Reflection on cases - Essay Example

PROFORMA 9: Reflective Report SECTION 3: Holistic report of each domain The PCF has been mapped with the SOPS by both the HCPC and TCSWPlease look at appendix 1 the mapping document for placement.Please use your case work to demonstrate how you have achieved each domain whilst in placement. Describe 2 case summaries including brief social history, context of referral, intervention and outcome. Reflect on your use of theory, legislation and research and comment on your learning.(Guideline: 250 words maximum per domain)Domain 1 ProfessionalismIdentify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development Social workers are members of an internationally recognised profession, a title protected in UK law.

Social workers demonstrate professional commitment by taking responsibility for their conduct, practice and learning, with support through supervision. As representatives of the social work profession they safeguard its reputation and are accountable to the professional regulator.I was able to demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain with the service users that I worked with during my placement. However, I will utilise two of my cases to show that how I have been able to achieve this domain.Case Study OneKT is a 45 year old British woman.

She had two children and was separated from her ex-husband who was registered as a sex-offender four years ago. KT had always been in fear due to the traumatic experience she had borne from her ex-husband. As a result, she lacked confidence, and was always paranoid and suspicious of the people she came in contact with. As a student social worker, I have a good understanding of how important communication is in building a positive relationship with the service users. I was able to build a trustful relationship through active listening, in order to enhance effective communication, and counselling skills, for better understanding of KT’s situation and how to intervene appropriately.

Having awareness of power difference, I was able to practice in an anti-oppressive manner by applying the person-centred approach developed by Carl Rogers (Trevithick 2012). This enabled me to recognise KT as a person so that she could narrate her own story. During one of the sessions, I actively listened to KT who felt insecure at the initial stage but eventually opened up to issues that she had not mentioned previously, which were important for my intervention. Confidentiality is highlighted by the code of ethics for students to respect the autonomy of service users provided that it does not conflict with their safety or with the rights of others (Banks 2012).

During the session, I respected KT, used simple language that she understood and treated her as a worthy person irrespective of her circumstances.Case Study TwoSG is a 50 year old Irish woman. She had two daughters who are presently married. SG lives in a self-contained apartment within a shared accommodation project. She had a brain damage syndrome which affected her psychological and cognitive well-being. As a result, she lacks confidence in herself. SG is claiming benefits because she is unemployed.

I was able to demonstrate this domain while working with SG during home visits. For example, in one of my visits, SG said she had lost confidence in carers working with her because some of them would not come for the shift or arrived late. Trevithick (2012) notes a symbolic view of how punctuality and reliability are used to demonstrate the concern I have to respect their time. SG commented on my high work rate and capacity working with her and that I have been so reliable by keeping to the agreed time.

This, she said, has had a lot of positive impact on her life and as a result, has improved the level of trust in the process of working together and building up her confidence for effective communication. This developed a positive relationship throughout the sessions I had with SG and built an awareness of professional boundary which is an important aspect of social work practice. I ensured that the issues discussed with SG with regards to the grievances between her and the two daughters would be treated with sensitivity.

I sought SG’s consent to settle the grievances but she said she could manage, for it had been going on for some time. Hence, as a student social worker, I strive to promote self-determination and autonomy of the service user in order to have control of her life (Banks 2012). I ensured that the issues of concerns would be clarified during the supervision for future social work practice. Domain 2 Values and EthicsApply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making, including through partnership with people who use their services.

Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of their profession, its ethical standards and relevant law.Drawing from the two chosen case studies above, I will demonstrate how I have achieved this aspect of PCF domain. Working with KT had been a great experience in identifying my own personal and professional values. Having my first contact with KT, I thought about how she felt about her past experiences with her ex-husband. Initially, this had made me become conscious of myself and also having a thought about my own personal values.

Dominelli et al. (2009) suggests that accountability to service users is integral to the core values of social work and so is respecting freedom of choice, promoting welfare, and challenging discrimination and oppression. As a Christian, I thought that having sex with younger children is totally ungodly but having considered the ethical decision making which guides my practice in working with KT, I was able to work with her in a professional manner by making her understand that some men are so desperate in doing such an act when going through a particular situation in their lives.

