Ecological Systems and Theories

This assignment delves into the concept of ecological systems and theories, covering topics such as Bronfenbrenner's eco-system Model of support, primary health care, and community interventions. It also touches upon research in ecological psychology, social-ecological keystone concepts, and natural resource management. The provided sources include academic articles, conference papers, and books that offer insights into the complexities of ecological systems and their applications in different fields.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT AND
INTERVENTION PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FAMILY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................4
Describe the key protective factors:.............................................................................................6
EXAMINE THE ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY AND CRITICALLY APPLY TO THE
ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK.....................................................................................................7
GENERATION OF AN INTERVENTION PLAN ......................................................................11
Engagement and participation....................................................................................................11
Family’s current participation in leisure, recreation and rest....................................................11
Participation in faith, community and culture ...........................................................................12
DISCUSS, PRIORITISE AND GIVES EXAMPLES OF ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR
THE FAMILY...............................................................................................................................12
Effective engagement strategies to apply for the family...........................................................12
Prioritise engagement strategies for this family.........................................................................12
Intervention aims/ Desired outcomes/ Actions to be conducted by members of the family in
the case study.............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

FAMILY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
ETHNICITY:
Is the family Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background? If Y who identifies?
 Amanda father was aboriginal background and this made her from the same
background. In addition to this, her three kids, Colby, Kelly and Brittany.
Should an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation be involved in onward referrals?
 Yes
Country of birth for other members of the family?
 Kelly's partner, William who belonged to Nigeria and is an illegal immigrant
 Amanda's husband's named Liam whose first wife named as Emma is a Muslim and
might be of different country.
Language/s spoken at home?
The languages spoken at homes were diverse due to presence of several religious faiths and
interconnectivity between the members
 English since Amanda ad Kelly are aboriginal and comfortable in English
 Nigerian language since William was comfortable in speaking the native language.
 Arabic since Emma is Muslim and taught her kids including Alexandra about her
religion
Should a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse organisation be involved in onward referrals?
 Yes
Interpreter or translator required? If “Yes”, what type of interpreter?
 A Nigerian origin translator
 Arabic or Urdu speaking translator
Do any of the family members have a known disability? No

SERVICES CURRENTLY ENGAGED WITH THE FAMILY: List and discuss
General Health?
 Amanda's general health is in weak state and is in need
Housing?
 Kelly whose partner is in deportation phase and his ex partner filed a case for visitation
rights and sole custody of their kids.
Schooling?
 Alexander and Caitlin struggles
Are the family members, children or young people engaged in any type of employment?
 Yes
 Amanda was into multiple jobs to provide livelihood to her extended family including
her grandparents.
 Liam, who is Amanda's husband is a chef and works for long hours
 Colby, Amanda's older son is working and his partner, Brett is also working and has few
addictions leading to stress and unwanted issues
Other? No
STRENGTHS AND RISKS
Describe the family’s strengths:
The strengths were that they have always been struggling, yet they found strength and tried to
accomplish jobs and obtain hopes to remove the obstacles by seeking the help of a supervisor.
Describe the key protective factors:
The key protective factors were as follows:
1. Kelly who is trying to help her kids in preventing them from mishappenings and not

giving sole custody to their abusive father, Noah.
2. Another is Amanda who is trying to move Liam's older son Alexander to a catholic
based missionary school. This would make him responsible and make his career better
by focusing on constructive things like studying, playing sports etc.
3. Colby whose partner is into illegal addiction and this might affect their lifestyle after
the arrival of their twins through surrogacy
Has the family been in contact with Child Protection?
 No
Are there concerns about the children or young people’s safety within the family?
 Unknown
Are there concerns that the children or young people within the family are being neglected?
 Yes
If “Yes”, what are the concerns? Expressed by whom?
 The concerns include Amanda's intertwined conditions with Liam, Kelly and Emma.
This neglected the kids in the family who have become aloof and socially disturbed.
Are there concerns (risks) for the children/ young people or adults?
 Yes
If “Yes”, what are the concerns? Expressed by whom?
1. Caitlin is unable to focus on studies and is struggling with reading and writing and her
teachers and Kelly are in tension about her development
2. Alexander is shifting to another school which is a huge stress pointer for Amanda since
she never wanted to look villain who broke the family
3. Brittany is in depression with stress and is unemployed and must be looked into this
matter to resolve ad this is expressed by her mother Amanda

