SWK354 Seminar 1 Revised (PDF)

SWK354 FAMILIES AND THEIR ISSUES JUL 2024 SEMESTER SEMINAR 1  Mentimeter Code: 2314 7659 Getting to know you... https://www.menti.com/alewn4592b8e  Mentimeter Code: 2314 7659 Use 1 to 3 words to describe your fa...

SWK354 FAMILIES AND THEIR ISSUES JUL 2024 SEMESTER SEMINAR 1  Mentimeter Code: 2314 7659 Getting to know you... https://www.menti.com/alewn4592b8e  Mentimeter Code: 2314 7659 Use 1 to 3 words to describe your family https://www.menti.com/alewn4592b8e  In your small group.. Share Name & 1 word to describe your family What was your rationale behind the chosen word? Think about whether your family has changed over the years. If so, what are some of these changes? If not, why do you think this is the case? How do you feel that your family will change in the future? What challenges might your family face? “Housekeeping” information for Seminars Lecture, group discussions, presentations Participation is strongly encouraged Do be respectful of your classmates’ sharing. Let us keep whatever is shared in class confidential. Please do not discuss between TG groups and certainly not on social media. Slides are uploaded on Canvas. You may contact me via Canvas or through my SUSS e-mail: [email protected] 4  SWK354 Learning Outcomes Knowledge & Understanding (Theory Component) Discuss the needs of different types of families. Analyse the multiple needs and strengths of contemporary families in Singapore. Explain socio-economic conditions that create and sustain poverty. Key Skills (Practical Component) Formulate approaches which account for ethnic, class, gender, religious, linguistic, cultural, and sexual differences. Apply strengths and empowerment perspective to practice. Use generalist practice to empower family functioning and enrich relationships. 5  Course Structure 6 Sessions Each session will focus on an issue families face (poverty, illness, grief and loss, family violence, addictions, disability). Application of concepts/theoretical frameworks/models, and tools. Class activities and class participation. Assessment : Students must attain at least 40% for each (a) and (b) to pass the course. (a) Overall Continuous Assessment (OCAS): Pre-course quizzes : 5% Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA): 35% (Due on Thursday, 26 September 2024, 2355hrs.) Discussion Board (DB) :10% (Start on 31 Aug 2355hrs & end on 7 Sep 2355hrs) (b) Exams: 50% 6 Learning Outcomes Concepts, Theoretical Frameworks/Models & Tools Issues Discuss the needs of different types of families. Concept of Family- definitions, assumptions Family social work Analyse the multiple needs and strengths of Family social work process contemporary families in Singapore Strategies, roles and techniques Laws and Ethics Explain socio-economic conditions that create Family Resilience (protective and risk factors) -Disability and sustain poverty. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs -Illness Formulate approaches which account for Family Development and Life Cycle -Grief and Loss ethnic, class, gender, religious, linguistic, Family systems and disruptions -Marginalisation and cultural, and sexual differences Ecological Perspective Poverty Strengths Perspective -Addictions Apply strengths and empowerment perspective Double ABC-X Model -Violence and abuse to practice. Life cycle development approach to grief and loss Worden’s Tasks of Mourning Transtheoretical Model of Change Bio-psychosocial Model Use generalist practice to empower family Genogram, Ecomap, and Time line functioning and enrich relationships 8 Session Topics Reference Session 1 Review concepts related to families SU 1 Session 2 Theories and models SU 1 Theories and models Session 3 SU 1, 2 Issues families face: a) Illness, b) Grief and Loss c) Disability Issues families face a) Marginalisation b) Poverty Session 4 SU 3 Issues families face c) Family Violence Session 5 SU 3 Issues families face SU 3 Session 6 a) Addictions 5/7/2024 SUSS SWK354 2023 JULY Essential reading materials for all seminars: iStudy Guide Textbook (ONLINE): Collins, D., Jordan, C., & Coleman, H. (2013). An Introduction to Family Work. Brooks/Cole. Cengage Learning. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11 (pp. 338-341) 10 How has COVID affected Singapore and its families? Rise of the ‘gig economy.’ Job insecurity. Changes in social mobility. Disruptions: Widening of the skills gap and structural unemployment. Others? The question is: How do we prepare families to make transitions in adjusting to these life changes? How do we help families to maintain personal responsibility whilst also promoting the role of the family?: ‘Judging parents’: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/parenting-children-toddler- tantrums-behaviour-discipline-advice-2768496 What are your thoughts on the article– how does it affect families? 