SWSP2033 Social Work Theory and Practice

Running head: SOCIAL WORK
Social Work Theory & Practice
Name:
Institution:
Date:

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PART A: Case Analysis
Brief summary of significant historical information
Due to drought situation in the country and in the area, there some tensions simmering
between the locals and the new people who are arriving lately. This is in search of better
housing and job opportunities. George is a 27 year old construction worker although currently
unemployed while his wife Mary is a stay at home although she is looking for time to
advance her education. They have two children a son and a daughter aged 8 and 7 years
respectively and have enrolled them to a new school. George has been looking for a big
construction job but due to drought related issues, the job hasn’t been forthcoming. The
Home School Liason officer (HSLO) has had some issues with the family and is looking for
how she can help the children as they seem disturbed (Baldwin, 2016)..
The community is filled with multicultural people including the aboriginals, the
Greeks and the Italians. The Torres Strait islanders and the Pacific Islander populations are
also in the community. It is a bit concerning that George moved the family from Melbourne
to a more affordable lifestyle in Ruralsville. The idea is that George could make ends meet
here than the more urbanized city of Melbourne. The child welfare department has had some
issues with both children after failing to carry packed lunch and sometimes having not carried
the necessary equipment that the teachers have in suggested that they bring(Carey, 2017).
As a child welfare officer, I have to take the case seriously as the children are either not
comfortable at home or are facing harassment from one of their parent and are afraid to speak
up (Craib, 2015). .
Consider the values, assumptions and ethical considerations in this case

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The values shown in this case is that of children welfare and the ethical considerations
to be taken into consideration for the two children. The assumption in this case is that the
family is struggling to make a living due to the employment statuses of the family. I assume
that the father has been abusing the mother and the children are afraid to tell the teachers
what is going on at home (Coady, & Lehmann, 2016). Another assumption is also that
George is frustrated with his work and the way he has not been at work for so long. Ethical
considerations dictate that as a child welfare officer, the children should be taken to amore
conducive and secure environment that is free from all the dysfunctions in the family. The
education of Tom and Ann should be key and fundamentally of priority. It is necessary to
ensure that all these is good because the family is not having any income that is stable for
them to be having the best education.
What are the identified challenges and concerns?
They have always cited that their mother is sick of that mum had hurt herself and
could not bring the thing that were necessarily needed in school because their mother did not
get the thing ready by the morning. Social support for families in difficult life circumstances
is primarily aimed at helping to overcome stressful moments, ensuring normal family life
using internal and external resources. The direction of the family social support system
should focus on increasing resources and reducing the stress factors of its vital activity (Doel,
& Shardlow, 2017). A family that finds itself in difficult life circumstances, for the most part,
cannot itself overcome difficulties and problems that it faces. Often a significant number of
problems in such families arise through one problem that the family cannot overcome, and
the remaining problems are only a consequence. That is, in their work, a social worker should
have the skills to identify the main, key family problem. For this, it is important for a social

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worker to be able to determine the cause and consequences, to be able to see the problem
from different points of view, to be able to walk away from emotions, to be able to be
objective when analyzing the information received.
After all, it depends on how well the key problem of the family will be identified, how
effective the work to get the family out of crisis will be. One of the pressing issues in
working with families is the relationship with the client, that is, with the family. It is a driving
force for change and success in working with a family that has found itself in difficult life
circumstances, but only when they are professional, and not friendly (Garbarino, 2017).
Professional relationships are characterized by a willingness to interact, mutual trust and
candor. In these relations, a social worker can act as an educator, active listener, assistant,
constructive critic, etc. Only provided that family members are confident of the openness of
the social worker, they are more willing to listen and listen to his recommendations (Gould,
& Taylor, 2017).
Considering the application of theory to practice, how does a theoretical framework
support the work with this family
The idea is that George could make ends meet here than the more urbanized city of
Melbourne. The child welfare department has had some issues with both children after failing
to carry packed lunch and sometimes having not carried the necessary equipment that the
teachers have in suggested that they bring. By listening to and trying to understand the
family, the social worker will be able to raise the level of self-esteem of family members and
encourage them to take new actions to overcome the difficult life circumstances in which the
family finds itself. One of the negative factors that reduces efficiency, and in some cases