This made KT to consider the situation as one of those things people experience some time in their life and that it is time for her to get herself out of the situation and move on in her life. Also, I counselled KT to have a positive attitude towards people around her and be able to go about in the community without feeling paranoid of been attacked by others around her. I encouraged her to reach out to the support network, especially at difficult times.With reference to SG case, I was able to recognise my own personal value in working with the service user.

During one of my home visits, SG narrated that she had not been in good relationship with her two daughters for some time even though, one of the daughters lived in a room next to her, there was no interaction between both of them. This seemed to me as being disrespectful to one’s parent, I asked for SG consent for me to intervene in order to settle the grievances between her and the daughters. However, SG said she could cope with the situation and considering the professional code of conduct that emphasised on the service users’ rights to make decisions about their lives and social workers to promote the self- determination and autonomy of the service users (Banks 2012).

I respected SG’s decision but decided to discuss the issue of concerns with the Manager during the supervision. My second visit to SG’s place was so challenging in the sense that when I got to her house I phoned to inform her that I was outside of her house. SG answered to inform me that she was in the pub which is about five minutes walk from her house. I was so sceptical about going because I have not been to the pub previously but having the awareness that my professional values are more important than my personal values, I debriefed the Manager about my change in destination according to the organisational policies and procedures (Health and Safety).

I went to the Pub and SG was so happy I did come. I was offered a glass of beer but I said No in order to maintain a professional boundary between SG and me.Domain 3 DiversityRecognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practiceSocial workers understand that diversity characterises and shapes human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. Diversity is multidimensional and includes race, disability, class, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faith and belief.

Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experience may include oppression, marginalisation and alienation as well as privilege, power and acclaim, and are able to challenge appropriately.Case Study ThreeMr. and Mrs. BT are 38 and 27 years of age respectively. They were of Afghani origin and could not speak English fluently. They have five children whose ages are 14, 13, 9, 5, and 3. They lived in a privately rented accommodation in East London. Moreover, Mr.

BT was claiming benefits due to his circumstances; he was laid off from his place of work due to economic recession and since remained unemployed. As a result, the housing benefit was capped drastically. BT Family was referred by the Job Centre and also because they have been issued with court repossession order of the property they are currently residing in due to incurred rent arrears and to provide the family with support to prevent them from becoming homeless with their five children.I was able to demonstrate this aspect of the PCF domain during my placement.

I was conscious of the issue of power dynamics as I ensured that BT did not feel oppressed based on their ethnicity. However, during my interaction with the family, I was able to have a better understanding of their lives, current situation and experiences. Mr BT narrated their situations while the wife was silent throughout the sessions. Although whenever she wanted to express situations which were related to her, she explained it to the husband in their dialect who eventually interpreted it in English.

I thought it might be their own way of life in which it will be oppressive for the woman not being able to voice out her concerns. As a student social worker, I felt that the wife who could not speak English fluently should be involved in the discussion. I presented the case to the Manager during supervision and he opted to be an interpreter in the course of the sessions. This enabled me to promote the independence and also to obtain adequate information that would assist in decision making and not being judgemental.

I was able to involve the wife by asking questions with regards to her health and children’s welfare (Thompson, 2012). Case Study Four MP is a 22 year old Asian man who lived with his mother since he was discharged from the police custody. He studied construction in the college few years ago. MP is claiming benefits because he is currently unemployed. He is a drug addict and as a result he could not get employment. MP was referred by the Job Centre plus an adviser. The reason for the referral was to support MP to get an employment and offer counselling sessions regarding drug usage.

I will demonstrate how I have achieved this aspect of the PCF domain by utilising the case study four above. During one of the sessions, MP who originated from Pakistan disclosed to me that it had been so difficult for him to get employment since he finished college. Thompson (2012) emphasised that negative discrimination involves differential treatment of people across racial and ethnic background and thereby reserve benefits for one group and limit them for another. As a result, MP lacked confidence in him and had low self- esteem.

This had enabled me to promote the independence of the service user by not being discriminatory and empowered him to have control of his life. I supported MP to embark on self-advocacy, on how to send job applications to agencies and also how to liaise with the job centre adviser for suitable job vacancies. I made a series of visits to the Victim Project where MP was referred to for consultation on consuming drugs. As a student social worker, I think working with MP has enabled me to have a better understanding of the roles that the social workers play in the lives of the people.

