For each of the following three scenarios, use a chart format to assess how each traditional theoretical perspective would best explain the situation that a social worker would need to address. You may create your charts in Word or another software program of your choice. An example chart follows the three scenarios.

Scenario 1

You are a hospital social worker who is working with a family whose older adult relative is in end-stage renal failure. There are no advanced directives and the family is conflicted over what the next steps should be.

Scenario 2

You are a caseworker in a drug court. Your client has had three consecutive dirty urine analyses. She is unemployed and has violated her probation order.

Scenario 3

You are a school social worker. A teacher sends her 9-year-old student to you because he reports that he has not eaten in 2 days and there are no adults at home to take care of him.

Chart Example:

Your client, an 11-year-old girl, was removed from home because of parental substance abuse. She is acting out in her foster home, disobeying her foster parents and not following their rules.

Theory

Explanation for Scenario – please respond to the questions below in your explanation

Systems Theory

What systems need to be developed or put in place to support the child? Would Child Protective Services need to become involved? What other systems would support her and a successful outcome for being in foster care?

Generalist Theory

What is the best intervention or therapy to use based on this child’s situation? Given her circumstances, how could you best improve her functioning?

Behavioral Theory

What behaviors are being reinforced? What behaviors are being ignored or punished? What would you suggest to maintain this placement? Would this involve working with the foster parents?

Cognitive Theory

How would you help your client to examine her thinking, emotions, and behavior? What would this entail from a cognitive developmental framework?