Vingnettes
Psychology of marriage and family systems
Vignette Three
Considering the text reading assignments, what do you see going on with Phillip and his family?
Given that Phillip was born to a mother who abused alcohol in the past, it is possible that there are physical issues which are affecting his performance in school. Phillip should be screened for learning disabilities and other issues which could inhibit his progress. Phillip is also struggling with issues which make him 'different' from his peers, including the poverty of his household, the fact that he is being shipped from one home to another as the result of his parents' divorce, and the fact that he might receive negative attention because of his mother's LBGT status as well as the fact he is a Native American.
If Phillip is being sexually molested, however, this could be another source of his withdrawal and anxiety, given that these are symptoms often shown by children who are victims. Phillip has not reportedly shown other symptoms of being the victim of sexual molestation, however, such as inappropriate sexual behavior beyond his years; sudden trouble sleeping; unusual behavior problems; or fear of strangers and other people and things he did not express fear of before ("Recognizing sexual abuse," 2014). The allegations are serious, of course, and must not be dismissed but the anonymous nature of the accusation combined with the longstanding tension between the family members must not go unremarked-upon either.
Q10.What treatment interventions from both texts might you use with this family?
Phillip should be evaluated for a learning disability, which may involve the creation of an IEP (individual educational plan). Phillip's mother and father could both be referred to for counseling services, including alcohol treatment for his mother. Phillip's teacher must be worked with to a greater extent so she can understand the child's needs and not attribute his behaviors to laziness, which is not a helpful way of viewing his problems.
Q11.What cultural issues come to mind when working with this family?
Phillip is Native American and lives on a reservation, which means he comes from a community where poverty and alcoholism are more normalized and which may act as inhibitions to his sense of safety and growth. However, there are often high levels of mistrust between Native Americans and social workers, partially because of the legacy of a government which often sought to separate Native Americans from their families. "Native cultures are relationship-based. Native groups customarily place a high value on maintaining relationships and often engage in behaviors to avoid conflict. Many Native people are uncomfortable and unfamiliar with power-based relationships such as those between child welfare workers and clients" (Lucero 2007: 13). Sensitivity to economic limitations is also demanded. "Workers should take into consideration and be sensitive to the financial constraints of most American Indian families involved with the child welfare system. These families need support and assistance in paying for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Realistically, most CPS departments have limited funding for these services" (Lucero 2007: 21).
Q12.What legal and ethical issues would you need to consider?
It must be determined that Phillip is not under any immediate physical risk in either of his home scenarios. If Phillip is being sexually molested, this must be addressed. However, given the conflict between both parents, there is also the possibility that the accusation could be leveled for spurious reasons against the other parent. A thorough investigation is essential for both legal and ethical reasons.
Vignette Four
Q13. Considering the reading assignments in both texts, what do you see going on with this family?
While cultural relativism should never be viewed as an 'excuse' for negative behaviors for a child, it is important to contextualize this family in light of the parents' upbringing and different cultural expectations of children. The family is currently under a great deal of stress, given its recent transition to America. The lack of English-speaking ability on the part of the parents (particularly that of the mother) is undeniably an additional source of frustration. Even the father, who has greater fluency, seems to feel emasculated and limited by his current position. The desire for control over their children in a new, frightening uncontrollable world might be one of the sources of the apparent aggression exhibited towards the children. "By being aware of cultural norms and by developing cultural competency, i.e., understanding and respect for culturally-based values, beliefs, and behaviors, program planners and practitioners can better design, disseminate and implement effective parenting messages and programs for...
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