This is the evidence of one of the sessions I had with MP, when he had a thought about the negative impacts of not being employed. He decided to take up the CSCS training which he thought might help him in getting a job in a construction company.Domain 4 Rights, Justice and Economic WellbeingAdvance human rights and promote social justice and economic well-beingSocial workers recognise the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and that these are protected in national and international laws, conventions and policies.

They ensure that these principles underpin their practice. Social workers understand the importance of using and contributing to case law and these rights in their own practices. They understand the effects of oppression, discrimination and poverty.In reference to case study threeI was able to demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain while working with BT who was retrenched by his employer due to economic recession of the country. BT’s housing benefit was capped because he was unemployed and as a result he struggled with the repayment of the rent of the three bedroom house he resides with his family in.

The changes of circumstances in BT’s life had led him to untold hardship due to the coalition government welfare reform. BT found it difficult in getting another job due to austerity measures and besides there was no adequate support from the welfare state. Moser et al (2009) argued that unemployment is stressful in the sense that the unemployed individuals are more likely to experience financial hardship, social isolation, physical illness and psychological distress. The family was issued a repossession order of the property from the court due to incur rent arrears and as a result the family was being threatened of homelessness.

The equality Act states that no one should be discriminated against on the grounds of their race, culture, beliefs. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR) Article 25 emphasised that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age and other lack of livelihood circumstances beyond his control (Brammer 2010). Working in partnership with the family, I advocated on behalf of the family by contacting the benefit officer in the local Authority to find out why the housing benefit was capped and how can it be reinstated.

Furthermore, I worked in collaboration with the housing caseworker to find out housing options available for the family in order to save the family from being homeless and to prevent the children from any harm or danger. As a student social worker, I am aware of the legislation and policies that guide my practice in working with the family. Hence, the children Act (1989) s.1.1 implies that the welfare of a child is paramount in any decision making. Furthermore, children Act (1989) s.17 states that the local authorities have the power to provide accommodation and financial support to families with children in need even if they have no recourse to public funds (Brammer 2010).

In reference to case fourI will demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain by utilising case study four mentioned above. As a student social worker, I ensured that I apply all the principles of social justice, inclusion and equality in the way I engaged with the service users. During my placement, I had the opportunity of working with other professionals through advocacy. Brandon (1995 cited in Bateman 2000) defined advocacy as a device to influence the balance of the needs/rights of individuals especially those on the social margins.

I advocated on behalf of MP by making a series of phone calls to agencies to inquire for job vacancies. I also contacted the job centre adviser in order to discuss a way forward in terms of MP’s situation. I adopted a motivational interviewing skill to encourage a positive outcome in regards to a behavioural modification. Having been counselled at the contemplation stage, MP had thought whether it will be possible for him to change his smoking habit. But eventually he changed and stopped smoking due to its negative impact on his life.

MP decided to go for the CSCS training which was sponsored by the job centre and later got a job.Domain 5 KnowledgeApply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theorySocial workers understand psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical influences on people; human development throughout the life span and the legal framework for practice. They apply this knowledge in their work with individuals, families and communities. They know and use theories and methods of social work practice.

Case study fiveI was able to demonstrate knowledge as part of the PCF domain during my placement. Working with SD who is a 24 year old black Caribbean female who suffered from schizophrenia. She has enabled me to have better understanding of the law and social working theories in my social work practices. Initially reading the case file gave me an insight of SD’s mental health condition. Although, it was also stated that the mother had severe mental health conditions which had been diagnosed by the psychiatrist.

As a result of SD’s mental health condition, she was unable to continue her education; she lacked confidence in herself which had brought about low self-esteem in her. During my intervention in SD’s case, I was able to consider the Mental Health Act 1989 in the course of my social work practice. One of the social work values state that social workers must promote self-determination and autonomy of the service users (Banks 2012). Working with SD had enabled me to utilise a person centred approach in my social work practice which had given SD the opportunity to have control of her life.

I have adopted the exchange model which regarded SD as knowledgeable in her desired outcome (Smale et al 2000). Even though SD was given information to help her make informed decisions about the required support ( O’Byrne 2000) and I was able to discover her strengths and intervened to promote potential growth and development (Teater 2010). Case study sixIn reference to my social work practice in achieving this aspect of the PCF domain. I was able to demonstrate this domain while working with SW who is a 38 year Old white British female, currently working as a full- time shop assistant.