12 https://familiesforlife.sg/family-365/Pages/default.aspx A Singapore Made for Families 2025 (MFF 2025): https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/support- https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/covid-19-brings- families-and-parents/article/resources/A- families-closer-but-there-are-changes-in-family- Singapore-Made-For-Families-2025-MFF-2025- structures-that-singaporeans-must-prepare-for-dpm-heng Plan 13 15 Source: Department of Statistics Singapore 1. What do the 2022 statistics tell you about families? 2. How might knowing these data inform policies/legislation that might have downstream implications for families? 16  The Straits Times; Thursday, 7 July 2022 What are the implications on families? Children within these families? 17  A total of 7,118 marriages ended in a divorce or an annulment in 2023, according to data from the Department of Statistics. This was a 0.2 per cent increase from 7,107 in 2022. In July 2024, the Women’s Charter was changed to allow married couples to cite mutual agreement as grounds for divorce, if they agree that their marriage has broken down irretrievably. Previously, grounds for divorce were adultery, desertion, unreasonable behaviour, and separation for three years with consent and four years without consent. What kind of implications do you foresee on the concept of marriage & divorce? Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/co-parenting-after-divorce-more-in-s-pore-seek-support-to-ensure-children-s-needs-not-neglected A little bit more about transnational families… Based on a study at NUS by Choo & Yeung (2022). Marriage/families formed by a Singaporean and non-Singaporean spouses. In 2019, 24% of marriages involved a citizen and a non-citizen. 72% of men were Singaporeans married to a non-citizen wife (e.g., from a country outside of Singapore). Non-citizen wife and Singapore husband: Had the lowest monthly per capita income ($1,709) compared to non-transnational families ($2,611) as well as transnational families of a Singapore wife and a non-citizen husband ($3,062). https://fass.nus.edu.sg/srn/2023/03/21/an-exploratory-study-on-the- challenges-faced-by-social-workers-working-with-transnational-families-in- singapore/ 18 1. What does this tell you about TNM in Singapore? 2. Do you feel that this trend will continue to change in the years to come? If so, in what way(s)? 19  Inter-ethnic Marriages In 2023, 18.1 per cent of all marriages were inter-ethnic unions, up from 17.8 per cent in 2013, and 11.5 per cent in 2003. Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/it-s-only-fair-why-more-mixed-race-couples-in-s-pore-register-double-barrelled-race-for-children? utm_campaign=ST_Newsletter_EDITORSPICK 19  Key social service-related legislation affecting families The Women’s Charter A comprehensive statute that regulates the formation The Children and Young Persons Act and management of families and establishes duties towards dependents. The key sections are Part VII Amended as at 1 July 2020: regarding the protection of family members, the https://www.msf.gov.sg/docs/defaultsource/programmes- parental duties to maintain children (Part VIII), and document/100902-cypa-amendment-bill-infographic-(1r).pdf offences against women and girls. The legislation allows https://www.msf.gov.sg/research-data/research-reports- data/help-those-in-need/article/Family-Guidance-Order-New- for victims of family violence to seek protection and Cases apply for protection orders against the perpetrator. In relation to their care and protection; those beyond parental control; and those who are juvenile offenders. The Act allows for reporting, assessment and intervention to protect The Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA) children and young persons from harm. Safeguards Vulnerable Adults (VA) from abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. The VAA was passed in Parliament on 18 The Maintenance of Parents Act May 2018 and operationalised on 19 December 2018. The VAA will strengthen Singapore’s existing adult Allows Singapore residents aged 60 years and above - who are protection framework and laws, including under the unable to provide for themselves - to claim maintenance from Women’s Charter, the Mental Capacity Act, and fire their children who are capable of supporting them but are not safety and public health laws. The effectiveness of the doing so. Parents can claim maintenance in the form of VAA is contingent upon the family, the community and monthly allowances or a lump-sum payment. the State playing complementary roles. 22 Singapore Statutes Online https:agc.gov.sg  Bill to allow for emergency orders and more Key social service-related power in family violence cases (9 May 2023) legislation affecting families Gives authorities more power in family Family Justice Reform Bill (8 May 2023) violence cases. Improves enforcement of maintenance payments. Allows emergency orders to be issued at the Applies to wives, children, incapacitated husbands, scene of a high-risk case. and parents. MSF’s Domestic Violence Emergency Makes family proceedings simpler and more Response Team (DVERT). efficient. Bill is an amendment to the Womens Charter Facilitates more sustainable maintenance that was last amended for family violence outcomes. matters in 2016. Amends legislation including the Family Justice Changes will strengthen the government’s Act, Women’s Charter and Guardianship of Infants ability to intervene in family violence cases Act. and empower victims to better protect Helps families in distress to “heal and move on themselves. with their lives” and increase access to justice, Raises the penalties and bolsters especially for those who cannot afford legal enforcement against breaches. