Within this assignment the writer will outline the main roles and responsibilities of a social worker

Within this assignment the writer im give way outline the briny roles and responsibilities of a friendly worker within this family. Legal and policy principles go forthing be discussed, practical and appropriate theories and research studies ordain be included and fin aloney, the parole of oppression and how it may be affecting this family pull up s get intos also be included.The writer will begin by giving a definition of friendly work, quoted from the British crosstie Of Social persisters (BASW).The Association has adopted the following definition of social work issued by the International Federation of Social usageers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work. It applies to social work practitioners and educators in every region and country in the world.The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance swell up-being. Utilising theories of human doings and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work (2001).Stephanie is a single become of two young children. At this present time in her deportment she is finding things difficult. Stephanie left school at the age of sixteen and shortly after leaving school she became pregnant with her first child, Naomi, who is now six long time old. When Naomi was two years old, Stephanie left foot and moved into a council flat of her own close by to her mother and two elder sisters.Stephanies relationship with these members of her family is non particularly good. Stephanies mother and sisters believe that Stephanies partner capital of Minnesota is a burden on her. Paul, who works unsoci subject hours as a taxi driver, cl sires to be liveliness at home with his parents. However, this is not the case, as he spends most of his time at Stephanies flat. Paul may spend tim e at Stephanies flat alone he does not spend whatsoever quality time with Stephanie or their children.Stephanie has act depressed over the last six months. She resents having to look after the children on her own and she also feels isolated. Stephanie has asked the Area Office for help as her income support book has been interpreted off her because the D.S.S. beliefs that she is cohabiting.Stephanies second child, Christopher, is 18 months old and he has unfluctuating visits from a health visitor. The health visitor is worried about Christophers development and weight gain. As regards Naomi, her school t for each oneer has noticed a deterioration in her behaviour and is worried about Naomi appearing upset, tired and subdued. Naomi has come to school feeling hungry and dressed inappropriately.The social workers role in planning an discernment is to plan for the assessment and, in order to account for the complexity of the task should gather and record info in a systematic and precise way, checking information with the children and parents. Where there are differences over information these should be recorded and strengths and difficulties should be ac sleep withledged. The assessment should be child- kerneld and therefore the match of the situation on the child essential be clearly identified. (Parker, J. & Bradley, G. 2005 Page 20) The roles and responsibilities of social work are mostly decided by a legal policy framework. These policies may change to deposit new issues in society. Principles should be acknowledged on what actions to take (See Appendix 1).If Naomi and Christopher will benefit from enrolment in a day care centre and certain lack will be met by this action, then the paramountcy principle will steer the social worker towards encouraging Stephanie to enrol them. To ignore the childrens needs would be legally and ethically negligent (Dickson. D, scalawag 10).The assessment will involve the social worker having an open mind and commu nicating with Stephanie on a level in which she understands, not using jargon that may confuse her. Any information self-collected from Stephanie should be relevant to the case. All information gathered will eternally be monitored and recorded, everything that is being done will be explained to Stephanie as clients substantiate the right to know what is happening at all multiplication passim the process (see Appendix 2).In any assessment as a social worker your own personal beliefs, values and biases must constantly be acknowledged, and also the impact your approach will have on the way the assessment is carried out (Parker, J. & Bradley, G. 2005 Page 7).Stephanie will be encouraged to ask decisions and the social worker will promote her independence and assist her in understanding and exercising her rights as this will affect her and her families future. Stephanies personal views, values and beliefs should always be respected as she is an individual and has to be treated as one at all times.It is important to be open, honest and explicit with Stephanie throughout the procedure. If Stephanie knows that she push aside relay and depend on you, this will help in building confidence in your relationship with her. Stephanie should always be told if you are not going to be available and tell her why for example if you have other commitments for that particular time.As a Social worker, you must attempt to score and maintain the trust and confidence of Stephanie. It will be made clear to Stephanie that any information relating to the children that will cause harm or danger to them will be reported to an appropriate authority. Any complaints from Stephanie will be taken seriously and passed on to an appropriate person. The social worker will follow a risk assessment policy and procedure to assess whether Stephanie presents a risk to her children (Dickson D. pages 91-94).In making an assessment on behalf of Stephanie, the assessment triangle (see Appendix 3) a nd the helping cycle will both be used (see Appendix 4). In working with Stephanie on this case the social worker must take full responsibility for any actions carried out on behalf of Stephanie whether they are right or wrong (see