If any concerns have been identified, what is the impact of these on the children/ young people
or adults?
 Its impact is undefinable and has unknown consequences. The impact is in negative
manner and has hampering effects on the minds and well being of people
Is a notification to child protection required?
Unknown
What are the main presenting issues for the referral? List.
 Caitlin needs diagnosis for autism
 Alexander must be checked for drugs and reasons behind disorientation from studies
Do the strengths and protective factors sufficiently ameliorate the impact of the risk factors that
have been identified?
Unknown
What further follow up is required and by whom?
A legal and authenticated framework in the form of regulatory bodies and on profit
organisations must intervene to provide assistance, support and help this family to overcome the
obstacles and barriers.
EXAMINE THE ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY AND CRITICALLY APPLY TO THE
ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
Ecological systems' theory is called as human ecology theory and is defined as the
framework that reflects upon the need of relationships and fulfilment of individual outcomes.
Here the focus is on understanding the inherent qualities of a child in relation to the different
environmental systems for the overall development in the society (Zhu & Zheng, 2019). This bio
ecological theory was proposed by Bronfenbrenner and consists of five levels namely micro
system, meso system, exo system macrosystem and chrono system. Together these five systems

have led to the foundation of an individual's interaction with that of the surroundings and other
humans. It helps in gaining knowledge about the development and growth of a person that
supports in shaping the future prospects on the whole.
Micro System: This is the first layer and the most influential stage which infers towards the
child's overall identity formation. It involves culture, religion, basic education, parents
background etc. Primarily this level is dedicated to the social development and self esteem of an
individual. Here a safe and secure home environment act as the catalyst for attributes like
language, vocabulary, body gestures and other developmental related activities that improve
one's learning.
Meso System: This is the second level which includes about the interactions between individual
and several environmental entities like parents, teachers, peers, etc. The focus is on establishing
positive approaches and perspectives as well to know about the feelings like envy, happiness,
sadness and more which has an impact on the minds of individual (Landi & et.al., 2018). These
connect the entities and establish relationships to turn the individual into human and
compassionate people for a better society.
Exo System: The term exo means external and this is that level of this model that links the
individual with the societal setting for survival. Here workplace or management of university
helps the individuals to get affected from the unforeseen emotions or happenings. For e.g. the
parents might get stuck or want to quit jobs and this affects the individual in accordance to the
relationship.
Macro system: It is that system which connects the individual with the entire society and make a
realistic approach to know about the ongoing events. Here the cultural aspects such as religion,
socio-economic status and ethical standards play crucial role that influence the individual growth
and development.
Chrono System: This is that system which is combination of the above systems and is related to
the family structural changes and several other factors for the development (Winter, Lincoln &
Berkes,2018). It reflects upon the building of an individual's character to survive in the
competitive world by following set of beliefs, values and cultures.

Illustration 1. Key components of Bronfenbrenner's Model
(Source:Bronfenbrenner's eco-system Model of support, 2010)
This theory is important in terms of gaining knowledge about an individual’s situation,
struggles and challenges that might leads towards growth and development. It also stands out as
the conceptual tool for guiding the interventions to solve issues and improve the overall human
attributes to make the positioning statement via network of usefulness and applicability (Lacerda
& Sundberg,2018). The given case study is dealing with the lives and complexities of two
women, Amanda and Kelly who are mother-daughter in relationship. The focus is on outlining
Kelly's abilities in taking care of her three children and along with their development in leading
their lives.
Firstly, Kelly is a 30 year old woman who is Aborginal and has three kids out of which,
the eldest son Samuel and Caitlin are undergoing mixed emotions due to case pending regarding
visitation rights and sole custody by their father Noah. This has affected Caitlin who is struggling
at school and her teachers told that she might have autism. However, William, Nigerian refugee

is good to Kelly's kids and is in happy relationship with her but has been deported by the
Australian Government. Moreover, she is unemployed and is currently studying to receive her
EN certificate at TAFE to become a nurse and support her family.
From further analysis, it has been found that she sometimes spend money on cigarettes
and other frivolous things which might left no money for her kids food. This scenario is
definitely looking pale but the theory signifies that a good surrounding ins important in shaping
the mindset and behaviour and thus these kids are in good shape of her grandmother Amanda,
who is 54 years multi-tasker and takes good care of them. Their mother Kelly is also trying hard
and building an environment to make these kids better.
Second scenario reflects upon Amanda who is also in struggling phase but is keeping up
with the ongoing scenarios to make a better living. Her situation is more struggling than Kelly
since she is taking care of her kids as well from time to time. Her partner is a chef named Liam
who has two kids with a Muslim woman, Emma and she is living with Alan and three teenage
girls. This is complicated since Alexander, Liam's 16 year old son is in the most fluctuating
phase and is in between changing school and religious beliefs. He has emotional and behavioural
problems and started taking marijuana.
Thirdly, Amanda's older son Colby is also struggling and the youngest child Brittany is
unemployed and living with her. She is also financially assisting Brittany and considering in
sending her for therapy. She is doing multiple jobs to give economic support ad provide dinner to
her grandchildren on daily basis. The entire situation of Amanda is an example of this ecological
systems' theory where all the five systems has been completed and she is passing through chrono
system. The situational crisis of her kinds Colby,Kelly and Brittany and her partner's Liam two
kids are making the surrounding more complex and intertwined due to the dependency on her
presence and financial support.
In taking an account of the changing patterns in mood and behaviour of the involved
characters has fitted into the systems of this theory (Liu, 2018). These individuals and their
surroundings are easily recognisable and supported the theory's influence in understanding the
human development psychology.