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makes social work with a family impossible, is resistance / opposition to change (Howe,
2017).
Resistance to change is a normal human phenomenon and should be taken into
account in a social robot. Any person (or social group) begins to experience a feeling of
resistance, which can be open or hidden, when the established and usual way of life changes,
especially if they do not understand the relevant positive perspectives (Hatch, 2018).
PART B: Critical Reflection
1. What additional information would you have liked to know?
The Australian children protection laws and family law of 1975 which is otherwise refered to
as FLA is an acy of parliament dealing with issues concerning children and parenting
arrangements. It involves dealing with couple separation whether married or not for
maintainance of children rights.
The family law Act that was created by the Australian as a court to record the appellate and
the original jurisdiction. The children in this case are tOm and Ann who wants protective
custody in case the HSLO finds that there is abuse in their home. The family court Act of
1997 was introduced inorder to help against oppression in the family. George seems to
oppress both the children and the wife Mary who are in fear of revealing what is going on
between them. Many families that are becoming the object of social impact already have a
negative experience of communicating with representatives of the authorities in the form of
criminal sanctions and warnings like in this case of George and Mary where there children
Ann and Tom are facing distress in school. Consideration of personal problems by
"outsiders" is in most cases unacceptable for any family, including the disadvantaged.
Resistance in this case is quite natural. It can manifest itself at the level of the verbal,

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behavioral, and affective (emotional) reaction of the family members of the visit of the social
worker and the intervention of child protection agencies in the family’s life (Hepworth,
Rooney, Rooney, & Strom-Gottfried, 2016).
Families that find themselves in difficult life circumstances often perceive the social
worker as a threat. they need to be understood, because a social worker is a stranger who
interferes with the livelihoods of their families and tries to change something. In this case, the
family may resist in accepting help. They may not let the social worker into the house, refuse
to talk, express their anger, deny any problems, not come to appointments, and the like. At
the initial stage of working with a family, resistance is normal and expected. Thus, resistance
from family members can be described as instinctive protection of the family. This helps
them to reduce the mental level of the threat and the level of anxiety.
Why would this additional information have been helpful to you in undertaking the
assessment?
George is a 27 year old construction worker although currently unemployed while his
wife Mary is a stay at home although she is looking for time to advance her education. They
have two children a son and a daughter aged 8 and 7 years respectively and have enrolled
them to a new school. George has been looking for a big construction job but due to drought
related issues, the job hasn’t been forthcoming. Changes in life can also be perceived by
families as a threat. Many people cannot decide to radically change their lives, even if their
current state does not satisfy them.
On the one hand, they want to solve existing problems, on the other hand, they are
afraid that such a solution will lead to the deepening of problems. So according to a
sociological survey "Monitoring social support for families in difficult life circumstances"
family members are taken under social support, at the time of the first visit are unfavorable,

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even hostile, and at first in many cases refuse to help. There may be different reasons for not
wanting to communicate with employees: distrust of social services - 56%; disbelief in the
ability to solve problems - 39%; shame in publicizing the problem - 31%; features of
character - 25%(Northouse, 2018). It is very important that family members feel that their
situation may change for the better and this does not lead to losses or new experiences.
During visits to the family, during an interview with family members, the specialist identifies
vital problems that the family can solve on its own and in a short time.
Reflect the relationship between white and Aboriginal People
The white and the aboriginal people are not in a very cordial relationship. Due to the
competing resources like houses and jobs. George says the children should not be taken to the
aboriginal class activities as he does not want to be associated with them. It is important to
not that the hostility has led to a negative relationship between the whites and the oboriginals.
They think that they are competeing for resources. For example, a specialist may suggest that
you quickly get rid of an unpleasant odor in an apartment. To do this, the family discusses
what needs to be done and how you can help. Or, for example, a social pedagogue shows
parents, positive changes have occurred in a child at school after parents have followed the
preparation of homework. Great attention must be paid to the living conditions in which the
family lives. A change in living conditions is the most positive indicator that can be achieved
at the initial stage of working with a family. The goal of social workers of any level is to
encourage clients to change their way of living.
Did your personal experiences of family life inform how you undertook the process of
assessment?
We are talking about the need to form a new experience in a person in a difficult life
situation, direct it to a constructive attitude to life circumstances, develop an active position,

