According to the Planned Change Process, the first step is recognizing that change is necessary. Carlos Ramirez, a social worker at a high school in a midwestern state, should work with four teenagers who were suspended for two weeks for drinking alcoholic beverages at school. He realizes that appropriate actions and responsive measures should be developed and implemented as alcohol consumption among adolescents has already become a serious and common issue that should be addressed (CDC, 2020). The major goal of implemented changes is to reduce drinking in schools. Carlos Ramirez decided to be a change agent. In other words, he will take a responsibility for improvement from his side as even the smallest positive changes may contribute to the whole situation.
After a thorough examination of the four teenagers’ backgrounds and atmosphere in the school on the basis of interaction between classmates, Mr. Ramirez concluded that young people have a lack of interests and certain problems related to family relations. In addition, alcohol consumption was common in the families of two students from those four who were suspended. As a result, a social worker decided to organize scheduled meetings that will be divided into three types – meetings with parents, individual meetings, and meetings with whole classes. The main purpose of these meetings will be to provide psychological support to students, explain to them and their parents the negative impact of alcohol consumption, and provide essential tips for parents concerning how to talk about alcohol with their children. In addition, Mr. Ramirez hopes that during these meetings when adolescents are sincere and open with him, he will help students understand what interests they have, including sports activities, hobbies, and part-time jobs.
Reference
CDC. (2020). Underage drinking. Web.