Problem:
Question 1: Identify another strategy your peer could use to build trust with the Garcia's and explain how it would complement the strategies your peer described.
Question 2: Describe additional ways your peer could partner with Ms. Garcia to support Alejandro.
Question 3: Use in-text citations from the learning resources to support responses.
Peer Response: Working with families in mandated therapy changes the power dynamics right away because participation is not voluntary. Community distrust and the system's negative reputation often make it harder for families to engage, even when services are court-ordered. This lack of trust also creates challenges for caseworkers, who need authentic partnerships and strong relationships in order to truly engage families (Lalayants & Merkel-Holguin, 2025). For Ms. Garcia and Alejandro, sessions are part of the DCFS reunification plan, which can make them feel like therapy is more about surveillance than support. This power imbalance can create mistrust, especially for Ms. Garcia, who may fear what she says could affect her reunification. Alejandro may also feel he has little control since adults are making all his decisions (Antonopoulou et al., 2024).
To build trust, I would start by being transparent about the mandate and my role, clarifying that I am here to support rather than punish. A trauma-informed approach is essential-creating safety, consistency, and validating their experiences (Antonopoulou et al., 2024). Even within mandated therapy, I can promote self-determination by allowing Ms. Garcia and Alejandro to have choices in session, such as deciding which concerns to focus on or which activities feel most comfortable. This is consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics (2021), which emphasizes client dignity and autonomy, even when safety concerns require some limits.
Although Alejandro is the direct victim, his healing is closely tied to his mother's stability and recovery. Families involved with social services are often in crisis, which can create instability and make it challenging to meet the demands of child protection plans. However, skilled practice using positive communication and emotional and practical support is key to fostering engagement (Antonopoulou et al., 2024). Supporting him also means partnering with Ms. Garcia. In practice, I would validate her role as his mother, highlight her strengths, and encourage her participation in Alejandro's progress (Antonopoulou et al., 2024). Collaborating with her individual therapist would also help ensure family sessions align with her personal treatment goals. By empowering Ms. Garcia while maintaining clear boundaries around safety, I can support her and Alejandro in moving toward a healthier and more secure family relationship (Antonopoulou et al., 2024). Need Assignment Help?
References:
Antonopoulou, V., Killian, M., & Forrester, D. (2024). Measuring family stress levels and engagement in child protection social work: an explorative analysis of parental stress and social worker practice skills. Journal of Children's Services, 19(2), 123-134.
Lalayants, M., & Merkel-Holguin, L. (2025). Bridging the gap: The role of parent advocates in enhancing child protective services practice. Children and Youth Services Review, 175.
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. NASW Press.