Therapy for neglected siblings
CASE NOTES: Practitioner: Jamie Bromfield, Caldecott Foundation Field: Residential child care Location : Ashford, Kent Clients: George, a 6-year-old boy and his sister Samantha, 5, were subject to a Care Order having experienced chronic neglect and abuse. Case History As looked after children, George and Samantha were placed with foster families together. George has assumed an 'adult' persona caring for his sister, but this has resulted in confrontation with foster carers and placements breaking down. Dilemma Whether to continue placing the children together in the hope George's behaviour improves, put the
09 January 2009
Risk Factor: Is therapy needed for a boy to live in foster care?
Therapy is being considered for a boy of 12 who has been neglected and abused in foster care but still wants to live with his foster mother. Mark Drinkwater reports
17 August 2011
Will early discharge hinder long-term recovery?
Psychiatric hospitals are undoubtedly beneficial for the mental health of the majority of patients. But for some patients, these often stressful environments can be far from therapeutic, writes Mark Drinkwater.
12 May 2011
Risk Factor: A volunteer engages with a single mother
A volunteer in Southend achieves a good outcome with a young mother with learning disabilities who rejects involvement with statutory services
30 March 2011
Risk Factor: A learning disabled adult who cannot live with others
Finding suitable supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities can be difficult, writes Mark Drinkwater. The task is even more of a challenge when an individual has problems living with other service users when options in community settings are few.
17 March 2011
Risk Factor: should the grandparents look after the children?
A social worker describes a case in which a difficult decision must be reached over whether two children are looked after by their grandparents
28 January 2011
Risk Factor: a case involving palliative care
A hospice social worker discusses a case in which a man with only a few weeks to live is unaware of his diagnosis
05 January 2011
Risk factor: A delicate investigation of online child sexual abuse
Katie Walker, a child protection adviser with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), received a disturbing referral from a website moderator who identified indecent images on the social networking profile of a young boy, writes Mark Drinkwater.
27 October 2010
Man with schizophrenia decides not to take his medication: how should social workers respond?
A social worker and approved mental health professional discuss a real case in which a man with longstanding mental health problems decides to live without his medication
15 October 2010
Risk Factor: Dealing with an aggressive teenager in care
Social worker Declan Henry (pictured) discusses with Mark Drinkwater how he dealt with a girl of 14 who had a history of violence in residential care
10 September 2010
Risk factor: Helping a man with hidden brain injuries to settle in accommodation
Hidden head injuries are challenging for professionals because, while the individual may appear well, they often have residual cognitive problems affecting their memory, emotions or behaviour, writes Mark Drinkwater.
20 August 2010
How assertive outreach stopped antisocial behaviour
n recent years, advances in community care have meant that people with severe mental health problems can live in their own homes, writes Mark Drinkwater....
19 February 2009
Risk Factor: therapeutic placement for a child in care
Bill's foster placement was at breaking point and needed additional expert help, writes Mark Drinkwater
04 March 2009
Side by Side project helps people with dementia live longer at home in Worcestershire
The Risk Factor: a social care professional explains a difficult case with a satisfactory outcome. This case study involves an elderly woman with dementia. The independent comment is by Mark Sloman CASE NOTES Practitioner: David Palfreyman is a social worker for Worcestershire Council. Field: Older adult mental health. Location: Worcestershire. Client: Sheila*, an 87-year-old woman with dementia whose husband, her sole carer, has recently died. Case History: Sheila has become unable to look after herself. She was experiencing delusions and was often disoriented and confused. Dilemma: Sheila's dementia and forgetfulness increases the risk that she could come to harm. Despite this, she is keen to retain her independence and wishes to remain in her own home. Risk factor : Al
16 April 2009
Risk Factor: Persuading a first-time young offender to say sorry to his victim
Case notes PRACTITIONER : Pete Wallis is a senior practitioner with Oxfordshire Youth Offending Service FIELD : Young Offenders LOCATION Oxfordshire CLIENT: Adam*, 17, is a first-time offender Adam had been drinking with friends when he assaulted another boy. Adam is now on a Referral Order after pleading guilty at this first-time appearance in court. The victim is clear that he wants a meeting with Adam as part of the restorative process. Adam feels he has been punished enough already and is reluctant to face his victim. However, the victim has the right to attend Adam's panel meeting. risk factor There are risks involved if Adam meets his victim. If the encounter goes badly, one or both boys may feel the session has done more harm than good. outcome With careful management, all participants were fully prepare
01 May 2009
Risk Factor: rehabilitating a brain-injured woman
Weighing up the risks ● Desire to give up alcohol Joan is physically able and says she does not want to drink alcohol again. ●...
06 June 2009
Risk Factor: A teenage girl who self-harms
Weighing up the risks ● Forest placement offered a calm space Renata arrived in a state of crisis. She needed a service that met her needs...
19 June 2009
Risk Factor: Helping a carer with more home support
The importance of safeguarding vulnerable service users has, quite rightly, been highlighted in recent years. But sometimes it is carers who find themselves...
03 August 2009
Risk Factor: using animals to help a young person with challenging behaviour
Young offender case study and risks
19 August 2009
The Risk Factor: Young offender disowned by mother
Weighing up the risks ● Multi-agency approach allows expert input There is always a risk of Kyle re-offending, but with several sources...
16 October 2009
