Problem
Case Scenario
1. During an interview, Andrew acknowledges that his grief and anger have contributed to the current family crisis.
2. Andy states, during a discussion with the worker, that he "blames himself for Joy's bruises". After exploring Andy's statements, the worker learns that Andy told his father that Joy was always on the phone and never did the dishes prior to Andrew injuring Joy.
3. Mrs. Dees is opposed to the children returning home with Andrew.
Teaching Tools
1. Based on Case Scenario A, the worker understands that recognition of the need to change is the first step of change, how would the worker assist Andrew in utilizing his strengths to stabilize the family?
2. Based on Case Scenario B, write examples of strengths based reframes of Andy's self-blame. Share and discuss as a group.
3. Based on Case Scenario C, using a strengths based perspective, list, as a class, ways in which the worker can involve the grandmother in supporting Andy, Joy and Andrew.
Presenting Situation
Maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dees, called DCF on a Friday at 5:00 p.m. to request an investigation of her son-in-law's home. Mrs. Dees believes her granddaughter and grandson are being abused by their father. Grandson, Andy, is 17 and grand-daughter, Joy, is 14. Their mother (her daughter) is deceased.
Mrs. Dees reported her grandchildren spend one weekend a month in her home. They are currently with her, and she saw bruises on Joy's arms and legs. She is also concerned that Andy has bruises; however, he is wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants and will not allow her to look. Joy and Andy will not discuss what caused the bruises. Andy said his father did get upset with him and with Joy but would not say anything further.
Mrs. Dees did not want to send the children back home on Sunday afternoon. She said her son-in-law had developed a serious temper, and she is afraid he has begun to abuse the children. She said since her daughter died earlier this year, Andrew has become increasingly angry and verbally abusive toward the children even in her presence. She has not seen him hit the children, but she has heard him yelling at them.
After discussing the call with the supervisor, the on-call worker made a visit to Mrs. Dees' home. She met with Mrs. Dees, Andy and Joy. Joy was crying and refused to speak. Andy would only say his father's temper has gotten worse since Dora's death.
The worker observed several marks on Joy's arms and legs: two round shaped marks about 1 ½ inch in diameter on either side of her left upper arm and three marks on the back of her right calf, each about two inches in length and ½ inch in width. The worker said "You have several bruises, Joy. Can you tell me how you got them?" Joy cried harder and did not respond. The worker said, "Sometimes I talk with teenagers who are unsure about whether to talk to me.
They want their family to get help but they don't want anyone to get in trouble." Joy continued to bow her head and cry. Andy said "Look, just please stop asking questions; we can handle it and you're just going to make things worse." The worker explained that she and other social workers have been able to help other families before. She explained that she knew the children's mother has passed and expressed condolences. She said, "Sometimes when families are grieving, people need extra help. Maybe that is so for your family?" The children did not comment. Mrs. Dees tried to get her grandchildren to discuss their home life but they continued to remain silent. Andy refused to show the worker his arms or legs. The on-call worker spoke with her supervisor and concluded the children needed to stay with Mrs. Dees until the father could be interviewed. The on-call worker instructed Mrs. Dees to contact her immediately if Andrew called or came to pick up the children. Mrs. Dees stated she does not hear from Andrew when she has the children, and he does not respond when she calls. Mrs. Dees made a point to tell the worker she wants the children to be with their father but only if the children are treated well and remain safe.
After leaving Mrs. Dees, the on-call worker tried calling the father at his home but received no answer. The on-call worker called Andrew's cell phone number provided by Mrs. Dees. There was no answer, and the worker left multiple messages on the voice mail. The worker continued to attempt contact with Andrew over the weekend.
Current Situation
On Sunday morning, the on-call worker received a frantic call from Andrew. Dora wanted to know why the worker was calling and asking if Andy and Joy were safe. The worker explained the children were safe and with Mrs. Dees. The worker further explained that a report was made alleging abuse of Andy and Joy. She stated that she had seen the children and need to talk with him about them. Andrew became angry and stated he could not "handle the children" since his wife's death. He stated they were "ungrateful" and could just stay with his mother-in-law "forever". The worker explained that someone needed to speak with Andrew as soon as possible. Andrew stated we would be available after work on Monday and did not want the children at home. The worker asked if Mrs. Dees agreed could the children stay there. Andrew agreed stating, "She can have them." The worker told Andrew someone would be in touch with him Monday afternoon. The worker contacted Mrs. Dees, and she agreed to keep the children as long as necessary.
Background Summary
Andrew grew up in a middle-class home with both his parents and two older brothers. His father was a funeral home director and his mother taught school. Andrew was a good student but preferred the band to athletics. His father and brothers were great athletes and often teased Andrew about his lack of athletic skills. His mother was his greatest supporter and encouraged his music interest.
Andrew worked his way through college and received a lot of help from his mother but minimal support from his father. After college he returned home with a degree in Business Administration but refused to go into the funeral home business with his father and brothers. He got a job at a local bank as a teller and has worked his way up to chief loan officer.
Andrew's deceased wife, Dora, was an only child whose father worked on a train. He died in a train accident when she was four years old. She was raised in a middle-class home by her school teacher mother who never remarried. Dora was an excellent student in high school and college. She majored in social work and worked as a social worker until her health caused her to retire on disability.
Andrew and Dora started dating in the 10th grade and became inseparable. They were both in the band, had a large group of friends and were both very outgoing and charismatic. Andrew felt he could tell Dora his inner feelings and thoughts. After high school, they went to the same college and had a very lavish wedding a year after they graduated. Andy was born two years later. Joy was born just after Andy's third birthday.
Dora was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer two years ago. Andrew became increasingly angry and withdrawn as Dora's illness progressed. He made sure she had excellent health care and spent a lot of time at her bedside. He resented Mrs. Dees' over protective attitude toward Dora and felt Mrs. Dees did not trust him to take good care of Dora. Andrew reluctantly allowed Mrs. Dees to assist with his wife's care because he knew how close they had always been. Even after their marriage, Mrs. Dees and Dora did their grocery shopping together and participated in many church activities together.
Dora had been the primary disciplinarian and did not believe in physical punishment. She spent a lot of time with her children, attending their many activities. Andy was a natural athlete like his grandfather and uncles. Joy took piano lessons and dance. Both children sang in the church choir. The children attended church with their mother. Andrew continued to belong to the church he grew up in but seldom attended.
Andrew admits when Dora died his anger and withdrawn behavior grew worse. He says he lost the one person who was "always on his side". He says the children talk back to him and do not obey. He does not feel he knows them because he has spent so much time working. He further feels they do not appreciate him or understand how much he misses their mother.
Andrew admits both his mother and Mrs. Dees have been trying to talk to him about the children's needs but he just cannot seem to think about them right now. He states his work is the only thing he can manage at this point. He states, "It is all I can do to maintain my performance at work. I need Andy and Joy to just do what I say and not talk back."