[ANSWER] SWK 3401 Social work theories Assessment 2: Case study 2

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Task overview:

  1. Choose one of empowerment, anti-oppressive practice OR feminism
    My requirement: Use the Empowerment theory to approach this Case study

    1. Describe the main arguments of the theory (approx. 200 words)
    2. Explain why you selected that specific theory; why it is helpful in understanding the case study? (approx. 100 words)
    3. Analyse the case study from the perspective of the theory
      1. Select and apply two key principles to aspects of the case study; how do they inform your understanding of the case study? How would they shape your practice? (approx. 200 words per principle)

My own notes/Thoughts:

  • How can we empower Jennifer – to respond to the series of issues, despite her brain injury. How can we build her capacity? Her parenting capacity, how can we change her internal narrative affecting her parenting and also stemming from depression
  • How can we empower Thomas to balance his school work, as navigates his care giving role
  • Empower Amelia to forge healthy attachment that will help her regulate her emotions rather than scream, or refuse to go to school
  1. Choose one of post-structuralism OR strengths perspective

My requirement: Use Strengths Perspective to respond to this case study

  1. Describe the main arguments of the theory (approx. 200 words)
  2. Explain why you selected that specific theory; why it is helpful in understanding the case study? (approx. 100 words)
  3. Analyse the case study from the perspective of the theory
    1. Select and apply two key principles to aspects of the case study; how do they inform your understanding of the case study? How would they shape your practice? (approx. 200 words per principle)
  1. Reflect on the theories you have applied to the case study throughout this topic. How were they similar or different? What do they focus on/not focus on, and what are the strengths/limitations of this? Which theories do you think you will use in your own professional practice and and why? (approx. 150 words)

Notes for this section:

  • In the first section of this case study I used Tasked Centred practice and Attachment Theory to address the case study. So those two will be your reference theories in answering question 3 or this section of the case study.
  1. Reflect on the historical and geographical context within which these theories were developed. Do social work theories privilege some ways of knowing over others? How can Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' ways of knowing, being and doing influence social work practice?  (approx. 350 words)

Please use sub-headings and include a brief introduction and conclusion (i.e. 50 words each).

The word limit is 2000 words. 10% variance is allowed.

It is acceptable to write in first person and use personal pronouns such as "I" or "my" in this assessment.

This assessment must be supported by at least 10 academic references. You will need to use topic materials and undertake wider research. APA referencing conventions must be used.

CASE STUDY

Learning outcomes to be assessed:

  • Develop and articulate a comprehensive framework for understanding theories that inform professional social work practice
  • Select appropriate theoretical knowledge to support future practice skills which aids effective involvement within various client systems, i.e. individuals, families, small groups and communities
  • Utilise theoretical frameworks for reflection and analysis to form a beginning understanding about one’s own professional practice

The purpose of the assessment is to demonstrate your understanding of social work theories, select key theoretical principles and apply these to the case study below. In completing both assessments you will learn about a broad range of social work theories and will begin to develop a framework for making sense of these. This will help to develop your professional identity as a social worker. You will address the following case study in both assessments:

Case study: The Mitchell family

Jennifer Mitchell, aged 43 years, lives with her two children, Thomas (13 years) and Amelia (six years). They live in a private rental property in a suburb of a major city.  

Jennifer migrated to Australia from England in her twenties. She met Mark, Thomas and Amelia’s father, a few years later. Three years ago, Mark was made redundant, so accepted some casual work interstate. He was away from home for long periods, and when he returned, Jennifer and Mark argued a lot. They separated 12 months ago. Mark now lives interstate and visits Thomas and Amelia occasionally.

Jennifer is the primary caregiver for Thomas and Amelia and hadn’t been in paid employment since Thomas was born. After she separated from Mark, and Amelia started school, she returned to work as a childcare worker.

Six months ago, Jennifer was involved in a major motor vehicle accident while driving to work. She was in hospital for two months. Thomas and Amelia mostly stayed with Jennifer’s friends during this time. Jennifer has an acquired brain injury and is not able to work or drive. Since the separation and her accident, Jennifer has experienced periods of moderate depression.

Since Jennifer only returned to work for a short period, she doesn’t have significant savings or income protection. Jennifer is receiving some financial support via Centrelink. The hospital social worker helped Jennifer to register with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and she is on a waiting list to determine whether she is eligible to receive funding.

Their landlord has informed Jennifer that the lease will not be renewed, as they wish to sell the property. The lease ends in one month. There are limited private rental properties in the area and rent has increased significantly in the last few years. With help from her friends, Jennifer has applied for a few rental properties, but the applications have been unsuccessful since she’s not currently employed. Jennifer went to Housing SA but was told that there is a ten-year waiting period. Jennifer is hesitant to move away from her friends and her doctor. She doesn’t know where they will live when the lease ends.  

Thomas has recently started high school. He has been busy caring for his Mum and Amelia. He does much of the cooking and cleaning. He is often tired at school and has trouble concentrating. His teachers are concerned that he’s falling behind.

Since the accident, going to school has become very distressing for Amelia. When Jennifer’s friend picks Amelia up in the mornings, she becomes very upset, and screams and cries for hours. Jennifer often allows her to stay home. At times Amelia is inseparable from her Mum. At other times, she plays alone in her room for hours. Amelia says that she misses her Dad. 

[ANSWER PREVIEW]

The following discussion will apply social work theories of empowerment and the strengths perspective to Mitchell Family case study. It will analyse relevance of these theoretical frameworks to Jennifer, and pre-empt how the key principles can be used to find a solution. A comparison and reflection on the two theories will equally be provided...[Buy Full Answer: 2000 WORDS]