Emotional Harm: Domestic Violence- Ethical Social Work- Case Study Analysis Assignment

Internal Code: TV400

Case Study Analysis Assignment:

Task: Eddie: Emotional harm: Domestic Violence A school contacted child protection services about an Aboriginal youth called Eddie (aged 13) whose behaviour had changed dramatically over the last six months. He had changed from being a hard-working, successful and popular student to one who was withdrawn and anxious. His attendance had fallen dramatically and he had been caught sneaking out of school several times.  His class teacher tried to speak to him but he wouldn’t discuss any worries and became agitated when the teacher suggested a home visit to meet his mother Jenny. Eddie became angry when the teacher referred to Eddie’s stepfather Jack as his ‘dad’.  Jenny (an Aboriginal woman) had missed several appointments with the education welfare officer and he had been unable to meet her at all. A neighbour then made an anonymous call to the police describing shouting and screams coming from the family home.  The police visited and found that Jenny had obviously been severely beaten. They asked Jack to leave the family home and took Jenny to the hospital for treatment.  Jenny refused to say who had caused her injuries and insisted that she had fallen down the stairs. This prompted a referral to child protection services who visited two days later to find Jack back at home and Jenny saying all was now back to normal. The social worker did some direct work with Eddie at school. He said that his mother had been beaten on a regular basis over the six months since Jack had lost his job and had increased his consumption of alcohol. He was really scared that she would be killed. Eddie was clear that he had never been hit by Jack but said that Jack is always picking on him and calling him stupid. Eddie would like his mother to leave Jack but thinks she is scared to do so. He asked that no one tell Jack what he said in case he took it out on his mother. Purpose: The foundation of ethical social work practice is understanding social work context (child protection) and possessing knowledge and skills to review and reflect on practice with children and families. The aim of this assessment is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of social work practice within the child protection through the critique of a single case study.  You are required to review, reflect on and critique the case study through the lens of theories and knowledge relevant to the complexities of working with children and families.  (See here for a guide to case studies (to get you through the task)). Task Summary 1. Read the Case Study Eddie – “Emotional harm: domestic violence” 2. The intent of this assessment is for you to critique the assessment and intervention and make some judgement about the case study and go through the following steps. 3. Read the case study carefully and consider the following questions. A. What is the assessment of Eddie’s development and wellbeing? B. What are the factors that prevent Jack and Jenny from prioritising Eddie’s wellbeing? C. What are the goals and process of intervention? Are they consistent with Eddie’s best interests? D. What is your assessment of the safety plan? 4. In consideration of the above questions it is important to consider the following. Identify the issues in the case study: A. What actions were taken B. Were these actions appropriate and why? C. Were there any consequences or potential consequences of the taken actions? D. Was anything omitted or not considered? E. Were actions in line with child protection practice? Link theories to practice - Using the knowledge, theories and literature that you have learnt in this topic please make a judgement as to whether the: 1. The information gathered and assessment process focused on the development and wellbeing of Eddie? 2. Was he heard and visible throughout the process? 3. How do you understand the factors/circumstances that contribute to Eddie’s adversity? 4. Engaging in reflective practice, what was done well in relation to intervention? 5. What could have been done differently? 6. What are some other considerations? 5. Write up your assignment answering the questions and clearly linking theory to practice informed by reflective practice. 6. Draft an analysis of the case study critique. 7. Your analysis should include: A. An overview of theories and literature informing child protection practice across all phases of work. B. Critique of the case study particularly referring to Eddie’s circumstances C. Include a reference list