Assessment Task 1: Incorporating Developmental Change Theories in Social Work Practice
Task specification:
Case Study: Beeton Family
Refer to the "Beeton Family" case study using the following headings as the framework for your report:
1. Introduction and outline of the report
2. An overview of the theories and concepts informing social work practice using knowledge of both individual and family developmental change in engagement, assessment and collaborative planning with a family
3. Assessment of the developmental stage and tasks relevant to two key individuals and the family group from the "Beeton Family" case study using the theories and concepts you have outlined
4. Conclusion and summary
Assessment Task 2: Biopsychosocial Assessment with Individuals and Families
The task requires a written assessment of 2000 words of a chosen individual in a family group from case study material provided, using one of the assessment formats studied. Reference to theories and concepts is expected, together with a rationale explaining why those chosen are pertinent to the case study situation.
Case Study "The Banks Family"
Task specification:
1. Refer to the given case study and write your assessment on:
Either an individual family member, using selected components of Cournoyer's Assessment Framework, pp. 293-6, including a discussion of risk and protective factors for the family member
Or the family as a group using selected components of Gehart's Case Conceptualisation Form (NB the genogram is not required), pp. 42-6, including a discussion of risk and protective factors for the family
NB not all sections of Cournoyer's framework or of the Gehart form will be relevant to the case study. "Weighing the data" means choosing the areas to focus on, and that is required for this task, to provide a statement that accurately represents the situation of the individual or family.
2. Briefly outline the 3 most relevant theories or conceptual frameworks that inform your assessment, making it clear why you have chosen those
Assessment Task 3: Group Case Study Presentation & Consultation:
This task assesses the ability of students to work in a small group (similar to a casework team) to present a case study for consultation with the class group. Each group will be given a different case study set in a regional area to work with.
1. Present the Case Study: The wider class group will not be familiar with the case study in advance, so the first task is for the team to present the family situation coherently as a brief assessment statement. This may include all or some of the following items: the family structure, the issues, the background to the referral, family dynamics and relationships, previous solutions attempted and the outcomes of these, identification of risks and safety issues, family strengths, the views of key collaborators (especially the family members), your hypotheses that may explain the situation and the issues.
The use of visual presentations eg genograms, ecomaps, is encouraged. You may use one of the assessment formats referred to in this Course, or any other assessment format to suit the situation and the style of your presentation. Given that this task assumes you are working in the local context, the Victorian Best Interests Case Practice Model could provide a basic reference framework, but you do not have to follow this or any other framework strictly.
2. Present the Service Context, including the role of your casework team and any statutory, legislative, ethical or program requirements that may be relevant. Note also the key theories or concepts that your team has identified as most relevant to this family situation. You may take these from the knowledge and experience of team members, and also from specific research relevant to the situation you are working with.
3. Present your draft case plan and SMART goals.
4. Invite Specific Input: It is also a good idea to invite specific input from the broad class group, perhaps by asking for their response to specific questions or dilemmas that are puzzling or challenging your team
Assessment Task 4: Group Case Study Report:
This task assesses the ability of a small group to write a report of 2000 words outlining their assessment of a case study family with multiple and complex needs in a regional setting, and showing their understanding of the current Victorian legislative and service setting.
Task Specification:
Each group will submit a written assessment analysing the family situation and outlining preferred goals and interventions. Whereas the power point presentation and consultation provided each group with the opportunity to present a brief overview of the family situation and service context, and proposed some early ideas for case planning and goal setting, this written report is the more formal assessment and intervention planning document that typically might be included in a formal case record or report. Reports should be influenced by, but not limited to, the Victorian Best Interests Case Practice Model Summary Guide "Analysis and Planning" section, especially the Best Interests Assessment (p.41) and the Goal Planning Tool (p.40).