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behavior strategy, improve the situation and prevent future development of negative events,
as well as support for striving to self-development and self-realization. As a result of such
activity, awareness and / or increased responsibility of a person for the state of solving his
own problem occurs, as well as self-help skills are formed and resources are mobilized. The
introduction of the principle of implementation introduces the basic principle of social work -
help for self-help. , concept, action ") is a multidimensional social process that helps a person
to gain the ability to control his own life.
Focus more on ethical consideration for the family as per the social work code of ethics
However, social practice, based on the interest and activity of the client, must use
motivational mechanisms. Motivation is an incentive for action, a process that governs a
person’s behavior, determines his direction, organization, activity and sustainability,
Social work method, the purpose of which is to help the client to increase the level of control
over their own lives and actions, as well as providing opportunities to realize their potential.
It provides for "mediated" and "active" ways of assisting. In the activities of a social worker,
according to Krivokon N.I., it is primarily aimed at achieving changes in the client's
emotional, cognitive and behavioral spheres (Payne, 2015).
How did you balance the power relationships between individuals and family members
in your interpretation of the case study?
The issue of motivation is one of the topical in the socio-pedagogical work of
attracting the client to the interaction and to the change of life circumstances. A change in a
client’s attitude to life circumstances, a change in behavior cannot be achieved without
personal motivation, the inner conviction of a person about the need for change in his life.
The motives and mechanisms of the formation of motivations are primarily the prerogative of

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the psychology of both science and practical activity. Intrinsic motivation is most effective in
achieving change. Extrinsic motivation can develop into intrinsic, subject to certain principles
and the use of stimulating techniques.
What did you learn from this assignment and how has your perspective of family
practice changed?
Such a motivating form that requires special treatment can be requested (Ritzer, &
Stepnisky, 2017). It is important that it be worded clearly, carefully, politely and
accompanied by respect for the client’s right to refuse. Inadmissible forms of organizing a
motivating process in social work: manipulation and decision-making methods (order,
coercion, sanctions). Working with families who find themselves in difficult life
circumstances, adjusting them to cooperation and motivating them to change, the following
approaches should be taken into account: - Only if you meet low needs, you can move on to
high needs. Within this approach, it is worth mentioning Maslow's pyramid (Thompson,
2017). When planning work with families, the social worker should take into account their
needs. If unsatisfactory low physiological needs (for food, water, rest, protection, etc.), the
work on the formation and satisfaction of the highest needs, self-expression (in the realization
of potential, in personal growth) will not be effective and ineffective. with a family request: a
specialist working with a family has to work primarily with the problem / issue that the
family has addressed (Turner, 2017).
Mention Anti Oppressive Practice in theory followed by strength based
approach
The Anti-oppressive practice( AOP) has been taking root in social work as an effort to
raise justice socially in commitments and improves the outcome for the people it serves.
AOPs influence is strongest in Australia and Canada. In the most accessible form, the AOP is

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a lens with which experience is understood. The AOP lens identifies with affiliations (such as
race, class, genders and sexual identity.) when the practisioners notice group identities, they
can anticipate , for the family, for the client and for the community. An array of experiences
are associated with both negative and positive life outcomes like income, health, education,
violence, status and social inclusion.
Relationship with the family: a positive result of work in solving and overcoming
difficult life circumstances family relations is possible only when a friendly and trusting
relationship between the family and the specialist is established, she works with her. - Search
for strengths and resources of the family: each family, regardless of "its level, has its
strengths, you need to find them and use be in work.

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References
Baldwin, M. (2016). Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization.
Routledge.
Carey, M. (2017). Qualitative research skills for social work: theory and practice. Routledge.
Craib, I. (2015). Modern social theory. Routledge.
Coady, N., & Lehmann, P. (Eds.). (2016). Theoretical perspectives for direct social work
practice: A generalist-eclectic approach. Springer Publishing Company.
Doel, M., & Shardlow, S. M. (2017). Modern social work practice: Teaching and learning in
practice settings. Routledge.
Garbarino, J. (2017). Children and Families in the Social Environment: Modern Applications
of Social Work. Routledge.
Gould, N., & Taylor, I. (2017). Reflective learning for social work: research, theory and
practice. Routledge.
Greene, R. R. (2017). Human Behavior Theory and Professional Social Work Practice.
In Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice (pp. 31-62). Routledge.
Hatch, M. J. (2018). Organization theory: Modern, symbolic, and postmodern perspectives.
Oxford university press.
Hepworth, D. H., Rooney, R. H., Rooney, G. D., & Strom-Gottfried, K.
(2016). Empowerment series: Direct social work practice: Theory and skills. Nelson
Education.

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Howe, D. (2017). An introduction to social work theory. Routledge.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.
Payne, M. (2015). Modern social work theory. Oxford University Press.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Modern sociological theory. SAGE Publications.
Thompson, J. D. (2017). Organizations in action: Social science bases of administrative
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Turner, F. J. (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches. Oxford
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