Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States
After reading the “Stevie Owens’s Story” (Royse & Griffiths, 2020). provided for this assignment, as a social worker, one of the ways I would respond to this situation is to ensure immediate safety. If there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety, I would prioritize removing the child from harm’s way. This might involve collaboration with law enforcement or emergency services. Besides, it would be accompanied by assessing the child’s well-being. As a social worker, I would conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s physical and emotional well-being. This includes seeking medical attention for any injuries and assessing the child’s mental state. My approach would also involve reviewing past records related to the family in order to identify any patterns in such behaviour. The next step would be developing a safety plan for the child; this plan may include counselling, parenting classes, anger management for the father, or other interventions as needed.
The next step would be legal considerations. This could involve court orders, restraining orders, or other legal actions to protect the child. Finally, I would monitor and follow up. After implementing the safety plan, as the social worker, I would monitor the family’s progress and provide ongoing support. Follow-up visits and regular check-ins may be necessary to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Pertaining to what I would discuss with each family member, I would conduct separate interviews with the child and each parent to gather information about the incident, the family dynamics, and any history of abuse or violence. Notably, it is crucial to approach these interviews with sensitivity and to create a safe environment for the child to share their experiences.
Referring family members to appropriate community support is an essential aspect of a social worker’s role. The choice of referrals will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of each family member. For the father, I would refer him to anger management classes or counselling that can help him address and manage his anger issues constructively. This can contribute to a safer environment for the child (Branco, Altafim & Linhares, 2022). In addition, providing resources for parenting classes can assist the father in developing healthier parenting skills and strategies. These classes can offer guidance on effective communication and discipline. In regards to the mother, parenting support groups can offer her a community of individuals facing similar challenges. This support can help her develop effective parenting strategies and provide a network of encouragement. Besides, the mother may benefit from individual counselling or therapy to explore her parenting style and address any challenges in setting boundaries and disciplining the child. For the child, individual counselling or therapy would help him cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident. A mental health professional can provide a safe space for the child to express his feelings and work through any trauma.
References
Branco, M. S. S., Altafim, E. R. P., & Linhares, M. B. M. (2022). Universal intervention to strengthen parenting and prevent child maltreatment: Updated systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(5), 1658-1676.
Royse, D. D., & Griffiths, A. G. (2020). Child welfare and child protection: An introduction. Cognella Academic Publishing.
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Question
After reading Chapter 2 of your textbook, and the articles listed in Week 2 Module, I want you to focus on “Stevie Owens’s Story” on page 25 of your textbook. Please answer the following:
1. If you were the social worker assigned to this case, how would you approach the situation?
2. What would you discuss with each family member and why?
3. What, if any, community support would you refer each family member to? Please give an explanation as to why you would make each referral.
Make sure to cite your sources using APA format.
Textbook link: Chapter 2
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/reader/books/82462-1A/pageid/0
other readings:
Read The Difference Between Discipline and Abuse. (no date). Retrieved from https://www.hcjfs.org/services/child-protection/know-the-difference-between-discipline-and-abuse/
Read: Why Some Parents Spank Their Kids. (2020). Katherine Lee- https://www.verywellfamily.com/why-parents-spank-reasons-for-corporal-punishment-620129
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/manda.pdf