This discussion relates to this week’s learning objective: Deconstruct the features of poverty, Analyze social justice, and Evaluate the social construction of identity and cultural competence.

The purpose of this discussion is for you to assess the intersection of how your client’s culture, civil rights, Socioeconomic Status influence their case. Additionally, you will learn how to reflect on your own values, opinions, and perspectives and how it can impact their client’s case. You will do this by reading the case study and providing a thoughtful response that includes critical thinking. You will be expected to apply course concepts to your client’s case

First, read the Harjo Case Study. Also read through the supplemental information on the city of Globe.

You need to address the following questions in your response:

1- Discuss one aspect of your client’s culture that you think has had an impact on your case. What made you select this particular aspect? How is this a strength for the client?
2- Do you think that poverty is a presenting concern for your client? What makes you think this?
3- In what ways would a social worker be able to advocate for your client’s civil rights/social justice? How would that help your client?
4- What is one question that you have about your case study/client and its relation to this week’s module material?
5- What similarities and differences do you see between yourself and the case study client? Why might it be important to be aware of our similarities and differences in social work? How does your own life experience shape your opinion about this case?

ANSWER

Mrs.  Harjo and Tony Case Study

Mrs. Harjo and Tony Case Study

1. An aspect of the client’s culture that has had an impact on your case

A significant cultural aspect faced by the client is the issue of crime, which is associated with several immigrant families. As a result, the children tend to live in the agony of losing either one or both parents. In most cases, men are involved in crime. Living with a single parent, as a result, affects the performance, physical and mental health of the children. This is hence a significant aspect that will help the client in dealing with the issue of having a guardian who will take care of him. Since the mother of the client passed on, and the father is in jail, there will hence be a need for a guardian to take care of his wellbeing.

2. Do you think that poverty is a presenting concern for your client? 

Evidently, poverty is a major concern for the client. From the case, it is apparent that Mrs. Harjo, who wants to be the guardian, does not have much but rather depends on subsists on Supplemental Security Income, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps), and her garden. Tony is also not able to receive the best medication, where he is yet to visit a dentist, meaning that he is unable to afford quality health care. Therefore, this means that one of the most significant challenges faced by Both Tony and Mrs. Harjo is poverty.

3. Ways a social worker would be able to advocate for the client’s civil rights/social justice

The social worker will be very vital in helping this case. First, he/she will undertake an analysis of the living condition of Tony, and understand why he needs a guardian to in the current times (Chan & Holosko, 2016). The social worker will also investigate on the state of Tony’s parents, where he/she will establish that the mother passed on, and the father is in jail, hence meaning that Tony will require to have a guardian. The social worker will also assist in scrutinizing Mrs. Harjo, in ascertaining whether she is the right person to be Tony’s guardian (Horgan & Ní Raghallaigh, 2019). She/he will eventually become a witness at the court and also at the school, where then Mrs. Harjo will be permitted to be the rightful guardian to the kid.

4. What is one question that you have about your case study/client and its relation to this week’s module material?

One key question about the case study that would be very helpful, entails getting c to know about the attitude and the perception of Tony towards Mrs. Harjo concerning her role as a guardian. There is a need to establish their relationship to understand whether they will be compatible in the future. Understanding the relationship will also greatly help the social worker to be more thorough in advocating for permission for Mrs. Harjo to be Tony’s right guardian.

5. Similarities and differences between myself and the case study client and how my life experience shape your opinion about this case

There are several similarities between the client in the case study and me. A significant similarity is on the issue of being from a minority community in the country. Most of the times, minority communities have major challenges related to social wellbeing, equality, discrimination, and health and mental problems. The social workers are hence crucial in such scenarios since they offer the much-needed help in helping curb some of these challenges amongst families. This is hence a significant case, which ought to be undertaken very seriously since it concerns the wellbeing of a young person. Tony, clearly requires to have someone to guide him in these difficult circumstances, given that both his parents are not available at the moment.

References

Chan, C., & Holosko, M. J. (2016). A review of information and communication technology enhanced social work interventions. Research on Social Work Practice, 26(1), 88-100.

Horgan, D., & Ní Raghallaigh, M. (2019). The social care needs of unaccompanied minors: the Irish experience. . European Journal of Social Work, 22(1), 95-106.