Case_Scenario

Characteristics and skills play an important role in human services. It is vital for both clients and practitioners to maintain a trusting relationship. Prior to rendering services, the practitioner informs the client of confidentiality. Through confidentiality, the client is aware any disclosed information will be safe-guard. However, clients are also informed with the duty to warn. At anytime a situation encounters danger or threat, by law the practitioner will involve authority or a third-party. Practitioners use a wide range of skills in working with clients. Skills include empathy, listening, observation, communication, and patience. Regardless of the situation, practitioners are prepared to provide services to diverse clients. Continuing on with my paper, I will be explaining three different scenarios. Each scenario will provide the individual's demographic and a description of the issue or challenge. I will then explain how I plan to provide service to the clients based on the skills I have provided. Scenario #1 Jack is a 5 year old Caucasian boy who has been brought in by his mother. Mother is concerned about Jack's behavior and learning disability. Mother is anxious that Jack seeks treatment immediately because he will be enrolling as a kindergartener after summer is over. In this situation, I will maintain a casual conversation about Jack and the concerns mother has about her son. While speaking to mother, I am also observing Jack as he was given an activity book to work on. Mother complains, "Jack does not listen, he can't seem to understand and do things on his own, I don't know how to deal with him." As a reply, I state, "I know it's a challenge in working with your son." Continuing on with a conversation, mother explains Jack does not speak very often, can't write, and loses focus. As I observe Jack, I noticed he made no attempt on working on the activity book. The book is still closed with the crayon box shut on top of the book. I approach Jack, flipping the pages I ask him to point out pictures to me. Unfortunately, just continues to stare and let out a quick giggle. Jack continues to attend occupational therapy. Through therapy, he is being observed of his behavior and actions. Jack seems to remain quiet, have a short attention span, and shows signs of retardation. Since Jack has now been diagnosed with down syndrome, he is being enrolled into a special education program. Jack will be assigned to a skills trainer who will be assisting him to succeed socially and academically. Since Jack has communication disability, he will be guided with the use of visual aids and body gestures as a form of communication. Scenario #2 Jen is a 9 year old Asian girl who once was considered a happy and successful student. In the past week, Jen has been quiet and her assignments were not being completed. Her teacher noticed her attire never fit in with the hot weather conditions. One day, her teacher approached her and asked if everything was alright' Remaining silent, Jen nodded her head. The very same day, her classmate who sat behind her, called on her attention by poking on her back with the eraser of his pencil. Jen, with an uncomfortable look on her face screamed out, "ouch!" As the teacher thought she was just giving a reaction to her classmate, she ignored the situation and told them to get back to work. Towards the end of the day, the weather seem to change as the temperature raised. Jen rolls up the sleeves of her sweater, a classmate shockingly exclaims, "Jen, what is that'" As the teacher looks, she notices scrapes, burns, and bruises on Jen's arm. As the school day comes to an end, Jen is asked to stay behind. The teacher asks Jen if there us anything she would like to share. In fear, Jen states she is being abused by her step-father. As a mandator, the teacher explains to her what needs to be done and reports the situation to police and child protection service. Child protection services takes action and investigates the situation. As a case worker, I approach Jen. Before going into any details of the situation, I make sure she is comfortable by introducing myself and letting her know why I am here. I allow her to feel safe, by explaining what child protection service is about. As she feels comfortable, she is able to explain the situation between herself and her step-father. Understanding her fear, I ask her to stop and take a few deep breaths each time she starts to break down into tears and lose eye contact with me. She explains, her step-father and mother has been arguing and he turns his anger on her. I ask her, "how does your mother feel," she explains, "my mom can't protect me." Through the skills of empathy, I am able to understand her situation and picture myself in her shoe. Taking her into temporary custody, as her case worker, I open an investigation in child abuse. I explain to her about the procedure that will be taking place, I explain that I will be contacting her mother. As I contact her mother, asking her if I could conduct an interview with her, we speak about the situation. Mother states, Jen has no where to go but home. Unfortunately, to assure Jen's safety, I explain Jen cannot be in the same home as the perpetrator. Jen's mother states, the home they live in is owned by Jen's step-father's parents and she has no right to have her husband leave home. I explain, "for the safety of Jen, child protection service would like to continue with an investigation before finalizing on a decision of Jen's safety about being at home with her abuser." Scenario #3 Calvin is a 18 year old Hispanic college student.  He is currently in his freshman year majoring in computer technology. He has three younger siblings back at home with his mother and step-father. Mother is a stay-at-home mom who raises the younger siblings while his step-father works as a loan officer, they continue to provide Calvin with a monthly allowance of $200. Calvin has been dating Ally for nearly a year now. Ally has always been reminding Calvin of their upcoming anniversary. One day, strolling together in the mall, Ally sees a heart-shaped locket in the display glass of a jewelry store. Later in the evening, Calvin contacts the jewelry store to get a price check on the locket, the sales associate states the locket cost $350. With an anniversary two weeks away, Calvin stresses out on how he would come up with $350 when he was just given an allowance a week ago. As the weekend came, Calvin decided to go to the mall during rush hour, knowing how busy and crowded the mall gets. Walking pass the jewelry store, Calvin notices a few customers and only three sales associate. Calvin walks in asking to see the locket, as he looks at the locket, the sales associate turns back to let another customer know she will be right with them. During this time, Calvin sneaks away with the locket. As Calvin proceeds to the mall exit, he is approached by two mall security. Calvin is taken into custody and picked up by police officers. Calvin contacts his mother, who bails him out. His step-father insisted Calvin no longer stays in the college dorm and refrain from continuing a relationship with Ally. On the day of their anniversary, Calvin is kept at home without a way to contacting Ally. The next day, he returns to school, Ally walks past him as he is a complete stranger. Trying to get her attention, she continues to ignore him. As days pass by, Calvin becomes depressed. Mother noticed a change in his personality. Calvin seeks treatment from a therapist. As a therapist, I would like Calvin to explain what he has done and the reason he tried to steal. Continuing on with questions, I would ask if he feels if he is currently facing any consequences now and how he feels about it. Calvin understands what he did was a crime and consequences could have been worst. In conclusion to my paper, human services practitioner provide service to a wide range of diversity facing different challenges. Before rendering service, it is important to build a trusting and comfortable relationship. Depending on the situation a client is facing, practitioners use a wide range of skills to help the client meet their needs and goals.