BSW4802
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
2024
,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)
In working with George and his family from a strengths perspective,
the social worker will approach the intervention with a focus on
identifying and leveraging the inherent strengths and resources
within the family system. Here are some guidelines the social
worker may apply:
1. Empowerment: The social worker will empower the family by
acknowledging their resilience and strengths despite the
challenges they are facing. This includes recognizing the
parents' past accomplishments and strengths in their
respective endeavors.
2. Collaborative Goal Setting: The social worker will
collaborate with the family to set goals that are meaningful
and achievable. This involves recognizing and building on the
family's aspirations, talents, and resources. For example,
, exploring George's talent in soccer and finding ways to
reintegrate it into his life in a positive way.
3. Solution-Focused Approach: The social worker will focus on
solutions rather than problems, helping the family identify and
amplify their existing coping mechanisms and strategies. This
includes exploring past successes and identifying what has
worked well for the family in managing difficulties.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: The social worker will approach the
intervention with cultural sensitivity, respecting and valuing
the family's cultural background and beliefs. This involves
understanding the cultural context of the community and
incorporating culturally appropriate interventions.
5. Strengths Assessment: The social worker will conduct a
thorough strengths assessment to identify the family's internal
and external resources. This includes recognizing the family's
resilience, support networks, and positive relationships within
the community.
6. Resilience Building: The social worker will support the family
in building resilience and coping skills to navigate the
challenges they are facing. This may involve providing
psychoeducation on mental health and substance abuse,
teaching stress management techniques, and promoting
healthy coping strategies.
7. Strengths-Based Communication: The social worker will
use strengths-based language and communication techniques
to reinforce positive behaviors and accomplishments within the
family. This includes providing affirmations and praise for the
family's efforts and achievements.
8. Community Engagement: The social worker will actively
engage with the community to mobilize resources and support
networks that can benefit the family. This may involve
collaborating with local organizations, schools, and religious
institutions to provide additional support and services.
9. Family-Centered Approach: The social worker will adopt a
family-centered approach, recognizing the interconnectedness
of family dynamics and the importance of involving all family
members in the intervention process. This includes promoting
open communication and collaboration among family
members.
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
2024
,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)
In working with George and his family from a strengths perspective,
the social worker will approach the intervention with a focus on
identifying and leveraging the inherent strengths and resources
within the family system. Here are some guidelines the social
worker may apply:
1. Empowerment: The social worker will empower the family by
acknowledging their resilience and strengths despite the
challenges they are facing. This includes recognizing the
parents' past accomplishments and strengths in their
respective endeavors.
2. Collaborative Goal Setting: The social worker will
collaborate with the family to set goals that are meaningful
and achievable. This involves recognizing and building on the
family's aspirations, talents, and resources. For example,
, exploring George's talent in soccer and finding ways to
reintegrate it into his life in a positive way.
3. Solution-Focused Approach: The social worker will focus on
solutions rather than problems, helping the family identify and
amplify their existing coping mechanisms and strategies. This
includes exploring past successes and identifying what has
worked well for the family in managing difficulties.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: The social worker will approach the
intervention with cultural sensitivity, respecting and valuing
the family's cultural background and beliefs. This involves
understanding the cultural context of the community and
incorporating culturally appropriate interventions.
5. Strengths Assessment: The social worker will conduct a
thorough strengths assessment to identify the family's internal
and external resources. This includes recognizing the family's
resilience, support networks, and positive relationships within
the community.
6. Resilience Building: The social worker will support the family
in building resilience and coping skills to navigate the
challenges they are facing. This may involve providing
psychoeducation on mental health and substance abuse,
teaching stress management techniques, and promoting
healthy coping strategies.
7. Strengths-Based Communication: The social worker will
use strengths-based language and communication techniques
to reinforce positive behaviors and accomplishments within the
family. This includes providing affirmations and praise for the
family's efforts and achievements.
8. Community Engagement: The social worker will actively
engage with the community to mobilize resources and support
networks that can benefit the family. This may involve
collaborating with local organizations, schools, and religious
institutions to provide additional support and services.
9. Family-Centered Approach: The social worker will adopt a
family-centered approach, recognizing the interconnectedness
of family dynamics and the importance of involving all family
members in the intervention process. This includes promoting
open communication and collaboration among family
members.