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ppo- representation. emergency-orders-family-violence-amendments- https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/divorce- womens-charter-parliament-3474296 spouse-child-maintenance-payment-family-justice-reform- 23 bill-3422761 Issues affecting Main needs for person affected and family Sample of Programmes and Schemes, legislation the family Adjustment, training & employment, Special schools, employment and support by SG Enable, Disability education, caregiver support, assistive Disability Agencies, Agency for Integrated Care, hospital (Seminar 3) devices medical social work services Emotional and physical care, dealing with Illness Agency for Integrated Care, Counselling Centres, hospital end-of-life issues, crisis support, caregiver (Seminar 3) medical social work services; FAM@FSC support, psychoeducation Grief and Loss Emotional support, adjustment support, Counselling Centres; Family Service Centres; FAM@FSC (Seminar 3) crisis support Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (for divorce cases) Marginalisation Finance, shelter, employment training and Social Service Offices; Family Service Centres and Poverty support, parenting Schemes: E.g. ComCare, Education, health and housing (Seminar 4) Institute of Mental Health, Counselling Centres, We Care Addictions Psychological support, psychoeducation, Community Services (Seminar 6) caregiver support Legal: Casino Control Act Family Violence Specialist Centres, Family Service25Centres, Violence and Abuse De-escalation, safety plans, shelter, finance, Counselling Centres, Child Protection Specialist Centres (Seminar 5) emotional support, crisis support Legal: Women’s Charter, CYPA, Vulnerable Adults Act Break 19  Family Family Social Work Family Social Work Process Refer to: Study Guide and textbook by Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013. 26  Family Social Work Family Therapy Broad focus Used in social work practice Home and community based Concentrates on specific problems – Formal, usually in office settings Parent-child conflicts School related issues Focused on abstract patterns, Involves concrete problem solving, structures of relationships and Providing support, teaching skills and family functioning competencies Helps family access concrete services Family is the target of change and resources Intensive family preservation services In-home family support Instruction in parenting skills Case Management Certification needed!! 20  21 Important Considerations in Family Social Work Knowledge of family and child welfare and protection policies and service delivery systems. Legal considerations: Knowledge of laws. i.e. the relevant laws in Singapore pertaining to families Ethical considerations and dilemmas (Singapore Association of Social Workers Code of Professional Ethics , 3ʳᵈ Revision, 2017) E.g. the provisions in the code of ethics E.g. how to deal with ethical dilemmas. Ethnic, cultural and gender sensitivities. Family Concept – single or multi- dimensional? Definition Functions Family structure - diversity Family systems Beliefs about Families 27  Families comprise people who have a shared history and a Definition shared future. of Family They encompass the entire emotional system of at least three, and frequently now four or even five generations held together by blood, legal, and/or historical ties. Relationship with parents, siblings, and other family members go through transitions as they move through life. Boundaries shift, psychological distance among members changes, and roles within and between subsystems are constantly being redefined. (Norris & Tindale, 1994 in The Expanding Family Life Cycle, 5ᵗʰ ed, McGoldrick, Preto & Carter, 2016) 28  Video: Stay-at- home dads Consider the following questions: 1.) How are changing gender roles affecting families in Singapore? 2.) Do you feel that the trend of having stay-home dads might continue in the future? 3.) What does this indicate about the influence of culture? 29 Family as a Special Group (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013 pp 21-22) A family is a natural group: Primary group in which members share close and personal relationships, which are developed through shared activities, over a period of time. Forms spontaneously on the basis of life events, interpersonal attraction or the mutually perceived needs of members. Formed independently of professional involvement. Incorporates new members only by birth, adoption, commitment or marriage. Members can leave only by death. 