyers, 2011. p. 130).
Given the family's uncertainty and distress, clarifying the
social worker's role and the boundaries of confidentiality
will help build trust and alleviate potential fears. This is a
foundational ethical task that empowers clients by
2. Explain confidentiality, its informing them of their rights, including the right to see
limits, and the client's rights. their file and the limits to confidentiality (BSW4802,
Study Guide. p.57). Explaining the process helps to
structure the engagement and manage the family's
expectations, which is vital when family members are
reluctant to discuss their concerns (Weyers, 2011. p. 93).
The family's financial strain and marital disagreements are
evident, but their perception of these problems is key.
Discovery-oriented questions allow the social worker to
3. Use discovery-oriented "explore the client's perspective and situation," moving
questions to understand the beyond the surface details (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.59).
family's perspective. Asking questions like "What brings you here today?" or
"How has the change in employment affected each of
you?" will help the social worker understand the family's
unique experience, their felt needs, and the "push of
, Justification (Why should this task be prioritised for
Engagement Phase Task
the Naidoo family?)
discomfort" that motivated them to seek help (Weyers,
2011. p. 62).
The Naidoo family is facing multiple challenges, but they
have a history of functioning well (Rajesh had a job for 18
years, Priya is working). Identifying these past successes is
4. Identify and acknowledge the crucial to counter feelings of hopelessness. By focusing on
family's strengths and past coping their strengths, the social worker can help the family
mechanisms from a strengths "overcome obstacles" and empower them to find solutions
perspective. (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.58). This approach is also
aligned with the developmental approach, which builds on
the strengths and assets of clients and communities
(Weyers, 2011. p. 68).
The family's problems are not occurring in a vacuum. The
ecosystemic perspective requires the social worker to
recognize the interconnectedness of the Naidoo family
with their environment (BSW4802, Study Guide. p.57).
5. Understand the interactions This involves assessing the external factors contributing to
and transactions between the their distress, such as the impact of job loss (economic
family and their environment system), Anika's school environment, and the limited
from an ecosystems perspective. external support available to them. Contextualizing their
struggles helps the social worker and the family view the
problem holistically and plan for interventions that address
both individual and systemic issues (Weyers, 2011. pp. 20,
92).
