Strength-Based Approach to Family Assessment - Literature review Example

FAMILY ASSESSMENT: STRENGTH BASED APPROACH TO FAMILY ASSESSMENT Name: Grade Course: Tutor’s Name: (12, August, 2010) References References 2 Family Assessment: Strength Based Approach to Family Assessment 3 Introduction 3 Function of Family Assessment 3 Key Stressors 4 How Key Stressor Impacts the Family Functioning 5 Family Strength Based Approach 6 A Critique and recommendation on the evidence-based management strategies 7 How the family is encouraged in applying their strengths 9 Conclusion 11 References 12 Family Assessment: Strength Based Approach to Family Assessment Introduction Family assessment is a diverse process which initiates a practical perspective and a systematic guide which elucidate on the practice of family and also child care in this setup. According to Brooks-Gunn and Markman (2005) this is usually viewed as an ongoing procedure which facilitates adaptable procedures and practices to infuse in parent to avoid psycho-social issues which arises within the domain of family. This is authenticated through assessing, identifying and weighing factors which affects the youth, children and family members. This assessment is usually triggered by many factors which are brought about by death, divorce and adoption. Assessment is usually clinically sponsored to authenticate the welfare of the children and the family members, usually if one member of a close knit family suffers psycho-social issues it is transmitted to the whole family as noted by Jacob and Tennenbaum (1988). However assessment attempts to eradicate this vice through rigorous assessment deployed by social workers to ascertain the well being of families. This assignment is going to centralize on the family assessment criteria and factors which affect the children, youth and family. This will be outlined by the case study which shall attempt to facilitate the social issues affecting Karen’s family. Function of Family Assessment The main criteria underlies that the children and family are in contact with the child welfare system. This assessment helps to root out any discomfort in the ongoing process; the main factors include the safety of the child, future risk of maltreatment, well being of the child and ability of parental protective (Marsh & Magee, 1991). Thus assessment usually helps in founding for the family, youth and children various practices which are handy in cases of emergency brought about by new psychological challenges, child or family safety concerns, appropriate support or intervention to be administered and when there is evaluation of the development and effectiveness of this case. The directive principles which support assessment are usually family centered through morally proficient practices. When properly assessed the family is seen providing protection and care for their children, all work are focused on family and all the members of the family are acutely implicated in the implementation and development plan, through this initiative it is considered that the family race, culture, customs, ethnicity and values must be at all times honored with precise accurate analysis (Adele, 1993). Key Stressors The key stressor in this case study is Harley who is aged eight and has adapted a non communicative attitude and is disruptive around other kids at school and angry around family members. Karen the mother of Harley has been forced to modify her work arrangements although she has done it willingly, Harley incorporative behavior during meal time and bathe times has been proving very stressful to her mother. Bruce Kenny who is the girl step father has been trying all his level best minding the biological father boundaries to connect with Harley; however this also has proved to be another headache as only scot embraces Bruce love but Harley is adamant and relent his attention. Assessment articulates that when one family member experiences a social issue it affects the whole family. Harley social issues are affecting Karen family and this has brought about paralyzing the functioning of this family as all the attention are showered toward one individual who is not receptive (Grotevant & Carlson, 1989). How Key Stressor Impacts the Family Functioning The function of the family is mostly inhabited by certain pattern which each family have developed and operates within. This pattern of interaction usually consists of resources, interaction and unity as the main function of this social unit. According to Kaslow (1998) family functioning has closely been associated with fostering an environment which enhances social, emotional and physical wellbeing to the youth, adolescent and children. Usually it is considered that occurrences and how it functions are considered to be the caring dynamics which fosters resilience and eliminate future risk in children allied to adversity and advantage. Children are able to learn and thrive in an environment which is nurturing and stimulating. However, dysfunctional family environ are usually very detrimental to the well being and development of the children, this affects their positive adulthood transition (Wilkinson, 1994). Stressors are more common on nuclear family function due to the variation brought about by interdependent multigenerational influence within this family setup. Usually the triggering aspect that usually project stressors in this kind of family is the variation of parenting differentiation. Usually the children are confused by the maybe the mambo jumbo that each parent attempt to explain their reason of separation (Kaslow, 1998). In the case study Harley maybe suffering from this form of social issue, this is because she is withdrawn and has no appetite for anything. These are real symptoms of depression due to the variation of parenting within her multigenerational family; this is further generated to Karen the mother who has reduced her working hours to facilitate the time to spend with her daughter. Bruce is also affected by this fact as he feels that he is not doing his part as a step father because all his attempt to bond with Harley are futile. Scot on the other hand who is reaching adolescent stage will start feeling left out as all the attention is projected toward her sister. These factors would ultimately change the functioning of Karen’s