Case Study 1

Sam is 17 years old and has been drinking alcohol for the last three years. Having been suspended from school at 15 years of age, Sam did not return to education and has been unemployed since ‘officially’ leaving school. Recently Sam has become bored and has started hanging around with a group of older youths who are involved in offending and who drink every day.

Sam’s parents have become increasingly concerned about him and are now at their wits’ end because Sam has been charged with:

Shoplifting
Breach of the peace
Possession of cannabis
Questions

1. What are the presenting problems with Sam?
2. As a future social worker, how can you help Sam?
3. What resources/agencies could provide assistance for Sam?
4. What are some of the potential broader issues suggested here?

Case Study 2

The Duty senior social worker is contacted by Police in Jackson, MS who have received information from the child’s grandmother Mrs. Talbot.

Mrs. Talbot told them that she cares for Jenny every weekend and at bedtime she noticed bruising to Jenny’s foot that went from the ankle to the toes. She asked Jenny how this had occurred and Jenny said that her father, William, did it to her.

Mrs. Talbot explained that her daughter Shona and her partner William lived within the City of Jackson. Mrs. Talbot had ‘never taken’ to William. Mrs. Talbot did not believe that William was Jenny’s father, although the couple had reunited following Jenny’s birth. Jenny had a bruise to her face several weeks previously, and Jenny had explained that she had fallen. Mrs. Talbot wished to remain anonymous.

An Initial Referral Discussion took place between a Police Inspector, senior social worker and community pediatrician. A decision was made that the social worker and police officer should jointly interview the child. Following the interview, a decision would be made regarding a medical examination of Jenny.

The social worker contacted the mother, Shona, to tell her that a Child Protective Investigation was taking place, and what it would involve. Shona was angry that an investigation was taking place but said she would accompany her daughter to the interview.

Jenny was interviewed at the child protective services agency. She said that her daddy had caused the bruising, but it was an accident when they were playing football. Although the interview did not determine that the cause of the injury was deliberate, given the extent of the bruising, the social worker asked that a doctor examine the injury. Shona complied with this request. The examination was not conclusive – the doctor felt that the injury could have happened as a result of an accident but was concerned that Shona had not sought medical advice as the bruising on the foot must have caused Jenny pain and difficulty in walking. Shona and William said that Jenny had been trying to get attention and had lied to her grandmother about the injury as she knew that Mrs. Talbot did not like William. Shona said Mrs. Talbot spoiled Jenny. Without further information, the investigation did not proceed further. Mrs. Talbot was insistent that Jenny had told her that her father had caused the injury deliberately.

Questions

1. With regards to the scenario about and what has been described: What are you feeling? What are you thinking?
2. What might worry you here? Is there anything that surprises you about the behavior or actions taken?
3. Could and would social workers make a difference here? If so, you may wish to break this down into:
4. Which social work agency (or agencies) might undertake the work?
5. Who might they work with?
6. How might they do this? And which resources are necessary and available?
7. On a wider level, what are the issues here? For example, the unrecognized role of kinship care givers (Mrs. Talbot).

Part 2: In order to learn the requirements of social work licensing in the State of MS, research the licensing statutes governing the profession in this state. Write the questions and answers for the following.

Please visit http://www.swmft.ms.gov,/ and www.aswb.org.

1. What levels of licensing are available in the State of Mississippi?
2. What are the educational requirements of each license?
3. What licensing examinations are required for each license? How often are the examinations given?
4. What licensing preparation materials are available and recommended by other social workers?
5. How much supervision is required annually?
6. What are the requirements of supervisors?
7. How many continuing education hours is each licensee required to maintain?
8. How many professionals make up the MBOE?
9. In the State of Mississippi, you cannot call yourself a social worker until you become licensed. Do you agree or disagree? Why or Why Not?