30 Changing Definitions of Family It is not the typology of families that we are so much concerned with - usually cannot change. It is the way the family can function. It can respond to stressors efficiently and effectively and can support families through change. “Functional” essentially means “workable.” Dysfunctionality refers to family patterns that are unworkable and associated with symptoms of distress – regardless of the origin of the problem. 31 Satir’s (1967) 7 Functions of Families (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013 pp 29) To provide heterosexual To contribute to the To cooperate economically by experience for mates. continuity of the species dividing labors between the adults by producing and according to sex, convenience and nurturing children. precedents. To maintain a boundary (incest To transmit culture to the children taboo) so that tasks can be through teaching communication, performed smoothly and stable expression of emotions, coping with relationships maintained. inanimate environment, and roles. To recognise when one of To provide for the its members reaches eventual care of parents adulthood. by their children. 32  1. Families want to be healthy. Beliefs about 2. Families want to stay together and overcome their differences. Families 3. Parents need understanding and support for (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.60- the challenges involved in keeping 65) relationships satisfying and for raising children. 4. Parents can learn positive, effective ways of responding to their children if they have opportunities for support, knowledge, and skills. 5. Parents’ basic needs must be met before they can respond effectively and positively to the needs of their children. 6. Every family member needs nurturing. 33 Beliefs about 1. Family members, regardless of gender or age, Families (cont’d from deserve respect from each other. previous slide) 2. A child’s emotional and behavioral difficulties (Collins, Jordan, & should be viewed within the context of the family Coleman, 2013, and the larger social environment. pp.60-65) 3. All people need a family. 4. Most family difficulties do not appear overnight but have developed gradually over the years. 5. A difference exists between thoughts and actions in parenting. 6. A difference exists between being a “perfect” parent and a “good enough” parent. 7. Families require fair and equal treatment from their environmental systems. 34  Key Assumptions about Family Systems (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.72-85) 1. A change in one family member affects all of the family members. 2. The family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. 3. Families try to balance change and stability. Concept of homeostasis. 4. Family members’ behaviours are best explained by circular causality (interaction and communication patterns). 5. A family belongs to a larger social system and encompasses many sub- systems. 6. A family operates according to established rules. 35 A Change in One Family Member Affects Other Family Members This assumption indicates there is no need to meet all family members and that change effected through one member would change the rest of the family members in one way or another (Collins et al., 2007). However, placing the focus on just one person in the family, usually the one with symptoms, places a burden on the one with the presenting problem. Thus, work may have to be done with the individual to relate with other members differently. This is assuming that this person is capable of managing his or her relationships with other members in the family. The individual’s changes would have a ripple effect on the other people in the systems, triggering changes in the system (disrupting the sense of homeostasis). 36 The Family as a Whole Is More than the Sum of Its Parts Families have an effect on the manner in which an individual behaves. Thus, the assessment of the individual’s issues might be more accurate when he or she is observed in the context of his or her family. Ex: A piano key is one small component of the entire piano and the melody that many keys, played together, can create. Many problems of the individual originate from and/or are expressed through family interactions. 37 Families Try to Balance Between Change and Stability Collins et al. (2007, p.46) posited “families need stability, order and consistency” to function daily in a predictable manner. But they also face external pressures as well as changes in the life stage of its family members to adjust to these transitions. As such, families have rules, myths and even secrets to keep everything in check and balance in their attempts to maintain harmony in the system. In the process of maintaining homeostasis, families can be worn out as they have to use a lot of energy to keep things in check. Family rules help to keep homeostasis in check by determining which behaviours are acceptable and/or which are forbidden. Unfortunately, families need to respond differently to one another as well as towards children who require different responses from families at each stage in their development. Consider the influence of the family life cycle and how it has the potential to disrupt family homeostasis. 