Child Protection Case Study: Analyzing Sally Dunford's Family Dynamics

This case study examines the complex situation of Sally Dunford, a 32-year-old mother of four children, and the child protection issues she faces. The case delves into the challenges presented by her children: Charlie, an aggressive bully; Jonelle, a reserved and unwell child; and Zack, a precocious kindergartener. The analysis explores the root causes of these issues, including Sally's difficult childhood and overprotective parenting style. It identifies key issues such as a lack of communication, potential child abuse, and the need for intervention. The study proposes adaptable strategies, including teacher-parent meetings, counseling, and tailored approaches for each child's unique needs. It also discusses potential obstacles, such as Sally's reluctance to cooperate, and suggests solutions like parent counseling and helping her accept the reality of the situation. The case study emphasizes the importance of measuring success and dealing with arguments to gain the best possible outcome for the children.

Running Head: Case study analysis
Child Protection
Case study of Sally Dunford

Case study analysis
Table of Contents
Case study analysis....................................................................................................................2
Overview of case study..........................................................................................................2
Issues with child protection & it’s probable and possible solution........................................2
Things to know regarding child safety...................................................................................3
Adaptable strategies in the dynamic scenario........................................................................3
Seeking cooperation with Sally Dunford & convincing her to listen an d consider the
problem...................................................................................................................................4
Obstacles likely to arise and how to resolve them.................................................................4
Measuring success and dealing with arguments to gain possible outcome............................5
References..................................................................................................................................5
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Case study analysis
Case study analysis
Overview of case study
Sally is a 32-year old Pakeha woman who has 4 children. From the time of her
childhood, she was having very little support of her family. There is a small sister namely
Dawn who was the only world for Sally. She uses to live in a two bedroom rental property
situated at 18 Dangerous Place, Auckland West. Her first baby was adopted and the name of
the after is yet not confirmed; only the assumptions are made considering the departmental
files of that particular time. Sally faced a lot of difficulties in her life, her mother, Faith, and
father, Michael Murphy got separated when Sally was just 3 months old. Sally was the victim
of child abusement and sexual harassment. Also, her mother was not having a successful
relationship. The little girl Sally has watched all those violence and agitation that happened
with her mother as well as with her who left a great impact on her mind and future life
(Lachman, 2002).
The other 3 children of Sally were Charlie, Jonelle, and Zack. Charlie is an eight-
year-old bully boy, aggressive in nature and good at the sports and because of this nature and
a quality he uses to dominate other children and teachers as well. Jonelle is Sally’s daughter
who stays in very reserved manner and does not communicate with another student either is
she willing to play with the classmates. Also, she is suffering from a certain disease which is
not cured and Jonelle is an untidy kid with the poor dress and ill manner tangled hair. Third
and last one is Zack, the little boy studies kindergarten who is excessively heavy than his age
and the mentality of the child is way beyond the real mentality that a child of this age should
actually possess (Shannon, 2014).
Issues with child protection & it’s probable and possible
solutions.
The present issues are distinct varying from child to child. Every child is having a
different problem which has grown to the higher level. The major issue that is common in all
the three children is their Mother Sally who is not ready to hear a word against her children
and considers that all three are equally perfect thus no further treatment is required. This is
the only against the care of these children. Probably governmental actions could be taken and
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Case study analysis
law regarding child protection should be thoroughly studied to provide protection to the
children and solve the relevant issues. Also, society can help Sally understand and accept the
fact about her children to take immediate measure for their healthy future and well-being
(UNICEF, 2011). The possible issues with the protection of these children are the ignorant
nature of their mother and not believing and connecting with the society to seek help from the
doctors. Another possible reason behind such ignorance is Sally’s own past which ruined her
mind and she became overprotective just because the lady does not want that what all she
faced in her past happens with her children as well, thus she might have the trust issues.
Things to know regarding child safety
Initially, the situation of all the children will be thoroughly analyzed to figure out the
exact problem they are facing and taking suitable measure to resolve the problems. Also,
teachers play a vital role in shaping the life and career of their students that is why they are
given a supreme position in the society because they are the one who develops the mindset of
children and making them learn about things (APA, 2017). In this particular case study first
of all the teachers of all the three children should hold a meeting and deeply discuss the
problem of each child and figure out what is the common issue or root cause that is affecting
the mentality and health of the children. At last, all the teachers must calmly explain the
situation and the consequences of ignorance to Sally to make situation clear and handled
within the time.
Adaptable strategies in the dynamic scenario