family. Harley biological father Tom a salesman also is concerned with her daughter social issues. However, Tom cannot be able to be there for her daughter as he is traveling most of the time, further more her new wife Lind has no love for children and she is house proud, she does not accommodate the mess made by kids. Tom family function and Harley social issues are bound to interfere with his family function considering Linda’s stand on children when he want to support her daughter. Family Strength Based Approach Harley social issues are basically affecting all the members of the family and also it is tainting the functioning of this nuclear family. Usually one of the recommendations which might influence Harley and assist this family to administer remedy for their situation is family assessment through the strength based approach (Harway, 1998). The nurse who would be called to evaluate this stance and help this family be able to manage this situation based on strength based approach will have to focus on the family competencies, capacity and resources. Here Harley’s first problem includes attendance of school the strength is that she still attends school. She resist Bruce attempt to bond but the strength is that she still relates to him. Karen’s strength includes structuring her work time to facilitate Harley in her afflictions. Karen strength also includes patience with Harley during bath and eating time (Beavers & Hampson, 1990). Karen knows how to manage her time well through family time and occupational time and leaves all quarters well balanced. Bruce also possesses patience and loving virtue which he injects it on Harley persistently without relenting by the fact that the bond does not generate any fruit. Tom is also compassionate although his working shift does not allow him to facilitate time off for bonding with her daughter. Scot is emotionally strong as he takes all of the occurrences without feeling neglected as all the attention is turned on Harley. Linda Harley step mother rather non paternal love would be generated to suit the function of the family so that Harley may feel welcomed in their home. All the strength would be generated toward building of a better living environment for family function for all the family members, this will also aid to empower Harley to recover and empower her as echoed by (Vorrath and Brendtro (2000). A Critique and recommendation on the evidence-based management strategies Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT) also known as Empirically- Supported Treatment (EST) is a special way of treating problems associated with the Behavioral and Mental cases that affects an individual life, in other words it is the interventions that helps in the treatment of an individual facing social problems, this is where an organized and orderly experiments and research are conducted on patients in order to find the common cause of the mental problem and at the same time trying and evaluating the most suitable way of treating the condition, without using the existing clear symptoms(Hoagwood et al, 2001). In the recent past a lot of contradictions have been experienced as the medical practitioners and other stakeholders in the medical sector doubt the credibility of this kind of treatment of the mental problem amongst its patients, with divided reasoning as to whether there is an improvement or none is being experienced in the way this system is being developed in the treating of the people with these mental problems (Trocmé. et al 2009). Before criticizing the Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT), we must first understand the way the Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT), it simply works in a simple way as the doctor who is presented with the patient will take some time inorder to monitor the behaviors of the patient, this will enable him know the condition of the patient before diagnosing the patient or subjecting the patient into drugs. In the case at hand the mental condition of Hayley is caused by many reasons that are intertwined, (Hoagwood et al, 2001) issue such as living with Bruce who isn’t her biological father might be a cause of antisocial behavior, her autism condition that makes it hard for her to communicate freely with her peers might also be another cause, of Hayley antisocial behavior. In this case the family and the medical practitioner will face a lot of challenges when dealing with Hayley mental condition as there are a variety number of causes that might affect her condition and therefore the physician will have a difficult time in determining the correct medication for her and instead worsen her condition completely (Trocmé. et al 2009). Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT) in this case will not be of great benefit if the patients understands Hayley’s situation this will jeopardize the way that she is receiving the treatment as there are various reasons that contribute to the condition of Hayley that is even difficult to be identified by the physician and would not be able to identify the real cause of Her antisocial behavior (Hoagwood et al, 2001). As a professional physician it I would have some various recommendations that would enable the family to over come the condition of Hayley in improving her social behavior and communication with the family members and her peers at school, first and foremost the way that I would be dealing with the treatment of her condition is to have a brief history of the family, this is where I would be able to know how the family members and school peers relate to her condition, this would be one major aspect that would help in finding a better way of treating Hayley’s treatment (Hoagwood et al, 2001). The other way that will help in improving the family’s cohesion will be by treating Hayley’s Autism condition first as this in some way will help change Hayley’s condition, and by treating her condition the child should be subjected to medications such as anticonvulsants Or psychoactive drugs this will apply after the behavioral treatment of the child fails to yield fruits completely. Hayley should be taken to ah education facility that ha got teachers that are trained well on the ways to handle a child suffering from this ASD disorder; the (Educational system) will play a significant role in changing