Decision Cases for Generalist Social Work Practice Thinking Like a Social Worker

by Scales, T. Laine; Wolfer, Terry A.

• ISBN13: 9780534521943
• ISBN10: 0534521940
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-07-18
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

This collection of cases provides social work students with opportunities to practice thinking like social work professionals. These accounts, referred to as decision cases, depict actual situations encountered by BSW-level generalist social workers across a variety of practice settings in their work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities. Sure to stimulate in-depth class discussions, these detailed, open-ended cases urge students to decide on the central problem and recommend a course of action. The resulting case analyses and class discussions help students develop important problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, internalize social work values and ethics, and apply theory to practice. Through the "decision case" approach, students adopt attitudes and skills that are considered essential for effective social work practice, yet difficult to teach in the traditional curriculum. As they discuss their perspectives on these cases, students learn to articulate and defend their positions, to listen more effectively, and to develop skills in, and appreciation for, collaborative problem-solving.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
About the Editors	xv
Case Author Biographies	xvii
PART I ABOUT DECISION CASES	1	(26)
An Introduction to Decision Cases and Case Method Learning	3	(14)
What Is Your Experience with Cases?	4	(1)
Cases in Social Work Education	5	(1)
Distinguishing Decision Cases from Other Types	6	(2)
Outcomes of Decision Case Learning	8	(3)
Case Method Teaching	11	(1)
The Cases	11	(1)
Where these Cases Came from, and How They Were Written	12	(2)
Reading the Cases	14	(1)
References	14	(3)
Tips For Learning From Decision Cases	17	(10)
Reading the Case	17	(1)
Digging into the Case Situation: Develop Your ``Awareness''	18	(1)
Develop Empathic Understanding	19	(1)
Defining or Formulating the Problem	19	(1)
Analysis: Identifying the Key Issues and How They Relate	20	(1)
Prepare to Participate: Take a Stand	21	(1)
Things to Avoid while Preparing	21	(1)
Actively Support Your Conclusions in the Discussion, But Stay Open to Emerging Insights	22	(1)
Listen Carefully	22	(1)
Making Contributions	23	(1)
Things to Avoid in Case Discussions	23	(1)
Trust the Process	24	(1)
Focus on Here-and-Now Process, and Results Will Follow	24	(1)
Maintain Perspective	25	(1)
Finally, Focus on Long-Term Outcomes	25	(1)
References	25	(2)
PART II CASES	27
Case 1 Threat to Society?	29	(10)
Case 2 Twice a Victim . . . In English, Please	39	(8)
Case 3 I Can't Find Her!	47	(8)
Case 4 I Need to Advocate For My Client!	55	(12)
Case 5 Carla Fights the System	67	(8)
Case 6 This Could Get Messy	75	(8)
Case 7 In Need of Support	83	(12)
Case 8 The Discharge Dilemma	95	(10)
Case 9 The Ridge	105	(8)
Case 10 If Only . . . !	113	(10)
Case 11 Finding Our Way	123	(14)
Case 12 In Her Best Interest	137