appendix 5).It is important as a trainee social worker to know the importance of planning and tuning in for an assessment. Each case dealt with will be different to other cases. A key element of tuning in is preparatory empathy. This will involve putting yourself into Stephanies shoes, feeling what she is feeling, looking at the situation from her point of view. For example, Stephanie may be feeling depressed and helpless as a terminus of isolation. Financial worries may cause her to feel resentful towards Paul as he is no help to her and the children. Does she feel unable to cope as a single parent and feel that she is a bad mother (Dickson D. p17)?As the social worker has a certain power they may be able to intervene. The D.S.S. can be contacted and St ephanie can apply for an emergency payment from them until the situation is resolved. If Stephanies money is cut this could lead to to a greater extent situations arising such as rent and electrical energy bills not getting paid as Stephanie will not be able to afford these. This will then cause further problems for Stephanie and the children. Stephanie may become more depressed and her parenting may be affected, and the childrens needs could suffer.In planning an initial assessment it will be necessary to visit Stephanie and the children. Then it will be necessary to have a discussion with Stephanie and Paul and observe their life-time situation focusing on the three aspects of the assessment triangle childs developmental needs, parenting capacity, family and environmental factors. Then it is necessary to explain the Departments policy of supporting children and families to stay together (Parker. J, and Bradley. G, 2005 page 21).In the assessment of Naomi and Christopher, both of the childrens development of progress will be examined, in relation to each childs age and stage of development. There must be an understanding of what the children need to achieve successfully at each stage of their development, in order to ensure that they will both have the opportunity to achieve their full potential(DOH Frame Work Assessment 1999 page 18).Providing a range of assistances from a multi-disciplinary team requires a high degree of co-operation and co-ordination from the professionals involved. It is to be noted that central to the whole process should be the needs and wishes of the service user. The team will include not only the professionals but also Stephanie and her family. Therefore, Stephanies involvement and participation in her social and health care provision is taken to be fundamental.The legal definition of need is set out in article 17 of the Childrens (NI) Order (1995). The Childrens Order states that a child is in need if, he or she is unlikely to ach ieve or maintain or to have an opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision of services (www.opsi.gov.uk).The Childrens (NI) Order article 17 (1995) is based on a clean and consistent set of principles designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children, the rights of parents exercising their responsibilities towards their children and the duty of the state to intervene to promote and protect the welfare of children in need or at risk. The principles of the Children Order NI 1995 can be seen at www.opsi.gov.uk. As a student social worker it is necessary to adhere to the legislation put in place.Assessment is an ongoing process, in which the client participates, the purpose of which is to understand people in relation to their environment it is the basis for planning what needs to be done to maintain, improve or turn about change in the person, the environment or both (Coulshed V, p.21).The Assessment fra mework will be used to assess Stephanies case. Good assessment is authoritative for the well-being of the children and the family. It has to be noted that the welfare of the children is paramount at all times.The assessment triangle will be looked at for both of the children. The first ratio of the triangle is The Childs Developmental Needs. There are seven areas in this dimension. The first area to be examined is health. Both Naomi and Christophers health is an issue as this relates to their development as well as their physical and mental well-being. Genetic factors can be taken into musing on health issues. As Stephanie is despicable with depression, she may not realise that the children are not receiving an adequate diet and as a result of this their health can suffer.Then there is education. This covers the childrens cognitive development, which begins at birth. It includes compete and interacting with other children, access to books, to acquire a range of skills and inter ests, to experience success and achievement. An adult should be involved in the education of Naomi and Christopher. Stephanie should encourage her children to learn in different ways.Emotional needs and development are the concerns by appropriate responses demonstrated in the childrens feelings and actions. As Naomis teacher has noticed a change in behaviour, this will be looked at. Christophers development will also be looked at because the health visitor has noticed that he is not developing as well as he should be.The identity of the children may affected if Stephanies depression continues. The identity is related to how the children view themselves and their feelings of acceptance by the family and society will have an impact on this.Family and Social Relationships includes having a good relationship with parents and siblings. The children are at a young age but this may be taken into consideration as it may have an affect on them in developing relationships in later life.Their Social Presentation will be looked at, as Naomis behaviour has deteriorated and she is also dressed inappropriately.The final area to be examined is Self Care Skills. If Naomi sees that there is something wrong with her mother, she might begin to take over some paternal roles. She may be very young but she would be capable of doing things such as dressing herself and her little