Intergenerational Trauma Case Study

Social work practice in Canada is guided by the Canadian Association of Social Workers ' (CASW) Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics contains six core values and principles: respect for the inherent dignity and worth of persons, pursuit of social justice, service to humanity, integrity of professional practice, confidentiality, and competence (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW], 2005). Social workers who utilize both narrative and solution-focused therapies should fully understand the strengths and limitations of these theories in their professional practice using CASW guidelines. Additionally, social workers should examine if these single approaches are sufficiently comprehensive to address all of a client 's problems, or if a more flexible, adaptable approach of eclecticism is more suited (Coady & Lehmann, 2008).

“It is estimated that there are three times the number of First Nations children in foster care today than there were at the height of the residential schools” (Blackstock, 2011, p.2). Indigenous children today are mainly overrepresented in the case of neglect which is driven by poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse; often due to unaddressed trauma. When dealing with the Indigenous population this relates to the intergenerational trauma caused by colonialism. Although there is more awareness in BC around the negative impacts of colonialism there still lacks a solution for the CFCSA to provide adequate services to Indigenous children that would address the overrepresentation.

Social workers must strive “for a full understanding of the complex interactions between the client and all levels of the social and physical system as well as meaning that the client assigns to each of these interactions” (Andreae, 1996, p. 605).

Government policies authorising the removal of Aboriginal children have caused extensive and unrepairable damage to every aspect of Indigenous culture. It could be argued that the emotional turmoil which occurred as a result of this policy, is greater than any physical abused ever faced by the Australian Aboriginal people. The act of child removal would be a scarring experience for parents and children of any race or culture. This policy had a particularly damaging impact on the Indigenous people as their identity is based within a set of strong traditional guides and teachings. These lessons are not recorded, but can only be taught through speaking with elders and learning through a connection to others within the mob, connection to art forms

The CFCSA states in part 1, section 4, that “if a child is an aboriginal child, the importance of preserving the child’s cultural identity must be considered in determining the child’s best interest” (1996). In both cases, both youth had family members within their Indigenous culture that were willing to take them but due to unrelated circumstances these requests were not taken into consideration. The overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care is demonstrated here, where child protection workers are not equipped with the training or resources to adequately identify and address risk when dealing with Indigenous children. This is one of the recommendations within the TRC where “ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child

This essay will identify key issues facing the client system and will demonstrate an intervention plan. Followed by defining the purpose of social work and the identification of the AASW Code of Ethics, in regards to the case study. Lastly, key bodies of knowledge will be identified and applied to the case study.

Empowerment and a strengths perspective which support the development of innate abilities and recognize differences in a positive manner are also helping social workers increase the individual client’s capacity to learn to use his or her own systems constructively

Many Aboriginals adults after residential schools lack adequate parenting skills and, having only experienced abuse, in turn, abuse their children and family members. Saul’s parents were unable to give proper care for their kids. They drank countlessly and were completely traumatized because of their past experience. A high incidence of domestic violence among aboriginal families results in many broken homes, this causing dysfunction throughout generations. This presents us on how Saul is as vulnerable to this as other survivors were too.

Intergenerational trauma, or historical trauma, is “the cumulative psychological damage that specific groups of people suffer throughout multiple generations” (Hanser & Gomila, 2015). African Americans, as well as Native Americans, are one of the groups said to suffer from the most historical trauma in the United States, most of it stemming from centuries of slavery and subjugation. This paper seeks to show how slavery has continued to affect black people in the United States, starting with slavery and ending with the present. This paper will look at issues that seem to plague the black community in particular, including higher rates of both incarceration and poverty, as well as continued stereotypical and racial profiling, in an attempt

Aboriginal child welfare agencies are required to follow provincial and territorial legislations to accommodate differing circumstances across the country and to share information on local problems and solutions. Often times, child welfare agencies across Canada do not follow a single definition of “child maltreatment” that would result in a child being removed from home. Thus, each province is responsible for their individual governing practices, policies and structures. The overarching goal is to provide culturally appropriate services for their populations which involve different systemic responses and varied service delivery models that attempt to better provide for the needs of Aboriginal children and their families.

Both clinical social workers and caseworkers use this model to aid their clients. This model is often used, since it focuses on the boundaries of the systems as it seeks to focus on each individual client (Schatz, Jenkins, & Sheafor, 1990). Beginning in the 1960s, the generalist perspective was created from the Milford conference, which stated that a generic approach to social work was necessary (Schatz et al., 1990). The generalist perspective continued to develop throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and it quickly became the base for all social work (Schatz et al., 1990). What occurred with the foundation of the generalist perspective was the interlacing of casework, group work, and community organization with the emphasis on understanding the interaction between individuals and their unique environments (Miller, Tice, & Hall, 2008). With the emmeshing of these crucial concepts, the generalist perspective uses the person-in-environment perspective as its foundation and attempts to include policy, practice, and research (Miller et al., 2008). Moreover, with the combination of these levels and perspectives, the generalist perspective seeks to

Problem solving approach is a traditional and foundational aspect of general Social Work practice. It is based on identifying a problem or set of problems facing a client and formulating a framework of possible options with the hope of fixing the problem or improving the situation. Although, the worker may guide the client and inform them of the possibilities and options available, the client is still solely responsible for their own choices and actions. The formal application of this principle is the definition, assessment, setting of goals, intervention and resolution.

Family members of traumatized individuals respond to them in various ways. In some families, trauma survivors are blamed for the dysfunction or problems in the family, while other families rally around the survivor in order to provide support and protection. In the latter instance, family members may alter their lives in order to accommodate the needs of the trauma survivor. Figley (1995) suggested that caring family members often shoulder the emotional impact of trauma exposure; experiencing the survivor’s feelings of anger, grief, and helplessness. In some families, there may be a dichotomy in the way the trauma survivors are treated; some family members may form an alliance with the trauma survivor while others may create separation from

The author states that the best way to set up an intervention plan for our clients is “to start with the client. Ask the client about what it is that he or she wants to work on” (Ward & Mama, 2006, 131). The author suggests that we may see the obvious things that the client wont and that we should see if it would be an interest for them to work on it as well. (Ward & Mama, 2006, 131) But that we should wait until the end of our meeting after the client has told us what they want to work on. After we have done out intervention plan the author explains that we need to take our plan to our supervisors and explain the client and the presenting issues and goals to them so that they have sense

There is careful consideration to work within the legal definitions and address perspectives that are correct or are misconstrued. There is a correlation and explanation of supply and demand, which lends itself to complexities that challenge core values and recognize the capital cultivating aspect of the trade. Additionally, challenging are fallacies of victims as criminals, this is explored within individual practice and institutional regard in order eradicate misconceptions and advocate for relevant policy (Kotrla, 2010). The article explores the normalization of incorrect perspectives and need of advocacy, education, and research to be the path leading to actualization of social work responsiveness to change. The article identifies how other countries have addressed the needs and offered changes that have proven to be successful. The acute need within our communities is presented in such a manner that offers resolution through identified means and modeling