Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice
Why must the social worker maximize client participation and client self-determination?
It is the client who must live with the results of the intervention. The client has certain rights that need to be respected.
What is a goal?
Is a desired outcome or the end sought. A broad and rather global statement.
What is an objective?
Is more specific and written in a manner that allows for measurement and evaluation.
What is family group conferencing (FGC)?
Also known as family group decision making and family unity meetings, is a voluntary, family-driven decision-making process designed to create action plans for child welfare, protection, or restorative justice.
What are the 5 stages of group development?
Preaffiliation. Power and control. Intimacy. Differentiation. Separation.
What is Planning?
The bridge between assessment and intervention.
The value-based principle of client self-determination dictates that…
To the extent possible, the client has the right to make these decisions. There are also some very practical reasons for expecting the client, rather than the social worker, to select target problems and goals for the intervention.
When are conditions needed when formulating an objective?
When an objective is complex and cannot be written in a single sentence, it will be necessary to attach further statements of condition and criteria as clarification.
Why is the FGC approach attractive to social workers?
It is inherently culturally sensitive and family-centered. It builds on family strengths. The family group conference demonstrates to the abusive or neglectful parent that many people care and want to help.
How long should adult meetings last?
1 ½ to 2 hours is about right for adults.
Implied contract offers…
The least clarity and are most vulnerable to misunderstanding
How may significant others like spouses, children, parents, friends, and employers affect the client's problems?
They may be either part of the problem or part of the solution, and should be considered in the intervention planning; they may knowingly or unknowingly become an obstacle in the change process.
What is the difference between a task and a goal with objectives?
A task can be completed in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. Whereas an objective is something that might be achieved in a couple of months.
When is a family group conference usually attempted?
When the agency and the parent have reached an impasse. When the out-of-home placement of a child is under consideration by a child protection agency or court. When the parent’s change effort is “stuck”, and his or her family and friends are needed to encourage the parent to get back on track and work on current problems.
What makes groups more beneficial for clients?
Clients are often more open to suggestions voiced by other group members than to those offered by professionals.
Oral contracts adds…
an element of clarity, but the details of oral communication can be quickly forgotten.
A problem search is often used when…
The client has been referred by family or an authoritative agency (court), but does not acknowledge the existence of the problem as defined by others. The client has requested a specific service, but in the worker's opinion, it is desirable to help the client to modify the request to redefine the problem.
What is a written service contract?
A contract is a document that specifies the desired outcome of the services to be provided, the key actions that will be taken to achieve this outcome, the major roles and responsibilities of those involved in this effort, and the relevant timelines.
What families are most likely to benefit from FGC?
Ones in which family members (and others) can focus on the needs of a specific child, can communicate honestly, and will strive for a consensus in decision-making.
What are 3 rules that could help govern the behavior of group members?
*Members are to avoid romantic involvement with other members. *Members are to maintain confidentiality. *Members cannot remain at the meeting if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Written contracts are…
The most beneficial for both the client and worker because it can be reviewed between sessions to remind participants of their responsibilities, and it provides a solid foundation for evaluation and accountability.
Problem search is…
A mini-contract or an agreement between the client and the social worker to devote some time to discuss the client's situation in order to determine if the client has a problem and, if so, whether it should be addressed by some type of professional intervention.
Why was the family group conferencing developed?
To engage the large extended families and kinship groups in decision-making and planning for a child who has been abused or neglected by a parent.
What are 3 important ground rules for an FGC session?
*Focus on finding solutions–keep the focus on the needs of the child and on making decisions and plans that are in the child’s best interest. *It is important for everyone to voice his or her ideas and suggestions– it is okay to disagree, but to do so in a respectful manner. *After the meeting, be sure to maintain confidentiality about what was discussed.
What is the talking stick technique?
An object, the talking stick, is passed around the group, from person to person. Whoever is holding it has permission to speak while all others are silent and give the speaker their undivided attention.