GENERATION OF AN INTERVENTION PLAN
Engagement and participation
These two aspects are important in implementing intervention plan for effective recovery
and counselling to be given to the needy patients. According to Leslie & et.al. (2016) the psycho
social interventions is helpful when such mix up of relations are evident in the family history.
The intervention type of approach is related to the psycho analysis. Here the objective is to make
conscious approach in making concrete changes that help the affected individuals in influencing
the modifications for their own self betterment. There are several components of a brain which is
sub divided into ego, id and superego. Along with, Lutgens, Gariepy & Malla (2017) stated that
this can be examined by understanding the inter relationship between these components and its
effects on the well being of individuals in leading lives. It would help in improving the mental
health and make better connections between the parents and kids for their protection and aims at
developing behaviour oriented approaches.
Mullins& et.al. (2015) elucidated that the focus here in adopting the psycho social
interventions is to make people (Kelly and Amanda) lives much convenient to follow the normal
life routine without any interferences from both external and internal levels. Moreover, Landi &
et.al. (2018) it helps in healing the restoration of relationships and adoption of a holistic
approach to redesign the dynamics and healing of disturbed relations between the people. For
instance, if Brittany, one of the daughters of Amanda goes for therapy sessions then it would
support in maintain her mental health properly. Along with this, it would help Amanda who also
spends a fixed amount on her utilities and is another responsibility at this struggling time.
Family’s current participation in leisure, recreation and rest
The family's current participation in any of the recreational activities is almost null and
this has hampering effects on the well being in terms of social, physical, psychological and
physiological aspects (Zhu & Zheng, 2019). When Alexander, Liam's teenage boy must be
actively participation in studies and extra curricular activities. He had been caught into drugs and
a disorientation from the studies and about making progress for better future. His reluctance
towards Amanda is also making things difficult at home ad with Liam's decision of quitting, he is
a burden and thus, both Liam and Amanda are in dilemma about Liam's inclusion in the family.
However, if Amanda is less reluctant and little flexible, it might be useful in re-
connecting with Alexander and her other kids, Colby and Brittany as well. There must be focus

on meeting for playing and encouraging an open discussion to build trust, loyalty and
transparency (Noh & Lee, 2015). This would enhance the bond and improve the relationships
between the siblings, father-kids, mother-daughter and such relationship mentioned in the case
study.
Participation in faith, community and culture
The participation in terms of faith is in the lowest levels among all the people mentioned
in this case study. Kelly is in fix between her partner William who has been deported and her
custody fight with ex-partner Naoh. She could have taken the spiritual paths but during the micro
system stage, she was also struggling and never received the kind of support she expected or
desired from her family. Her siblings were also incapacitated and their mother, Amanda also left
their father due to an abusive relationship which stripped her soul (Simmons, Borys & Swinburn,
2010). It did make her stronger, yet the systems' theory has emphasised on the overall
development which was lacked in Amanda's kids and Kelly's kids as well due to the unsuitability
and complexities for surviving their livelihood.
DISCUSS, PRIORITISE AND GIVES EXAMPLES OF ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR
THE FAMILY
Effective engagement strategies to apply for the family
An engagement strategy is beneficial in promoting well being of individuals while
handling all the relationships with dignity, respect and mutual support. This is essential while
adopting the psychoanalysis to make the complicated nature between different role plays in more
refined manner. It aids in fostering overall developmental growth of family's children and build
mutual admiration to overcome issues with a collaborative approach. The most engagement
strategies included here is maintenance of therapy sessions to give clarity and take feedbacks to
incorporate the communication channels wisely to build loyalty and initiate compassion and
empathy (Ell, 2018). There must be encouragement between the members to meet more often
and lead the formation of analysing each other issues. These engagement strategies also include
more active participation from each family member which becomes more important in such
diversion and complicated family structures.