From gathering the relevant information there are chances that certain solutions are
derived out. Like penalizing those students who are untidy would affect the parents and they
will see to the cleanliness issues of their children, as with the case of Jonelle. In case if Sally
is not ready to face the problem and co-operate with the school staff the situation may get
worsened. In such a risky situation, face to face interview could be planned and mother
should be made seated with the children and hear to them or monitor the deeds which might
convince her about the seriousness of the problem and assuring her the help for improving the
condition of the kids (Police, n.d.).
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Case study analysis
Seeking cooperation with Sally Dunford & convincing her to
listen and consider the problem
It will be a tough task to discuss the problem with Sally Dunford but it is equally
important as well to have this discussion regarding her child. First of all, a basic conversation
can be planned by the way of parent teacher meeting. The teachers could sincerely and
generally discuss the particular problem and gradually specifying the topic to the children.
She must be made aware of the problem her children are facing and elucidating the
consequences of negligence (Justice, 2017). This might touch an inner corner of her and she
would cooperate with the social worker and school staff in rendering detail about her
children. Certain related examples could be quoted in front of her that might develop a sense
of fear and care for the children and she may listen to staff and social worker (Child matters,
n,d.).
Obstacles likely to arise and how to resolve them
The foremost obstacle that is likely to occur is convincing Sally to make out time for
her children and understand the issue to resolve the same. Another issue that might occur is
that Sally is in the contact of drug addicts and criminals and in case of any mishap she could
ask those criminals for help which may turn the situation upside down (Stephens, 2003). The
major obstacle that is coming between the paths is Sally’s very own past which was spoiled
enough and she may not want the same to happen with her child as well. This is the main
cause of being over protective towards her children which are actually becoming the cause of
her children’s abnormal behavior and damaging their future. Due to this nature of Sally, the
learning of her children is getting curb. The confidence level is decreasing in them and they
do not know what the real world is (AIFS, 2017). Jonelle is way too reserved and do not
possess self-confidence to interact with the peers in the class.
To overcome these obstacles the parent counseling needs to be made with Sally and she
should be demonstrated with the points regarding her children and making her aware of the
consequences that is soon to occur and affect the lives of the children. Also helping out Sally
to accept the fact and handle the situation smartly by letting her children take certain
decisions, give them their space, making them ready to face challenges. As in the case of
Charlie, the child is way too stubborn and there is a need to make him learn to compromise as
everything the child wishes should not be fulfilled (New health advisor, 2017). Considering
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Case study analysis
Jonelle Sally should take measures to make the kid extrovert and face the world by
communicating with people. And lastly, Zack is to be controlled as the child is older than
what the actual age is, therefore, innocence need to be inculcated in the child.
Measuring success and dealing with arguments to gain
possible outcome
The success could be measured when the desired changes are applied and required
result is been seen. The success measurement can be made step by step. Initially, the teachers
of the children need to implement changes on their behalf and making the child understand
what is right and what is wrong. When the things grow to be big the problems need to be
communicated to Sally and she has to be convinced. Now, interacting with Sally is not an
easy job for that smart ways needs to be identified and real scenario should be drawn in front
of her so that she can gain the importance of thing and take measures to solve all this in her
own way taking the assistance of the social worker (RAND, 2017).
References
AIFS. (2017). Risk and protective factors for child abuse and neglect. Viewed on 1st
September 2017. <https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/risk-and-protective-factors-
child-abuse-and-neglect>.
American Psychological Association. (2017). Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in
child protection matters. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<http://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/child-protection.aspx>.
Child matters. (n.d.). Information for: Teachers/ Education. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<http://www.childmatters.org.nz/46/teachers-education>.
Justice. (2017). Care and protection of children. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/care-of-children/care-and-protection/>.
Lachman. P. et.al. (2002). ‘Challenges facing child protection V. The vulnerable child: from
charity to entitlement. Child abuse & neglect. Vol.26. no. 6. 587-617.
New health advisor. (2017). Overprotective parents. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Overprotective-Parents.html>.
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Case study analysis
Police. (n.d.). Child protection guidelines. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/school-portal/
information-and-guidelines/child-protection?nondesktop.
RAND. (2017). Child protection and welfare reform. Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<https://www.rand.org/pubs/conf_proceedings/CF123/burnam.html>.
Shannon. G. (2014). Progress has been made in child protection but challenges remain.
Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/progress-has-been-made-in-child-
protection-but-challenges-remain-1.1646222>.
Stephens. K. (2003). Communicating with parents during sensitive or difficult situations.
Viewed on 1st September 2017.
<http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/stephens/index.htm>.
Unicef. (2011). Child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse. Viewed on 1st
September 2017. <https://www.unicef.org/protection/57929_57977.html>.
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