Sowk300: Social Work Micro Practice Quiz 1

The first key assumption is that the family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. This means that the family functions as a unit and that the interactions and dynamics within the family are influenced by the collective whole, rather than just the individual members.

The second key assumption is that families try to balance change and stability. This means that families strive to maintain a sense of stability and routine, while also adapting to changes and challenges that may arise.

The third key assumption is that a change in one family member affects all of the family members. This means that when one family member experiences a change or difficulty, it can have a ripple effect on the entire family system.

The fourth key assumption is that family members' behaviors are best explained by circular causality. This means that the behaviors of family members are influenced by and influence each other in a circular pattern, rather than a linear cause and effect relationship.

The fifth key assumption is that a family belongs to a larger social system and encompasses many sub-systems. This means that the family is not isolated, but rather connected to and influenced by the larger society and community it is a part of. Additionally, within the family, there are smaller sub-systems such as parent-child relationships or sibling relationships.

Overall, these assumptions highlight the interconnectedness and complexity of family systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the family as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual family members.

Triangulation refers to a situation where two individuals who have a conflict or disagreement use a third person or entity to communicate or convey their messages. In the given options, the best example of triangulation is when Mr. Doyle's father and mother-in-law communicated through Evelyn. This implies that instead of directly communicating with each other, they used Evelyn as a mediator to convey their messages or discuss their issues.

The correct answer is "Unspoken boundaries and rules of engagement for intervention." This option is not a discussed element for developing a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. The other options, such as consensus on therapy goals, a strong bond between client and worker, and agreement on task implementation, are all important elements in building a strong therapeutic alliance.

The FSW must ensure that he/she outlines specific issues to be addressed during the meeting. This is important in order to have a clear agenda and focus for the meeting, ensuring that all necessary topics are discussed and addressed. It helps in organizing the meeting effectively and allows for better communication and problem-solving. Identifying what to wear, speaking to the supervisor, composing a genogram, and assessing children for behavioral problems are not directly related to scheduling family meetings and accomplishing the necessary tasks during the meeting.

Home meetings are often initiated in response to the needs of one child sometimes called the target child/identified patient. This suggests that the purpose of these meetings is to address specific issues or concerns related to the well-being or development of a particular child within the family. The term "target child" implies that this child is the focus of attention or intervention, while "identified patient" suggests that this child has been identified as needing support or treatment. These meetings may involve various individuals, such as parents, caregivers, or professionals, who come together to discuss and address the needs of the target child.

The two assumptions that form the basis of FSW are appreciating the value of family-centered and home-based practice and recognizing the utility of crisis intervention. These assumptions are relevant to our work with families because they emphasize the importance of focusing on the family as a whole and providing support in their natural environment. By recognizing the value of crisis intervention, we can effectively address immediate needs and provide necessary assistance during challenging times. Additionally, teaching families and children skills that promote new behaviors and effective methods of managing family relationships is crucial for their overall well-being. Lastly, the ecological approach acknowledges that families are influenced by various social systems, highlighting the need to consider the broader context in which they exist.

The correct answer is circular causality. Circular causality refers to the idea that communication patterns within a family are not linear but rather circular, meaning that each family member's behavior and communication influences and is influenced by the behavior and communication of other family members. This concept recognizes that family dynamics are complex and interconnected, with each member playing a role in the communication patterns. By understanding circular causality, a family social worker can better identify and address dysfunctional communication patterns within the family.

The best example of the belief that parents' basic needs must be met before they can respond effectively and positively to the needs of their children is when a married couple receives marriage counseling for their ongoing disputes. This suggests that the couple recognizes the importance of resolving their own issues in order to create a more stable and supportive environment for their children. By seeking counseling, they are prioritizing their own emotional well-being, which will ultimately enable them to better meet the needs of their children.

When doing a home visit, if a client is not at home when you call, it is important to leave your first name and possibly a phone number. This allows the client to know who visited and how they can contact you. Leaving your name and contact information shows professionalism and allows for future communication. It also ensures that the client has the opportunity to reach out to you if they have any questions or concerns.

In the first meeting with clients, it is important for the FSW to strategize how the family should be engaged, as this will help establish a positive and productive relationship. The FSW can also role-play with colleagues to practice what to say first, where to sit, and how to accept or reject food, which can help them feel more confident and prepared. Additionally, the FSW will look for patterns of repetitive verbal and nonverbal communications among family members, as this can provide valuable insight into their needs and dynamics. Therefore, all of the given statements are true regarding assessing clients' needs in the first meeting.