social work

Read the Case Example below (also attached as a PDF) and write a 1-2 page case reflection (not including the cover page and reference page), completing each step of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) process. The case reflection should be written in APA Format and include a cover and reference page with in-text citations as needed. Refer to Lesson 1 for additional discussion of the Problem-Based Learning process, and utilize the textbook as necessary to justify your answers (citing the textbook as a source). Remember, the goal is not to know precisely what you should do next or all the “ins and outs” of the child welfare system. The goal is to think critically about the details and use what you’ve learned thus far. YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE AN EXPERT.

This assignment should include the following section headings as you work through the PBL:

• Facts
• In narrative form (not a list), provide the facts of the case based on what you learned from the Case Example. What do you know to be facts? This will include demographics of the family, information about employment and living arrangements, and any other information that is known to be a fact of the case.
• Hunches/ Hypotheses
• Again, in narrative form, discuss any hunches or hypotheses you can make about the case based on what youve learned in thus far in the course. Do you have any thoughts on what might happen in this family? Provide counter-hunches/hypotheses to examine the case from alternative angles. What indicators do you see that are of concern in this case?
• Next Steps
• In narrative form, discuss what you believe would be the next steps that youd take if you were tasked with responding to this case as a child welfare professional. What might you do next based on what youve learned in the course thus far?
• Learning Issues
• As with any case history, there may be details that you need more information about or more practice processes to educate yourself about to determine a plan of action. What are you missing here? What more information do you need to make better-informed decisions about the case?

Case Example Lesson 5:

Lukas is a 7-year-old boy who attends 2nd grade at Town Elementary School. He lives with his bio-mother, Erica (age 25), his younger brother, Tyree (4 years old), and his younger sister, Mya (2 years old). Lukas father lives outside the home but does see Lukas and Tyree every other weekend. Myas father is Ericas current partner. but does not live in the home at this time but previously lived with the family. Erica works as a manager at a local restaurant but usually works the day shift and is home in the evenings with her children. Tyree and Mya stay with Ericas mother (the children’s grandmother) during the day when she is at work.

Lukas does well at school, for the most part. His teachers have noted that he is rambunctious and impulsive in class. His current teacher, Mrs. Smith, describes him as a “typical boy” who tends to be off task in class and a little hard to settle down. The school also notes that his mother sometimes struggles financially as she has needed assistance with school supplies during the three years he has attended Town Elementary. However, she is a single mother who participates in school events when she can and has been engaged in Lukas education. She attends his parent-teacher conferences, and Lukas has good school attendance.

On Monday morning, Lukas came to school with a bruise on his left cheek. The bruise is blue and purple and appears in a thick line on his upper cheekbone up to his eye. Upon noticing the bruise, Mrs. Smith asked Lukas what happened to his face to cause the bruise and if it currently hurts. Lukas stated, It doesnt hurt anymore, and then said he doesnt remember how it happened. His teacher noted that he would not make eye contact and was quiet when he replied. She then asked if his mother knew about the bruise, to which Lukas said, I dont know, maybe. Mrs. Smith asked Lukas if he had fallen or hit his face somehow. He stated again that he doesnt remember but then added I dont want to talk about it. Lukas then ran off quickly to his table group and appeared to interact normally with his peers.

Mrs. Smith felt concerned about the bruise because Lukas is typically excited to share about his weekend and usually shares many details about his home life and siblings. Additionally, Mrs. Smith noted that Lukas mother has appeared stressed and overwhelmed during pick-up/drop-off and other interactions. She has also noted bruises on other parts of Lukas body, such as his legs and arms, at different times throughout the last month.

Due to her concerns, Mrs. Smith reported the incident to the Child Abuse Hotline. As a family service worker, you are responding to this case.