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Running Head: PRE-ASSESSMENT

Pre-assessment

Jacqueline P. Wiley

Social Work 340

Ms. Longino

January 25, 2010

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Running Head: PRE-ASSESSMENT

Timmy, a 6 year old boy, has been getting suspended from school often. Timmy’s mothers

name is Ms. R. The young mother is in her early twenties. There is no father figure present in

the home. Also living in the home is Timmy’s active four year old sister. There is a possibility

that the combination of Timmy’s actions, and the feeling of being alienated may have caused the

young mother to become abusive towards him. There may be some abuse towards Timmy’s

sister, but it is uncertain if this is true. It is also noted that Ms. R. is illiterate and not advanced in

her speech or mannerisms. Ms. R’s illiteracy may be a sign of a lack of education or just the

incompletion of a higher education. In addition to the obstacles faced by Ms. R., the young

mother, was encountered by an uncooperative principle at Timmy’s school and felt as though the

principle was not taking an active role in alleviating the situation with Timmy. This conclusion

was drawn after several failed attempts by Ms. R. to come to a satisfactory solution to the

problems Timmy is encountering while at school. Due to the ongoing abuse, a child protective

report and investigation is now underway. As a result of the investigation Ms. R. was forced into

the system of service network. Although reluctant from the very beginning, at a later date Ms. R.

became prepared to address the problems at Timmy’s school.

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Running Head: PRE-ASSESSMENT

Ms. R. has a limited opportunity structure, which has made it difficult for the family to

acquire the necessities needed to establish and maintain a positive quality of life. As an enabler

my goal is to possibly provide encouragement, hope, and to also help Ms. R. identify and focus

on goals and make choices that will improve the opportunity structure for she and her children.

According to the information provided from the social history, Ms. R. is raising her active 4

year old daughter and 6 year old son by herself. It does not appear to be a father for the children

or any known immediate family around. It is not known as to which country the family resides,

but Timmy is in school at this time. Ms. R. has had limited education, for whatever reason,

which has left her illiterate and guileless. There has been a report made stating that Ms. R. has

been abusing Timmy. There have been several unsuccessful attempts by Ms. R. to gain some sort

of an insight on the situation at Timmys school. Each attempt was met with an unconcerned

attitude from the principle that was quick to punish Timmy instead of taking the time to

investigate any issues that may be the cause of Timmy’s behavior. The consequence for the

abuse impaled on Timmy was Ms. R. has been involuntarily entered into the service network

through a child protective report and investigation.

There are several courses of action that can be taken to alleviate Ms. R’s situation. One action

that can be taken is to direct Ms. R. to an educational and job skill development class. This class

would assist her in completing her education, obtaining employment, and upgrading job skills.

There are also outreach programs available to assure that isolated parents are aware of and have
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Running Head: PRE-ASSESSMENT

the opportunities to participate in, available programs. Home visits are designed to help parents

in structuring safe, caring, stimulating home environment for their children. One of the most

valuable resources for Ms. R. would be a peer support group and peer counseling class. As it has

been found out that Ms. R. is frustrated, peer counseling would give her an outlet to share her

experiences and frustrations. Ms. R. would also be able to gain other points of views from

parents alongside her in the group. (). As for Timmy’s little sister, child day care services is

recommended. This service will provide developmentally appropriate child care for children

during the day. Depending on the work hours of Ms. R. if any apply, there are also later hours

available in some centers. Timmy may need to become involved with a school counselor. The

counselor will be able to help assist the needs of Timmy and the needs of his family. The

mediation needed to address the problems at school along with situations at home can be

addressed with a conference involving Timmy, Ms. R., Timmy teacher, and the principle of the

school. Depending on the family’s religious preference, pastoral counseling can be examined for

long term assistance.

The next step is to discuss the goals and plan of action with Ms. R. and to make sure that

the client and I each have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and what we are both

responsible for. Every week Ms. R. will be contacted to enquire as to how both she and her

children are doing and to find out if there is anything that they need. After three months the case

will be reviewed and then evaluated to measure the possible changes that may have been made.

Running Head: PRE-ASSESSMENT

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The primary goal of any investigation is make the environment safer for the children and

to establish a fully functioning home for them. The intent of the service network is not to

remove the children from the home, but to ensure a safe home and environment for children.

References
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Ambrosino, R., Ambrosino, R., Heffernan, J., & Shuttlesworth, G. (2008). Social Work

and Social Welfare (sixth edition ed.). (D. Alpert, T. Williams, &A. L.

Richards, Eds.) Belmont: Thomson Higher Education.