Cited from OHara & Pockett 2012 Skills for human service practice, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria, p 180 181

Cited from OHara & Pockett 2012 Skills for human service practice, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria, p 180 181

Jane's story You are a social worker based in the emergency department of a hospital in a major capital city. It is your responsibility to assess people who present with possible mental health issues and to facilitate follow-up when they are discharged from the hospital. Jane is referred for an assessment after she is escorted by the police to the emergency department following an argument with her boyfriend. Both Jane and her boyfriend were intoxicated at the time of the argument and neighbours contacted the police. Jane expressed suicidal ideation in the presence of the police. Jane is a 32-year-old divorcee who works as a shop assistant in one of the local supermarkets. She is estranged from her family of origin. Jane's parents and one brother live in the western suburbs. She describes herself as always having been the 'black sheep of the family. At the age of sixteen years, Jane became pregnant and had a daughter. Neither Jane nor her daughter has contact with the biological father. Jane's daughter is now fifteen years of age and Jane reports an overall good relationship with her. Jane states that her daughter and her job are the two positive aspects of her life. Jane's daughter was not at home at the time of the argument with her boyfriend. Jane reports a history of traumatic relationships, including a marriage of five years in which she was a survivor of verbal abuse and physical assault on a regular basis. Assault by her ex-husband resulting in Jane requiring a two-day hospital admission instigated her separation from him twelve months ago. Jane currently resides in a two-bedroom unit with her daughter and boyfriend of six months. Jane states that she often feels 'worried', especially about finances, so she smokes cigarettes and marijuana to 'calm down. Jane reports past alcohol abuse but denies this currently. At the time of assessment, Jane presents as slightly agitated and restricted in responses to questions. She is minimising circumstances, which prompted her presentation to the hospital.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no need to answer the Question for reflection in the essay itself. However, these questions could be helpful in reflecting on some of the key elements you could discuss within the model of casework you choose to complete the assessment.

Model selected

Psychosocial

STEP GUIDE

Start with protective factors

Assess her circumstance -

Risk assessment - Suicidal ideation, a survivor of verbal abuse and physical assault regularly, if things d

CASE STUDY PLAN - 40% 1500

Essential Readings

Psycho-social model (originating from Psychodynamic theories of the individual): 131. Healy, K 2005, Service Discourses: Psy & sociological ideas in social work in Healy, K, Social work theories in context: creating frameworks for practice, Houndmills, Palgrave Macmillan (Chapter 3)

2. Howe, D 2002, Psychosocial Work in Adams, R., Dominelli, L. & Payne, M, Social work: themes, issues & critical debates, 2nd edn, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan (Chapter 15)

Questions to answer

1. Introduce and summarise your models key points or assumptions

Exceptional and comprehensive understanding of the models key points

Psycho-social models( reviewed by Howe, Healy)

2. Present an assessment plan using your model in relation to the client in the case study. An exceptional and comprehensive discussion of the assessment plan and its integration with chosen models.

Finances - whats your income, are you comfortable

Strength - Relationship with daughter

Safety plan - Ex-partner and current partner, is there any relationship between them, if there are any issues do you require support

AOD - is she still on CTO

3. Present an intervention plan using your model with the particular case study.

Exceptional level of explanation and critical analysis of intervention plan with a model of clear roles for worker and client.

Psychosocial assessment

Sa

MDT - advocating them to get a more holistic view of the client

4. Briefly describe how you would evaluate whether you have achieved the outcomes outlined in your intervention plan. Exceptional and comprehensive outcomes analysed with time frames.

5. Write a conclusion explaining why this model is appropriate, and what its shortcomings might be for the particular case study. A comprehensive evaluation of the model with its appropriateness or shortcomings analysed