Posted: March 23rd, 2023

Concepts and perspectives underpinning social work

Concepts and perspectives underpinning social work

You are expected to demonstrate the following:

An ability to integrate theory with practice.
An understanding of justice, equality and rights in working with people with lived experience and their families.
Effective use of research evidence.
Discuss social work values and ethics that would underpin this case and consider anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice in line with Social Work England Standards and PCFs.
A critical analysis of the strengths and weakness of the chosen theoretical perspective(s) in relation to the case. Assignment: SW5631 Concepts and Perspectives Underpinning Social Work

Deadline: Midday Wednesday 19 April 2023

2,500 word case study which connects the literature on two of the topics covered in the module (concepts, perspectives or theories discussed in the lectures) with a situation you have either experienced in your Year 1 practice placement, or from using the case study below.

Case study

Philip (Black British) 35
Karen (White British) 28
Jaden (Mixed heritage) 9
Mia (Mixed heritage) 6 {half sibling to Jaden}

Issues
Parents, Philip and Karen, had a volatile relationship and separated 2 years ago. When parents were together, the police had been called on a couple of occasions to the home due to domestic arguments. Since the separation, Jaden has been living with his father, Philip. There has been sporadic contact with mother, Karen. Whenever contact took place, Karen would often ring Philip soon after Jaden was dropped off saying she could not manage his behaviour. She says he is often argumentative, runs off and is physically aggressive with his half sibling, Mia. On a number of occasions, Philip has reported Jaden missing from home. He has been found at his mother’s flat two miles away and been identified by members of the public walking along busy main roads.

Philip was convicted of drug possession when he was 17 years old. There are concerns around whether he misuses cannabis and there are questions around alcohol misuse. Karen appears frequently in low mood and is tearful. Karen has stated that she wants to care for Jaden full time. Philip has been highly critical of Karen saying, ‘if she cannot manage him for a few hours, how can she look after him full time?’.

School is unable to manage his behaviour, and has assigned a TA to support him in a separate room. The behaviour he displays includes climbing on school furniture, gates, trees and running away.

During a recent episode when Jaden went missing, Jaden took a screwdriver and removed the hinges from his bedroom window on the first floor and went to Karen’s home. Police reported this to Brunel Social Services who are undertaking an assessment on the family.

Jaden was referred by his school, Brunel Primary School, and is currently being assessed by CAMHS for ADHD.

You are expected to demonstrate the following:

1. An ability to integrate theory with practice.
2. Effective use of research evidence.
3. A critical analysis of the strengths and weakness of the chosen theoretical perspective(s) in relation to the case.
4. An understanding of justice, equality and rights in working with people with lived experience and their families.
5. Discuss social work values and ethics that would underpin this case and consider anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice in line with Social Work England Standards and PCFs.

!
Introduction

This case study highlights complex issues related to child protection and safeguarding concerns, family dynamics, substance misuse, mental health, and education. In this essay, I will discuss the application of social work concepts and perspectives to this case study. The essay will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the systems theory and attachment theory in this case. I will also consider the implications of the social work values and ethics that underpin the case, and anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice in line with Social Work England Standards and PCFs.

Application of Social Work Concepts and Perspectives

Systems Theory

Systems theory is an essential perspective in social work practice that focuses on the interconnectivity of individuals and their environments. According to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, individuals interact with multiple environments, and the interaction shapes the development of an individual. In this case study, it is evident that Jaden’s behaviour is affected by multiple systems, including the family, school, community, and CAMHS. The school assigned a TA to support Jaden’s behaviour, and CAMHS is currently assessing him for ADHD. These interventions recognise that Jaden’s behaviour is not an individual problem but rather a result of the interaction between various systems.

However, systems theory has limitations. It can be criticised for being too simplistic and not taking into account the power dynamics within systems. The theory fails to address the unequal distribution of power that can lead to oppressive practices. In this case, Philip’s criticism of Karen may be viewed as oppressive, and the social worker should acknowledge the power dynamics between the parents.

Attachment Theory

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Concepts and perspectives underpinning social work, help write my essay