Case Study and reflection / Social Work Theories in Practice

CASE STUDY Myles (22) he lives at home with his parents, Bob (50) and Kathleen (47) and is currently not employed. Myles started drinking regularly in high schools and would binge drink on weekends. His parents also suspected that he was using cannabis. Myles often had conflicts and arguments with his parents about his behaviour (drinking, drug use, sleeping and not contributing to the household) and what they expected from him. He did not complete high school and instead opted to do an apprenticeship (automotive). Although things started well he started to miss training and days at work. He would often go out at night and sleep all day on the weekends which then extended to some work days. When he is not out or at work he spends most of his time in his bedroom playing games online. The situation became further complicated when he lost his license for drunk driving. Although his boss was supportive and tried to assist him in getting to work he ended up letting Myles go when he continued to be unreliable and not show up. Conflict with his parent has continued to escalate especially as he is now financially reliant on them. He says his parents don’t treat him like an adult and if they just let him be everything would be fine. His parents have expressed concern that Myles may be experiencing depression or some other mental health issue. They are also concerned that he may be using drugs other than cannabis and that this may be impacting his behaviour and his increased mood swings and aggressive outburst. ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION This assignment involves analysis of and reflection on a case study drawing on the theories and approaches covered in this subject. This assessment has 3 phases as outlined below. Phase 1 – Individual case study analysis (to be written as part 1 of this assessment task- 1000 WORDS) Using the case study agreed to by your assigned group you need to identify and apply your own preferred theoretical approach (or mix of approaches) to the case study. This section should included: - Identification of the theories/approaches you are drawing from and a brief description of the key aspects of the theory. - Application of the selected theory to the case study explaining and justifying what you would do, how and why. - The intervention should consider the organisational and general context along with socially just practice and a social work approach. - Evaluation of the effectiveness of the theory you selected for intervention in this case and context – including consideration of the limitations. - Explore how the client/situation impacted you and how you, as the worker, may have influenced the assessment and intervention process. Phase 2 – Professional case discussion- 700 WORDS Discuss and justify your analysis of the case and your planned interventions. Exploration of strengths and limitations of the different approaches should also be discussed. This simulates an authentic workplace experience where you will need to communicate your theoretical understanding in a way that allows you to communicate effectively with other professionals and to justify and explain your interventions. A further aspect of this professional process is learning, reflection and the adaption of practice based on new understandings gained from group discussion. Phase 3 – Reflection on practice (to be written as part 2 of this assessment task- 1000 WORDS) This reflective process should consider the points outlined below - How did your application of theory differ from others in the group? - What similarities were present? - Was your understanding of the theory adequate/accurate or did you feel you needed to know more? – Was your understanding or application of the theory challenged? If so, could you understand why it was challenged? - Did you consider changing your approach to the case study after discussing with peers? - What contextual, social justice and social work issues were raised by the group and how did this influence your understanding of the case? - What limitations were identified and how might they be addressed? You will need to go beyond the subject materials to find texts which specialise in the theories/approaches you select.