SW is an orphan who lives in a three bedroom house inherited from her parents. SW lacked confidence in making decisions about what she needs to do and as a result had low self esteem. This is evidence of one of the sessions I had with SW when she felt lonely and depressed in making decision on how to minimise her monthly spending because she spent her salary on bills and in maintaining the property. I utilised a solution focus which helped her in discovering her strengths and I was able to give her practical support which would boost her confidence in order to attain her full potential and be able to have control of her life.

I offered SW Bereavement counselling in order to boost her self-confidence. Cobbler Ross states of bereavement as in what can be done to work effectively with the bereaved people. Domain 6 Critical reflection and AnalysisApply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-makingSocial workers are knowledgeable about and apply the principles of critical thinking and reasoned discernment. They identify, distinguish, evaluate and integrate multiple sources of knowledge and evidence.

These include practice evidence, their own practice experience, service user and carer experience together with research-based, organisational, policy and legal knowledge. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.Case study sevenI was able to demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain while working with the service users during my placement. My reflection was on the issues around domestic violence and its impact on children. I also reflected the impact of domestic violence resulting to a range of physical, emotional and behavioural difficulties for children.

The Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2010:310 states that Domestic Violence is likely to have damaging effect on the health and development of children……, and it will often be appropriate for them to be regarded as children in need’’ (DfE, 2010). During one of the sessions, SL’s mother told me that following the issues of domestic violence, SL would wake up in the middle of the night and attempt to run out of the house. She told me that such fits have stopped now. Crisis intervention theory was applied in order to strengthen her to overcome his crisis situation.

Robert et al (2005) emphasised that the goal of crisis intervention is to return individuals back to a state of homeostasis where they are able to address challenging and stressful events by utilising their strengths, resources and pre-existing copy mechanism. In order to create a therapeutic relationship between me and him, I applied the main tenant of person centred theory according to Carl Rogers, in my interaction to help foster a positive outcome. I showed SL’s mother UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD by informing her that she should feel free to express her feelings and opinion on any issues that he will be valued and respected and not be judged or rejected.

No assumptions will be made (In line with anti-oppressive practice).Case study 8 BT was (38) and his wife was (36) years old. They had five children of four boys and one girl. Mr BT was unemployed while the wife stayed at home to look after the children. Mr. and Mrs. BT had been issued a court repossession order of the private rented property they resided because of accumulated rent arrears. Mr. BT informed me that the rent arrears were caused as a result of their housing benefit which was reduced drastically.

Hence, Barker (2009) emphasised on the governmental aims of Every Child Matters which stated that whatever the children’s background or circumstances, they must have the support needed to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. My thought was that if Mr. and Mrs. BT are not working, this will have financial implications on the welfare of the children. The children Act (1989) stated that the welfare of the child is paramount in decision making.

Therefore, as a student social worker, there is a need to strive and protect the children from any significant harm and danger. I called the housing department to find out the housing options available for this family in order to prevent them being homeless. The section 17 of the children Act 1989 (s.17) gives local authorities the power to provide accommodation and financial support to families with children in need even if they have no recourse to public funds.Mr. BT informed me that he received a phone call from the local MP in response to the letter written on behalf of the family.

My thought on what I should do to make the situation better was that I should visit Mr and Mrs BT’s house in order to build a relationship with the family and to meet the children in identifying their needs and preferences. Secondly, I should make a follow up by calling the MP’s office to find out about the progress of the letter written to him in regards to my service user’s situation. Domain 7 Intervention and SkillsUse judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuseSocial workers engage with individuals, families, groups and communities, working alongside people to assess and intervene.

They enable effective relationships and are effective communicators, using appropriate skills. Using their professional judgement, they employ a range of interventions: promoting independence, providing support and protection, taking preventative action and ensuring safety whilst balancing rights and risks. They understand and take account of differentials in power, and are able to use authority appropriately. They evaluate their own practice and the outcomes for those they work with. In reference to case study seven, I was able to demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain.

As a student social worker, having the awareness that every social situation involves communication and when people communicate, a relationship is created. I communicated with SL’s mother in a simple language avoiding the use of jargons. I used appropriate eye contact and body language. I listened attentively and engage myself with what SL’s mother was saying. I demonstrated that I understood what she was saying by reflecting back what she said from time to time. She told me what she had been through as a single parent with immigration and marital issues.

