Read page 120-125 of Chapter 5- Strength-Based Generalist Practice- Poulin
Then read the shared case example and answer the following
- What does it mean to contract with clients? Include at least one citation from the Poulin reading
- What other information do you need to know about this family?
- How do you prioritize the challenges facing this family?
Contracting with Clients
Institution
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Contracting with Clients
Developing a contract and implementing the plan of action makes the significant focus of the intervention phase of collaborative social work. According to Poulin (2005), contracting skills all contribute to the process of specifying priorities, goals, action steps, and evaluation procedures. In this regard, to contract with clients means getting into an agreement with the clients regarding a series of tasks and activities to address the problem, as well as the expected outcomes (Poulin, 2005). Although the client might have the final say, the social worker has to agree.
The case study is about Anita, a 35-year-old-old bi-racial female who lives in North Philadelphia. Several issues or hindrances have been identified in this family, including poverty, physical abuse, relationship problems, and parenting issues. Other issues one would want to know about this family include how Anita intends to deal with her husband in case they reunite. Family conflict is a serious issue that must be dealt with accordingly to avoid unfortunate outcomes such as injury and death (Canfield, 2020). Anita has been supportive of their reunion but it is not clear how she will be dealing with previous problems. Another issue is to recognize people in Anita’s life and how each of them can help solve the issue with her boy.
This family is facing several problems, however, the most basic issue is financial constraints. This problem might be leading to other several challenges the family is facing (Canfield, 2020). The second priority is the lack of proper parenting. Anita cannot control her son who is still a school-going child. Community violence and lack of adequate resources are the next priority issues. This is the main issue why Anita is seeking mental health services. Family problems such as divorce and violence are another issue of concern.
References
Canfield B. S. (2020). Intercultural perspectives on family counseling. Routledge.
Poulin J. E. (2005). Strengths-based generalist practice: a collaborative approach (2nd ed.). Thomson Learning.