39  Video: Living with Pompe’s Disease https://www.todayonline.com/videos/living-pompe-disease 1. How does this video illustrate the preceding slides (i.e., beliefs about families, assumptions about families, etc.)? 2. If you were the social worker working with this family, how would you use your knowledge about families to work with them? 40 Family Members’ Behaviours Are Best Explained by Circular Causality In many instances, the presentation of problem or symptomatic behaviour is situated in an individual within the family. Under such circumstances, the individual is blamed for the problem behaviour. This is known as “linear causality” where blame is attributed to one person without accounting for the mutually reinforcing pattern of relating. In systems thinking, the presentation of symptomatic behaviour is seen as the result of a reciprocal and mutually reinforcing interaction in communication between members in the family. This is known as “circular causality”. Eventually, a fairly predictable pattern of interaction between the family members will emerge and become the norm for the family’s pattern of communication. Ex: A father is trying to emotionally connect with his teenage son. However, the more effort that he makes in trying to connect, the more his son pushes him away. This is a repetitive, cyclical interaction/process. 41 A Family Belongs to a Larger Social System and Encompasses Many Subsystems The family is a microsystem within which the individual is embedded. The family is also embedded within many systems of different layers. It is represented in an ecomap (Hartman & Laird, 1983). An important concept in family systems theory is the idea of the number of external systems with which the individual and/or family is in a relationship with. A family that has very few or no relationships with external systems is known as closed systems while a family that has many relationships with external systems is known as an open system (Hartman & Laird, 1983). It is important to keep in mind that an open system does not necessarily mean that the networks are good. If a family has many conflicts with its network, then these networks are not good for the family as they would affect the family adversely. 42 A family operates according to established rules Rules determine what is allowed and what is forbidden in the family e.g. power hierarchy– who makes the major decisions within the family? Rules contribute to predictable patterns of behaviours and interactions within the family. It is through this predictability and the establishment of patterns that homeostasis solidifies within the family. 43 Video: Filial piety among young Singaporeans As you watch the video, consider the following questions: Is filial piety a personal “choice” in the Singapore context? How does the concept of FP affect families? In the future, do you feel that FP will affect how families function in Singapore? 44 Family Subsystems (Collins, Jordan & Coleman, Spousal, parental, sibling subsystems. 2013, pp. 83-98) Triangulation. Family system disruptions (e.g. death, divorce, mental illness, disability). Multi-generational transmission of patterns. Additional reading: Family Systems Theory, Section 7,Chapter 1, Missouri Child Welfare Manual 45 Guiding Principles of Family Social Work (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2007, pp. 26-28) 1. The best place to help families is in their home. Why? 2. Family social work empowers families to solve their own problem(s). 3. Intervention should be individualised and based upon an assessment of the social, psychological, cultural, educational, economic, and physical characteristics of the particular family. 4. Family social workers must respond first to the most immediate needs (i.e., Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) of families and then to their long-term goals. 46 Family-centric Practice (Study Guide SU1-3 and in Collins, Jordan & Coleman, 2013) Increases the strengths of a family system in preparing families for long-term changes. Renders support to enable families to sustain healthy family functioning. Linking up families with resources in their environment to address their basic needs. Develop lasting changes in the coping efforts which will continue independently of formal helpers. Effectively identify and address crises faced by families so that the family work can go beyond the presenting issues to work with their underlying issues. 47 Family Social Work Process (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013) Engagement Termination Assessment Intervention Goal setting Contracting 48 Key Strategies in Working with Families (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013) 1. Adhere to culturally sensitive practices. 2. Focus on the family’s needs. 3. Respect clients’ autonomy. 4. Avoid fostering unnecessary dependency. 5. Reassess clients’ resistance. 6. Maintain professional distance and remain emotionally available. 7. Set realistic expectations. 