Reference no: EM133267897

Assignment:

CASE STUDY - Jenny's new husband Denis seemed to enjoy the opportunity to be a stepfather to her three children (aged 3, 5 and 6 years) when they first moved in with him. Over the following 18 months though, as Jenny and Denis attempted to have their own child, Denis's behaviour changed. He began limiting Jenny's access to money, took her car keys, and wouldn't pay for the car to be serviced. He started monitoring her use of social media and the web. He also started being aggressive towards her and the children.

Following an incident witnessed by the oldest child, where Denis pushed Jenny's head into a cupboard door, the 6-year-old tells her kindergarten teacher that she is worried at home, that she has seen Denis hurting mummy. She is scared of being hurt by him too. The teacher contacts child protection, and a child protection worker interviews the family. Using an assessment model the worker, Ellen, concludes that the wellbeing and development of the child are being negatively impacted by the family violence.

Ellen makes a separate appointment to discuss the situation with Jenny and verifies that physical and emotional harm is occurring to the children. The worker contacts the local family violence service to refer Jenny and the children. At Jenny's first meeting with the family violence service a comprehensive risk assessment is done and a safety plan created. Jenny discusses options for further support with the family violence service worker, but she is scared of her husband's reaction. Jenny tells Ellen that she is too scared to continue with the service. Ellen talks instead with Jenny about emergency accommodation options.

Jenny does eventually move, with the children, into her sister's house while she decides what steps to take regarding her relationship. She returns to, and leaves, the relationship with Denis three times in one year. The children are provided with a variety of supports, including counselling and group support for the 5 and 6-year-olds. Ellen encourages Jenny to reengage with the local family violence service and is increasingly frustrated that she refuses to do so.

Denis's violence recommences each time Jenny returns, and she eventually calls the police. As both police and the family violence service operate within a consistent risk management framework, Jenny's level of risk is well established and understood by all services involved.

Case planning meetings-attended by Jenny-are held to identify and review support needs, expectations, goals and timelines. Case management responsibility resides with Ellen on behalf of child protection. Ellen organises for the family violence service and the police family violence advisor to also attend the planning meetings, along with Jenny's sister and representatives from the children's school. Safety plans are developed and kept up to date for everyone.

1. Give two signs that indicate Denis may pose a threat to harm others.

2. Give two signs that indicate Jenny feels there is a threat to their own safety.

3. List two ways that indicate that the child protection worker, Ellen, has listened empathetically to Jenny's current crisis situation.

4. List two ways that Ellen could affirm and strengthen Jenny's links to safety and living.

5. List two strategies based on enabling thoughts and behaviours that Ellen could use to deal with this immediate crisis.

6. How could Ellen work with Jenny to reduce immediate danger and risk to others?

7. What legal and ethical requirements does Ellen need to consider when addressing this emergency situation? Identify two requirements in your answer.

8. Give two legal and/or ethical obligations Ellen needs to fulfil about privacy and confidentiality in this crisis situation.

9. Give two legal and/or ethical obligations Ellen needs to consider about disclosure in this crisis situation.

10. Give two legal and/or ethical obligations Ellen needs to consider about her work role responsibilities and limitations in this crisis situation.

11. Give two signs that indicate Jenny is in a domestic and family violence crisis situation.

12. Give two signs that indicate Jenny and her children are in a crisis situation involving abuse.

13. How can Ellen assist Jenny to make informed choices about further help?

14. Outline two possible barriers that Jenny may face when seeking or accepting help and how Ellen should respond.

15. List two appropriate professionals that Ellen could refer Jenny to in this crisis situation.

16. Why is it important for Ellen to complete and maintain accurate documentation about this crisis situation?

17. Give two legal and/or ethical obligations Ellen needs to consider regarding mandatory reporting in this crisis situation.

18. List two signs that Ellen has been affected by this crisis situation and how she could ensure she minimises risk to herself.