The exchange model of assessment informs my intervention with the family. This model of assessment is empowering, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive. It is based on the premise that Service Users are experts in their problems and also emphasises exchange of information (CULSD 2012). I asked her questions using both open and closed questions. She needed support to fill a form and explained to me that she needs help with the reading and writing from time to time. Although she is attending ESOL classes and on Entry Level 3, I showed SL’s mother UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD by informing her that she should feel free to express her feelings and opinion on any issues that he will be valued and respected and not be judged or rejected.

No assumptions will be made (In line with anti-oppressive practice she said she would prefer Adult Classes as she felt she is not learning at the same pace with young people in her class at the moment). I allowed enough time for her to respond to my questions and also provided information that allowed her to participate in the discussion. SL’s mother informed me that she submitted an application to the Home Office for Indefinite Leave to Remain and that she needed to provide more information for the application to be processed.

I told her I would get in touch with her solicitor to know the situation of things (I did and called her to inform her of the progress) and also debriefed the Manager on the outcome of my visit.Refer to Case study 8At the initial stage of the intervention. I introduced myself as a social worker in practice placement who is to give them the support to meet their needs. I asked for their consent to share information with other agencies such as social services, police, child protection, Housing department, Afghanistan community leader, hospitals, schools and the Job centre and I tried to solicit on their behalf by writing a letter to the local MP in regards to the reduction in the housing benefits given to the family and also how they could be rehoused from the private rented accommodation to a social housing in order to prevent uncertainty in regards to the children’s welfare.

I contacted the children schools to find out if there are any concerns in regards to their wellbeing. I wrote a letter to the school nurse to make enquiries about the children’s developmental well being. I phoned Mr and Mrs. BT local benefit office to find why the housing benefit had been reduced and the housing department to make inquiry for other housing options in order to prevent the family being homeless.Domain 8 Contexts and organisationsEngage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice.

Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional settingsSocial workers are informed about and pro-actively responsive to the challenges and opportunities that come with changing social contexts and constructs. They fulfil this responsibility in accordance with their professional values and ethics, both as individual professionals and as members of the organisation in which they work.

They collaborate, inform and are informed by their work with others, inter-professionally and with communities. In reference to case study seven, I was able to achieve this aspect of the PCF domain.I worked with other agencies and professionals: With mother’s consent, I contacted the school about SL’s and his brother’s attendance, school work and if there are concern about them. I was informed the children no longer attend sessions with play therapist and that there is no concern regarding them.

I also contacted the Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) to ascertain the level of on-going support for SL’s mother. I liaise with the children social care risk and assessment staff that provided further details about family circumstances.Domain 9 Professional LeadershipTake responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and managementThe social work profession evolves through the contribution of its members in activities such as practice research, supervision, assessment of practice, teaching and management.

An individual’s contribution will gain influence when undertaken as part of a learning, practice-focused organisation. Learning may be facilitated with a wide range of people including social work colleagues, service users and carers, volunteers, foster carers and other professionals.I was able to demonstrate this aspect of PCF domain by attending different team meetings whereby complex issues in regards to the service users’ situations are discussed intensively. This had really broadened my knowledge of working with the service users and to practice professionally.

I was able to apply the knowledge gained from my colleagues’ experiences in solving problems while working with the service users. During my placement, I had collaboratively worked with other professionals, this is evidence for one of my interventions, SW was interested in taking part in gym activities, and I escorted her to the nearby leisure centre in order to make an enquiry. She was told to get a letter of fitness from the G.P before she could be registered as a member. This had enabled me to work with the nurses and SW’s G.

P in order to obtain the required document. Munro identified the importance of professionals working together. I assisted SW in making a series of phone calls to the medical centre and also to write a letter on her behalf explaining why the letter is needed. Furthermore, when the letter was given, I attended the initial assessment with SW and the gym instructor which had enabled me to acquire more knowledge in regards to SW’s physical and psychological well-being. Case study 2During my placement, I attended seminars involving students from the other universities.

This had enabled me to share my opinions with my colleagues and discussed contemporary issues. REFERENCES Personal and Professional Development Plan 1. Reviewed at end of placement? Yes/No2. Attached? Yes/No