brother (Frame Work Assessment page 19).The next dimension of the triangle is the Parenting Capacity. Is Stephanie providing Basic Care, which includes providing for the childrens physical and appropriate medical needs? Are the children receiving food, warmth, shelter, clean and appropriate clothing and adequate personal hygiene? (See Appendix 6)Is Stephanie Ensuring Safety for the children? This can mean in the home and elsewhere, for instance, crossing roads.Are the children receiving Emotional Warmth? Stephanie may not be capable of this because she is suffering with depression. She may not realise it, bu t at times she may not respond to the childrens needs. Physical contact such as giving the children a hug can demonstrate emotional warmth.Are the children receiving Stimulation from their parents? If Paul is not spending any time with the children and Stephanie is feeling low, this will have an effect on their stimulation. The children should be in a routine and be encouraged with different tasks such as schoolwork this will facilitate them both to garner challenges, which they will face in life.Guidance and Boundaries enable children to regulate their own emotions and behaviour. Are Stephanie and Paul preparing their children for the development of later life when they will need to know whats right and whats wrong? Self-values and conscience are learnt through this process. If the children have no emotional support there is a danger that normal rules and boundaries within the family could interrupt down. There is a risk of childrens schoolwork and behaviour suffering as a result of the situation not being resolved quickly (Frame Work Assessment page 21).The final stage of the assessment triangle that has to be looked at is the Family and Environmental Factors.The writer will begin by examining Family History and Functioning. The childrens hereditary pattern includes both genetic and psycho-social factors. Family functioning is influenced by who is living in the house. At this stage we have to look at the fact of Paul being there. Is it doing more harm than good?Wider family members such as Stephanies mother and sisters may be helpful in getting Stephanie back on track. It could be beneficial for all of them to come together and have a discussion about the current situation.Is the Housing adequate for the family? If Stephanies money has been cut, will she be able to keep the home warm for the children? Is the house clean?Employment is another issue. Is Pauls pattern of work suitable? Would it be possible for Stephanie to get employment? Both these question s have an impact on the children.Income, is there enough income to provide basic needs for the children? Stephanies benefits have been cut, this will have a major impact on the family? Will Paul help out? What are the financial difficulties that will affect the children?Families Social Integration. Stephanie feels isolated. This is not good for any of the family as she is the main carer. Stephanie should be encouraged to take up a hobby or night class. This will develop her confidence and it will have an impact on the children.The social worker should go along Stephanie information on Community Resources i.e what is available for the family in the community such as play groups, mother and toddler groups, summer schemes, education learning centres, family centres. topical anaesthetic groups such as STEER and Gingerbread may be able to help and advise the family.From this assessment it is clear that Stephanie is at secondary level 2 of the duck For Guidance On Thresholds For Interv ention For Services For Children In Need (See Appendix 7). We have to work with Stephanie now and prevent her from reaching level 3 (Frame Work Assessment page 24). We can work with a multidisciplinary team to resolve any issues that have developed.To oppress a person is to treat them in a very harsh and unfair way and cause them to feel anxious or distressed, (a definition from the Oxford Dictionary). As a result of this family living in meagerness they will be oppressed. This will have a high impact on all of the family and also cause different problems. The family may be stigmatised. Teachers in Naomis school may have labeled Stephanie as being an unfit parent without knowing any of the facts about her situation.Where is the poverty coming from and what is the reason that this family is living in poverty? There are many reasons for poverty to occur within families. Because Stephanie is female she may be discriminated against when trying to gain employment. She may have little or no education. The question has to be asked if she was employed would she be provided with childcare? All aspects have to be looked at and must be taken into consideration when Stephanie is looking at herself as a person and parent (Thompson, N. 2001).As Stephanie is not working, Paul is the main earner for the family but he is not providing for them in such a way that they can live without money worries. Paul is also claiming to be living at his parents house, so he is not taking any responsibility for the income of the family. Stephanie is the one that does everything in the household and paying the bills is a major role.Stephanies strengths and weaknesses could be looked at and developed. Stephanie may have the capability of reverting to education and getting some qualifications, which would enable her to gain employment. With the help of her mother and sisters she could develop her confidence and this will also play a major part on reducing her depression. Stephanie may be takin g medication for her depression but the social worker can look at other methods of interposition such as cognitive therapy.Stephanie has to look at her relationship with Paul and ask herself if she is doing the right thing for her children by letting him stay in their home. Stephanies mother would like to see Paul out of her daughters life which is not possible as he has a right to see his children, but she can encourage Stephanie and support her if this is what it takes.