Discussion 1: Family Assessment

The first step in helping a client is conducting a thorough assessment. The clinical social worker must explore multiple perspectives in order to develop a complete understanding of the situation. From this understanding, the social worker is able to recognize the client’s strengths and develop effective strategies for change.

For this Discussion, review the “Cortez Family” case history.

• Post your description of how micro-, mezzo-, or macro-levels of practice aid social workers in assessing families.
• Assess Paula Cortez’s situation using all three of these levels of practice, and identify two strengths and/or solutions in each of these levels.
• Describe the value in strength-based solutions.

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Discussion 2: Circumplex Model

Understanding the level of cohesion of a family system is important in order to determine an effective treatment plan. Olson (2000) developed the Circumplex Model, which has been used in the areas of marital therapy and with families dealing with terminal illness.

For this Discussion, you again draw on the “Cortez Family” case history.

• Post your description of the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems and how it serves as a framework to assess family systems.
• Apply this framework in assessing the Cortez family. Use the three dimensions (cohesion, flexibility, and communication) of this model to assess and analyze.
• Describe how assessing these dimensions assists the social worker in treatment planning.

Reference

Holosko, M. J., Dulmus, C. N., & Sowers, K. M. (2013). Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

• Chapter 9, “Assessment of Families” (pp. 237–264)

Olson, D. H. (2000). Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. Journal of Family Therapy, 22(2), 144–167.

Plummer, S.-B., Markis, S., & Brocksen, S. (eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing, “The Cortez Family” (pp.23-25)