8. Maintain a dual micro-and-macro focus: Ecological intervention. 49  Family Social Work Techniques (SU1-9/10; Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.341-348) Some useful techniques Observing – enables collection of useful objective information (content and process) that can help the family to understand and gain insight into the issues Focusing – enables sessions to be used productively by focusing on salient issues. Using examples – enables client to be assured that others have faced similar challenges and demonstrate different ways of dealing with such a situation. Confronting – enables client to open up an unexpressed feeling, idea or issue by highlighting repeated incongruent behaviour or repeated failure to take up responsibility. Reframing – enables client to view the problem in a different and positive light. Use of metaphors – enables the family to understand abstract concepts by providing information in a manner that helps. Contracting – enables the family to have an agreement on identified issues, the goals of intervention, the activities needed to achieve the goals and time table for action. 51  Family Social Work – Forms of Intervention (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp. 348-352) 1. Crisis intervention Crises provide opportunities for change because they disrupt family homeostasis and families feel a certain amount of pain and anxiety, making them want to change. Important for social workers to help families resolve the immediate crisis in order to provide both a safe environment and hope for family change, thus setting the stage for future longer-term family work. 2. Problem-solving intervention Family social workers focuses on systemic interventions with the family as a unit rather than on individual members. Linked with communication intervention. Focuses on (a) helping people resolve present difficult and (b) teaching clients the skills to solve problems by learning strategies for dealing with present and future concerns. 3. Ecological Intervention Use of Eco-map to outline themes in families and targets for change Remove the problem from the level of individual blame; teaching them how to do it for themselves. Used to solve less threatening environment issues while building support for family; help families to develop creative ways to use formal and informal resources. 52 Specialised family work approaches (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp. 352-366) Solution-focused Approach Developing solutions via a strength based approach using useful questions that can have families solve their problems. Communication/Experiential Approach Based on becoming aware of feelings through focusing on experience; emphasis: clear, direct, open and honest communication. Structural Family Approach Developing appropriate rules and consequences in the family; key concepts (a) family structural and hierarchies, (b) subsystems and (c) boundaries Narrative Family Approach Where families use words to describe a problem as a stressor or hindrance or their well-being; these are stories dominating their lives. 53 Common Pitfalls of New Family Social Workers (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.236-237) 1. Seeing the one with the difficulties as the primary focus. 2. Overemphasizing family history at the expense of what is going on in the here and now. 3. Waiting for a lot of information before intervening. 4. Overly concerned with destructive underlying feelings and attitudes. 5. Fitting family into method instead of method to family. 6. Overlooking outcomes and goals as important reasons for the family interviews. 7. Developing alliances and colluding with certain people in the family at the expense of others, or otherwise getting caught up in the struggle between family factions. This might be due over identification with certain people in the family. 8. Giving false assurance or agreement where these are inappropriate. Common Pitfalls of New Family Social Workers (continued) (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.236-237) 1. Ignoring cues about the family’s subjective experience of the problem while dealing exclusively with the objective material; failing to keep the focus in the interview. 2. Judgemental responding. 3. Inappropriate use of humour or other responses that affect the discussion or formation of trust. 4. Pre-mature problem-solving, 5. Over-reliance on small talk/chit-chat. 6. Over protecting family members by ignoring cues to implicit information. 7. Not being aware when the client takes the focus off self and talks about someone else – you get trapped into talking about that someone else.  Reflection Which pitfall are you most worried about? What are some ways to mitigate it? Activity Review Case Study 1 1. Using the six (6) key assumptions (KA) of family systems theory, analyse this family. 2. Discuss how you would apply the eight (8) key strategies when working with this family. 3. What potential ethical issues might you encounter? Choose a presenter to represent your group. 