the her communication and behaviors, (Trocmé. et al 2009) as seen in the case the class teacher of Hayley doesn’t know how to handle Her, while Bruce the step father wants to treat her as a normal child without considering the fact that she suffers from autism(Hoagwood et al, 2001). The family can also improve Hayley’s antisocial behaviors through frequently going out with her this will generally make her feel appreciated and at the same time make her feel as part of the family, this will help her improve her communication and social behaviors and help her interact with the family members and peers freely. How the family is encouraged in applying their strengths Each of the family members has a great role to play if they want the family cohesion to be strengthen, this begins from the members of the nuclear family to the other extended members of the family, therefore as a nurse I would encourage cooperation from each individual that is a part of the family to chip in some efforts that would help in improving the social interactions of the young Hayley(Hoagwood et al, 2001). The members of the nuclear family which includes there mother Karen, the brother Scott and the father Tom, will have to work as a team in this by using one of the recommended mode of treating the status of Hayley, these three individuals are more attached to Hayley, as compared to the other people, (Hoagwood et al, 2001) the family should hold joint conversation and outings that will help Hayley to realize that their family is together as they love each other, this will make Hayley feel more appreciated with the family members as she will experience the smooth flow of interaction that the family members are enjoying at each moment that they are together , this to some extent will help her to improve on the way she interact with the other members of the family and the other people that she meets either in school and at home, (Trocmé. et al 2009)therefore Tom should reschedule his time that sees him being a most available for the family and therefore spend a lot of time with his children as this is against the wishes of Bruce. The other people that can be able to help the family in improving Hayley’s condition are the other extended members of the family and the school that Hayley attends, these are the new partners of the family, including Bruce who is the new husband to Karen and the new wife to tom Linda, they should be encouraged to help in improving Hayley’s condition, (Hoagwood et al, 2001) Bruce is putting in good efforts that are really helping improving her status while Linda who is very reluctant in this project should be convinced to help in this is through asking her to be more loving and caring to the children when they come to visit their father, by showing the children lots of love will encourage Hayley to become more friendly as she receives a lot of love from the other members of the family making her want to extend this to others (Trocmé. et al 2009). Conclusion In this paper I have gone through the problem that this small family of Bruce Kenny and Karen Patrick is going through, and how they are trying to get past these problems, this are through the different ways that each of the members are trying to do inorder to overcome these problem that mainly revolves in the life of there 8 year old daughter Hayley, it further takes the reader through the strengths each of the family members have in the improving the social behavior of that young Hayley, and what each of the family members are trying to do or expected to do inorder to improving Hayley’s condition (Hoagwood et al, 2001) The paper also takes the reader through the process of treating Hayley’s condition, criticizing the Evidence-Based Treatment that was aimed at reducing this form of condition in the family that would help in reducing the from of conflict that threatens to destruct the normal functioning of the family and giving a recommended way that would in some way improve the present condition of the family as through this recommendations the family will realize the change in Hayley’s status and in the end improve the families functionality(Trocmé. et al 2009). References Adele M. (1993). Family assessment: tools for understanding and intervention. California: Sage Publishers. Beavers, W. & Hampson, B. (1990). Successful Families: Assessment and Intervention. New York: Norton. Brooks-Gunn, J., & Markman, L. (2005). The contribution of parenting to ethnic and racial gaps in school readiness. Future of Children Journals. 15, 1. 139–168. Epstein, N., Baldwin, M. & Bishop, D. (1983). The McMaster Family Assessment Device. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 9. 171–180. Grotevant, H. & Carlson, I. (1989). Family Assessment: A Guide to Methods and Measurements. New York: Guilford. Harway, M. (1998). Treating the Changing Family: Handling Normative and Unusual Events. San Fransisco: Jossey Bass. Hoagwood. K, Burns. J, Kiser .L, Ringeisen. H, and Schoenwald. K,(2001) “Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services” Retrived on August 12, 2010from .http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/52/9/1179#BDY Jacob, T., & Tennenbaum, D. (1988). Family Assessment: Rationale, Methods, and Future Directions. New York: Plenum. Kaslow, F. (1998). “Handbook of Relational Diagnosis and Dysfunctional Family Patterns”. New York: McGraw. Marsh, D. & Magee, R. (1991). Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Practice with Families. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Rodney, A. (2004). Family Assessment: Effective Uses of Personality Tests with Couples and Families. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Thomas, V., & Olson, D. (1993). Problem Families and the Circumplex Model: Observational Assessment Using the Clinical Rating Scale (CRS). Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 19. 159–175. Trocmé. N, Thomson. W, MacLaurin. B, Shlonsky. A, & S. Hélie retrive (2009). “Evidence-based management in child welfare services” Retrived on August 12, 2010from. http://www.mcgill.ca/crcf/projects/outcomes/ebm/ Vorrath, H. & Brendtro, L. (2000). Positive Peer Culture. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Wilkinson, I. (1994). Child and Family Assessment: Clinical Guidelines for Practitioners. New York: Routledge. Read More

