Introduction
There are various risk assessment strategies utilized when it comes to child welfare. Some of the most widespread assessments are Child abuse potential inventory (CAPI), Risk Inventory for Substance Abuse-Affected Families, Structures Decision Making (SDM) Safety Assessment, Child Abuse Potential Inventory, Parenting Stress Index (PSI) (Austin, 2013). Each of these assessments can be applicable in certain cases.
The case in question should be assessed with the help of SDM model as it helps identify possible threats and possible harm that can be caused to children (Fontes, 2012). It is necessary to add that there is no history of drug abuse so there is no need in such assessments as Risk Inventory for Substance Abuse-Affected Families. The CDM model enables social workers to evaluate all aspects of the case and come up with particular steps to protect children.
Child Welfare Practice
After evaluation of the case in question, it is clear that it has to be investigated by the appropriate protective agency. One of the elements that justify this decision is violent behavior of the mother. Mother physically abuses her own mother in front of her children. This can cause a serious psychological trauma. More so, the children already note that their major wish is to stop their grandmother’s beating. It is also possible to add that the mother can become violent with her children as well.
It is also necessary to note that it is clear that grandmother and aunt can provide a better care to children. The protective agency can also make sure that the children will be no longer exposed to any violence involving mother and her paramour.
Another element justifying attention of the protective agency is the lack (or rather absence) of progress in parenting training. Although mother attended training sessions, she achieved no meaningful results, as her pre-test score are not different form the final test of the training course. This fact suggests that mother is unwilling to acquire new skills and knowledge to become a good mother. There are also chances that mother has psychological issues, which also need to be addressed. In any case, the protective agency has to make sure that mother does not harm her children, that she attends additional parenting courses and undergoes certain psychological assessment.
One of the aspects of the case that did not have enough attention is the relationship with the biological father. First, it is not clear whether biological father spends any time with his children. It is also unclear whether he and the children’s mother get on well. It is reported that he attends parenting course and has certain results.
However, the relationships between the father and his children are not described in the case. It is important to know what children’s attitude towards him is. His relationships with the children’s’ grandmother are also obscure but important to be identified. Communication with biological father can be beneficial for children. Nonetheless, it is crucial to obtain all the information mentioned above. The protective agency can ensure that this communication will be truly effective and beneficial for children.
Conclusion
Finally, it is quite unclear whether grandmother can provide sufficient care to children as the house the family lives in is far from being a safe environment for children (with dirt, broken glass and so on). It is reported that the house is not properly handled but it is not clear why it is in such an inappropriate state. One of reasons can be insufficient health conditions of grandmother.
Reference List
Austin, M. J. (2013). Evidence for child welfare practice. New York, NY: Routledge.
Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. (2014). Web.
Fontes, L. A. (2012). Child abuse and culture: Working with diverse families. New York, NY: Guilford Press.