Prioritise engagement strategies for this family
The engagement strategies are important in building positive relationships and involves a
step by step guide to develop reliable sources of interactive sessions. The focus is on developing
the engagement and establishing productive relationships between the members of Amanda's
family. For instance, there were gaps in terms of socio economic status and legal aspects which
proved as obstacles. Herein the maintenance of relationships is difficult job to execute and
through implementing the psychoanalysis (Sallis, Owen & Fisher, 2015). The strategies included
conducting of counselling and therapy sessions to make them understand on individual levels
about their responsibilities and jobs. Moreover, the focus is on enhancing communications
through both verbal and non verbal manner.
The priorities are the following:
 To solve Kelly’s partner legal issue which forced him to deport
 To give her ample of effective time to complete studies and help her daughter Caitlin
 To improve the working conditions of Amanda who has chronic conditions
 To make Alexander responsible and give counselling to stop using drugs and improve his
living standards
 To give training for parenthood to Colby and his partner who are expecting twins
 To emphasis on improvising Brittany's dilemmas and queries to start her life by joining
job and engaging in constructive tasks
What are Needs/ Worries identified?
The needs and worries identified here are the following:
 To improve the conditions of Kelly in maintaining her lifestyle and support her three kids
 To assess Caitlin's diagnosis for autism
 To make William a legal citizen and not as an illegal immigrant
 To give Amanda a chronic health treatment plan with using interventions for stress
management
 To counsel Alexander and realising his worth through proper supervision
 To improve Amanda and Emma relationship for te sake of Alexander well being
 To help Colby and his partner by making them prepared for parenthood
 To assess Brittany's conditions in overcoming her insecurity and anxieties

Intervention aims/ Desired outcomes/ Actions to be conducted by members of the family in the
case study
The aim of the intervention of conducting psycho analysis is to improve dynamics of the
relationships and bridge the differences by open communication. Moreover, it highlights the
needs of understanding the situational crisis and existing challenges between the members.
Additionally, according to AASW Code of Ethics, the focus is on solution based remedies and
supports in collaboration and cooperation between members. This would help in maintaining the
sanity and living standards to make the future better and convenient.
These actions would be done by the collective actions by the counsellors, therapists and
the elder people of this family including Amanda, Kelly, Liam, Noah. There is also inclusion of
school teachers and guides or mentors to make Alexander, Caitlin more responsible and
accountable.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ell, K. (2018). Families and health care: Psychosocial practice. Routledge.
Lacerda, F., & Sundberg, U. (2018). An ecological theory of language acquisition. Linguística:
Revista de Estudos Linguísticos da Universidade do Porto. 1. 53-106.
Landi, P. & et.al., (2018). Complexity and stability of adaptive ecological networks: a survey of
the theory in community ecology. In Systems analysis approach for complex global
challenges (pp. 209-248). Springer, Cham.
Leslie, L. K. & et.al. (2016). Primary health care: potential home for family-focused preventive
interventions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.51(4). S106-S118.
Liu, S. (2018, June). Research on Influencing Factors of Teachers’ Occupational Well-Being
Based on Ecological System Theory. In 2018 2nd International Conference on
Management, Education and Social Science (ICMESS 2018). Atlantis Press.
Lutgens, D., Gariepy, G., & Malla, A. (2017). Psychological and psychosocial interventions for
negative symptoms in psychosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. The British
Journal of Psychiatry.210(5). 324-332.
Mullins, L. L. & et.al. (2015). Models of resilience: Developing psychosocial interventions for
parents of children with chronic health conditions. Family Relations.64(1). 176-189.
Noh, H. K., & Lee, E. (2015). Relationships Among NANDA‐I Diagnoses, N ursing O utcomes
C lassification, and N ursing I nterventions C lassification by Nursing Students for
Patients in Medical‐Surgical Units in K orea. International journal of nursing
knowledge.26(1). 43-51.
Sallis, J. F., Owen, N., & Fisher, E. (2015). Ecological models of health behaviour. Health
behaviour: Theory, research, and practice.5. 43-64.
Simmons, A., Borys, J. M., & Swinburn, B. (2010). Community interventions–planning for
sustainability. Preventing Childhood Obesity: Evidence, Policy and Practice. 220-231.
Winter, K., Lincoln, N., & Berkes, F. (2018). The Social-Ecological Keystone Concept: A
quantifiable metaphor for understanding the structure, function, and resilience of a
biocultural system. Sustainability. 10(9). 3294.
Zhu, H. B., & Zheng, G. J. (2019). Ecological Research on Natural Resource Management based
on Entropy Theory and Hopfield Network. Ekoloji. 28(107). 1029-1033.
Online
Bronfenbrenner's eco-system Model of support. 2010. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/exosystem>.