How Key Stressor Impacts the Family Functioning The function of the family is mostly inhabited by certain pattern which each family have developed and operates within. This pattern of interaction usually consists of resources, interaction and unity as the main function of this social unit. According to Kaslow (1998) family functioning has closely been associated with fostering an environment which enhances social, emotional and physical wellbeing to the youth, adolescent and children. Usually it is considered that occurrences and how it functions are considered to be the caring dynamics which fosters resilience and eliminate future risk in children allied to adversity and advantage.

Children are able to learn and thrive in an environment which is nurturing and stimulating. However, dysfunctional family environ are usually very detrimental to the well being and development of the children, this affects their positive adulthood transition (Wilkinson, 1994). Stressors are more common on nuclear family function due to the variation brought about by interdependent multigenerational influence within this family setup. Usually the triggering aspect that usually project stressors in this kind of family is the variation of parenting differentiation.

Usually the children are confused by the maybe the mambo jumbo that each parent attempt to explain their reason of separation (Kaslow, 1998). In the case study Harley maybe suffering from this form of social issue, this is because she is withdrawn and has no appetite for anything. These are real symptoms of depression due to the variation of parenting within her multigenerational family; this is further generated to Karen the mother who has reduced her working hours to facilitate the time to spend with her daughter.

Bruce is also affected by this fact as he feels that he is not doing his part as a step father because all his attempt to bond with Harley are futile. Scot on the other hand who is reaching adolescent stage will start feeling left out as all the attention is projected toward her sister. These factors would ultimately change the functioning of Karen’s family. Harley biological father Tom a salesman also is concerned with her daughter social issues. However, Tom cannot be able to be there for her daughter as he is traveling most of the time, further more her new wife Lind has no love for children and she is house proud, she does not accommodate the mess made by kids.

Tom family function and Harley social issues are bound to interfere with his family function considering Linda’s stand on children when he want to support her daughter. Family Strength Based Approach Harley social issues are basically affecting all the members of the family and also it is tainting the functioning of this nuclear family. Usually one of the recommendations which might influence Harley and assist this family to administer remedy for their situation is family assessment through the strength based approach (Harway, 1998).

The nurse who would be called to evaluate this stance and help this family be able to manage this situation based on strength based approach will have to focus on the family competencies, capacity and resources. Here Harley’s first problem includes attendance of school the strength is that she still attends school. She resist Bruce attempt to bond but the strength is that she still relates to him. Karen’s strength includes structuring her work time to facilitate Harley in her afflictions.

Karen strength also includes patience with Harley during bath and eating time (Beavers & Hampson, 1990). Karen knows how to manage her time well through family time and occupational time and leaves all quarters well balanced. Bruce also possesses patience and loving virtue which he injects it on Harley persistently without relenting by the fact that the bond does not generate any fruit. Tom is also compassionate although his working shift does not allow him to facilitate time off for bonding with her daughter.

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