56 Case Study 1 You are a social worker at Arrows Family Service Agency (AFSC). Jack Mah came to your Centre on 6 May 2019, in the morning. He wanted you to talk to his father-in-law to be “a more responsible grandfather”. Jack is 32 years old and works as a sales executive at a hand phone shop. His wife, Betty Lim is 30 years old, and works as an administrative assistant. The couple have a young son, Ken who is 20 months old. The couple married in January 2018, after Betty found out that she was 3 months pregnant in December 2016. The couple lived with Betty’s 67-year-old widowed father, Mr Lim Boon Leong, in his HDB 2-room flat, while waiting for their HDB BTO 3-room flat nearby to be ready. Prior to the marriage, Jack lived alone in a rented room as he had been estranged from his family. Jack and his father-in-law shared a good relationship. However, problems started when Mr. Lim took over the responsibility of caring for Ken, after Betty’s maternity leave ended in August 2018. The couple’s heavy workload meant that they often reached home past dinner time. They could not be home earlier, as much as they would love to. Jack said that whenever he was able to be home early, he would take over caring for Ken. Jack said that he respected Mr. Lim. However, he did not like his father-in-law taking Ken along with him to the nearby coffee shop where he would meet up with his good friends. Jack was concerned that Ken might pick up vulgar language used by Mr. Lim and his friends during their coffee shop chats. While Mr. Lim felt that Ken would not have picked up vulgarities as he was still young, he tried to cut down the time spent with his friends during their coffee-shop chats, and met them less frequently. As Betty felt caught between two persons she cared about and had a good relationship with, she tended to stay out of their arguments. On 5 May 19 afternoon, Mr. Lim met his friends at the coffee shop as he had not seen them for two weeks as the couple had been working late again. Mr. Lim brought Ken along. He felt tired after babysitting Ken the whole day. When Jack found out that Mr. Lim brought Ken along to the coffee shop, he became very angry and yelled at his father-in- law for not being a good grandfather. In return, Mr. Lim called Jack “useless” as he was not able to employ a domestic helper to take care of Ken. For the first time in their relationship, both men shoved each other. They only stopped when Ken cried, being startled by the shouting. Betty pleaded with both of them to stop. Jack regretted the conflict but did not know how to address the matter with his father-in-law. He then decided to seek help at your Centre. On the same day in the afternoon, an elderly man came to the Centre for help, on the advice of his friends. You realized that the elderly man is Mr. Lim, Jack’s father-in-law. Mr. Lim said that he really wanted to support the couple and he loved Ken very much. Hence he had been “keeping quiet” whenever Jack voiced his opinions about bringing Ken to the coffee shop. He had been feeling frustrated for some time, and asked you to talk to Jack to be more reasonable.  Key Assumptions about Family Systems (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013, pp.72-85) 1. A change in one family member affects all of the family members. 2. The family as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. 3. Families try to balance change and stability. Concept of homeostasis. 4. Family members’ behaviours are best explained by circular causality (interaction and communication patterns). 5. A family belongs to a larger social system and encompasses many sub- systems. 6. A family operates according to established rules. 35 Key Strategies in Working with Families (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013) 1. Adhere to culturally sensitive practices. 2. Focus on the family’s needs. 3. Respect clients’ autonomy. 4. Avoid fostering unnecessary dependency. 5. Reassess clients’ resistance. 6. Maintain professional distance and remain emotionally available. 7. Set realistic expectations. 8. Maintain a dual micro-and-macro focus: Ecological intervention. 49 Case Study 1 (from case studies on canvas) Take 5 mins to review the case Let’s tune in to the case and characters first Tuning in to character and issues faced Characters (from their perspective) Jack Betty Mr Lim 57 10 minutes to discuss KA and strategy in your groups Group Discussion Qn Discussion Points Using KA 1 - 1 analyse the family’s needs. 2 KA 2 3 KA 3 4 KA 4 5 KA 5 ALL KA 6 58 Group Discussion Qn Discussion Points 1 Apply strategy 1 and 2 2 Apply strategy 3 and 4 3, 4 Apply strategy 5 and 6 5 Apply strategy 7 and 8 ALL Anticipated Ethical Issues 59 Seminar #2 Theoretical Frameworks/Models and Tools Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Family Development and Life Cycle Family Systems and family disruptions Ecological Perspective (Bronfenbrenner) Strengths Perspective (Saleebey) Genogram, Ecomap, and Timeline Biopsychosocial Approach (can be individual or family level) Refer to the Study Guide, textbook, and additional readings uploaded on CANVAS Discussion on TMA and (if time permits) the DB 60