Problem
Case Study:
The Smith Family Jasmine, a social worker in Support-U, a non-profit child and family support welfare service, was assigned to work with The Smith Family. Jane and Alan Smith were refereed to Support-U by the state child protection authority.
The referral stated that the child protection service investigated a concern where George, aged 13, the eldest of four children, had presented at school with bruising across his back and buttocks from being hit with a belt by his stepfather, Alan. Alan is the biological father of the younger two children. The four children have missed 40% of school days so far in the current school term. Alan has been unemployed for 3 years since the factory where he worked had closed down. Jane has a casual job as a night cleaner in an office complex, but the company has not offered her many shifts lately. The child protection referral states the non- attendance at school was due to Jane being inebriated and unable to take the children to school.
Child protection services were satisfied that George is not currently at risk because Alan agreed to stop using physical discipline, but both Jane and Alan are required to meet with a social worker at Support-U to discuss non-physical discipline strategies and for Jane to undergo counseling for alcohol abuse.
Jasmine had several appointments with Jane who told her that the father of her two oldest children was violent towards her. Today, unexpectedly, Jane brought George in with her to see the social worker. Jane is worried about George's verbal and physical aggression towards his stepfather. Jane says that she hopes the social worker can talk some sense into George as she cannot afford any more trouble at home or with child protection services. Jane stands up to leave the room. George remains seated, with his head held down.
Reflect on the case study of the Smith Family using the following sociocultural theories: Conflict theory, critical theory, functionalist theory, the interactionist theories, and feminist theory.
Choose two theories from the list above to help you explain, predict, and respond to the issues presented in the Smith Family.