Comprehensive Case Report and Critical Reflection on Social Care Practice: Supporting the Keegan Family

Case Scenario Brief for Social Care Students

Scenario Overview

You are a newly qualified social care worker assigned to a community-based social care service. Your role involves working with a diverse group of clients, including children, families, and elderly individuals, each with unique needs and challenges. You will be collaborating with an interdisciplinary team that includes social workers, healthcare professionals, and educational staff.

Learning Objectives

1. Building and Sustaining Professional Relationships [D2.13; D2.14]
   • Demonstrate your ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
   • Reflect on the dynamics of working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Professional Decision Making, Care Planning, Report Writing, and Managing Complexity [D1.19; D1.6; D2.6]
   • Engage in decision-making processes that impact client care.
   • Develop and implement care plans tailored to individual client needs.
   • Practice writing detailed and accurate reports.
   • Navigate and manage complex situations that arise in social care practice.
3. Legal Requirements, Policies, Procedures, and Documentation [D1.7; D3.11]
   • Investigate the legal frameworks governing social care practice in Ireland.
   • Familiarize yourself with relevant policies and procedures.
   • Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in compliance with legal standards.
4. Critique of Interprofessional and Multi-professional Practice
   • Analyze the effectiveness of interprofessional and multi-professional collaboration.
   • Identify areas for improvement in team dynamics and client outcomes.

   Client(s) Background:

The Keegan family the composition consists of; Mam Tina (34), Daughter Gina (16), and Son Miles (8). Gina was 8 when her parents separated due to family violence perpetrated by Gina’s father, which included verbal and physical abuse. Since their parent’s separation Gina and Miles have had minimal contact with their father, seeing him once a year. Prior to and during her separation, Tina was supported by a local family violence service.

Tina states that she has had mostly positive relationships with her children since the separation from his father 8 years ago and since that time she has been a single parent. Tina is a 34-year-old living with a history of poor mental health and alcohol addiction since the age of 14. Tina has advised her Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) worker that she has had an occasional drink. Due to her mental health difficulties, Tina struggles to attend her work in a local café 3 mornings per week 9.30 am-2 pm. At times Tina does not take her medication and goes through periods of depression, remaining in bed for long periods of time.

Gina has taking on some caring roles for Miles and sees herself as the head of the household and, at times, can be very demanding to get her own way. Gina takes on responsibility of shopping, getting Miles to and from school, cooking, bedtime routine when Tina’s mental health is declining.

Gina has a record of poor school attendance and was referred by the school to Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for her aggressive behaviour while at school. The school also made a referral to Tusla Educational Welfare Officer and the family has engaged with Joan, from a Youth and Family Support Program within a local Family Resource Centre over the past few months. It is noted that Gina’s engagement with Joan has been inconsistent.

Tina reports that Gina is often out all night, reportedly drinking with friends. There have been several incidents of Gina screaming at Tina, demanding money. When Tina refuses, Gina has begun threatening to damage Tina’s phone or other belongings. Tina is unsure if Gina would follow through on these threats but states that her own declining health leaves her with little energy to argue.

Meanwhile, Miles, seemingly overshadowed by Gina’s dramatic outbursts, has begun to withdraw socially. He spends more time alone in his room and has become less communicative with Tina. He no longer invites friends over to play.

You are required to develop a 1000 Case Report outlining how you will engage in effective assessment, care planning and interagency working to support this family.

 Tasks:

1. Initial Assessment:
   • Conduct an initial assessment of the family’s needs.
   • Build a rapport with Tina, Gina and Miles to understand their concerns and priorities.
2. Care Planning:
   • Develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses the immediate, medium term and long-term needs of the family.
   • Coordinate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure all aspects of the family’s well-being are considered.
3. Professional Decision Making:
   • Make informed decisions regarding your choices of interventions and support services.
   • Document your decision-making process and the rationale behind each decision.
4. Managing Complexity:
   • Address any challenges that arise, such as resistance from the family or coordination issues within the team.
   • Reflect on how you manage these complexities and what strategies you use to overcome them.
5. Legal and Policy Compliance:
   • Ensure all actions taken are in compliance with Irish social care laws and policies.
   • Complete all necessary documentation accurately and timely.
6. Interprofessional and Multiprofessional Practice:
   • Critically evaluate the collaboration within the interdisciplinary team.
   • Provide feedback on what worked well and what could be improved.

 Report Writing: [1000words] – 15%

1. • Write a report summarizing the family’s situation, the care plan, and any interventions that might be appropriate for implementation.
   • Ensure the report is clear, concise, and adheres to professional standards.

Critical Reflection on Personal Learning and Development [1000words] – 15%

• Reflect on your experiences on how you would build and sustain professional relationships.
• Discuss the challenges and successes in your decision-making and care planning processes.
• Evaluate your report writing skills and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyse the complexities you encountered when considering this case scenario and how you navigated them.
• Investigate the legal requirements and ensure your practice aligns with them.
• Critique the interprofessional and multiprofessional practices that should be observed during the scenario.

Presentation Format Guidelines

General Format

1. Cover Page:

1. • Title of the assessment
   • Your name & student number
   • Course name
   • Date

2. Case File Report (1000wds):

1. • Use a clear and readable font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt).
   • Maintain consistent formatting throughout the presentation.
   • Use bullet points for clarity and conciseness where necessary.
   • Include visuals (tables, charts, graphs, images) to support your points where applicable.

3 .Critical Reflection on Personal Learning and Development (15000wds)

• Use a clear and readable font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt).
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout the presentation.
• Use bullet points for clarity and conciseness where necessary.
• Include visuals (tables, charts, graphs, images) to support your points where applicable.
• Include images, info graphs, mind maps writing, quotes, and book extracts that may communicate your thought process in a creative where applicable

4. In-Text Citations:

1. • Cite sources of legislation, policy and government reports using the Harvard style.
   • Format: (Author Surname, Year)

5. Reference List:

1. • Include a comprehensive list of all sources cited in your presentation.
   • Format: Author’s Surname, Initial(s). (Year)

Example of In-Text Citation

• Content: “Social care practice requires adherence to legal frameworks (Smith, 2020).”
• Visual Aid: Include the citation at the bottom of the slide/image where the information is presented.

Example of Reference List Entry

• Smith, J. (2020). Social Care Practice in Ireland [PowerPoint presentation]. Social Care Course, University of Dublin. Available at: [URL].

Additional Tips

• Consistency: Ensure all citations and references follow the Harvard style consistently.
• Clarity: Make sure your report is not overcrowded with text using 1.spacing. Use bullet points sparingly and visuals to enhance understanding where necessary to show assessment frameworks, tools or conceptual models.
• Proofreading: Check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting before finalizing your presentation.

Marking Rubric for Social Care Assignment (30% Assessment)

This rubric provides a clear framework for assessing the assignment, ensuring that students understand the expectations and can focus on developing the necessary skills and knowledge.

REPORT TEMPLATE

Case File Name

Date of Referral:

 Referral Pathway to Service:

 Professional Decision Making

Other documents relevant to the case:

• Terms of reference for interagency working
• Minutes of meetings relating to interagency network case planning meetings and review meetings
• Informed Consent for the sharing of information across an interagency working network
• GDPR Policies
• Consent Forms for sharing of personal information
• Child Protection reporting forms
• Referral forms for appropriate agencies