The of Claireece Precious Jones - Case Study Example

The case of Claireece Precious Jones As part of the multidisciplinary team, working as the social worker, the following facts have been gathered to assist in providing an appropriate response to the case of Claireece "Precious" Jones. The case study would be structured as follows: (1) a presentation of the chronology of abuse sustained by Precious; (2) an identification of formal and informal supports; (3) an identification of “red flags” or maltreatment indicators of Precious’ abuse; as well as any concerns with Precious’ home or school life; and (4) an identification of at least three strengths observed in Precious and her family. As the social worker, one would document the manner by which a response has been applied in Precious’ case through interview questions and intervention that occurred. Likewise, the services rendered and one’s recommendation for services would be expounded. Finally, one would note what would have been done differently from the perspective of a social worker and the lessons learned from the case study would be presented. Chronology of Abuse After viewing the film, the following types of abuses or trauma were observed to be sustained by Precious, in chronological order: Physical Abuse: The mother was noted to have inflicted physical injury to Precious through throwing a frying which hit her on her head. Sexual Abuse: Precious’ father sexually abuses her which had already previously resulted in her giving birth to a daughter with Down syndrome. At the scene, she was found to be pregnant again at 16 years of age. Verbal Abuse: Precious’ mother, Mary, was observed to have bombarded her constantly with verbal abuse for having allegedly stolen her man (Precious’ father who sexually abuses her) and for being fat and dumb. Her constantly berating Precious undermines her capability to assert her identity as a person, as well as a productive student. Formal and Informal supports: The formal supports for Precious were the social worker from social welfare, Ms. Weiss; the teacher from alternative school, Mr. Blue Rain; the nursing aide, John, who took care of her medical needs, especially her nutritional needs during her stay at the hospital; and the halfway house where she and her son (Abdul) stayed after she run away from her mother. The informal supports were her classmates at the alternative school, who eventually provided her with emotional and psychological support (especially with their presence when she gave birth to her second child, a son); and her grandmother, who took custody of her eldest daughter. Red Flags, concerns of Home life and school behavior: The red flags or maltreatment indicators are as follows: (1) her being silent and decision not to talk in her classes; (2) her being submissive; (3) her behavior of striking or hitting; (4) bruises and obesity; and (5) being pregnant twice. As evident from the film, there were concerns at home involving having to endure the verbal and physical abuse of her mother and still stay to claim support from social welfare. As such, she had to do what her mother demands even to the point of lying that they support her eldest daughter just to claim financial support. In addition, she had to ignore bullying remarks at school, or from the local community (teen-aged boys harassing her). Strengths and Interests: The three (3) strengths identified in Precious are as follows: (1) her assuming a courageous and optimistic stance to carry on despite all the abuses that she sustains; (2) her skills in mathematics, as well as her commitment to continue her studies; and (3) having her grandmother to take care and custody of her eldest daughter. Abuse or Trauma Experienced: Aggressive and or violent behavior: Precious exhibited tendencies to strike or hit other people (as shown where she hit her classmate in school, the girl in her residential building, and the classmate who called her fat). Drug and/ or Alcohol Use: There was no evidence of drug or alcohol use. Physical and/or Sexual Abuse: There were evidences of physical abuse from her mother and sexual abuse from her father. Involved in or witness violence or life threatening situation: She fell down the stairs while carrying her newborn son while fleeing from her mother. Response of Multidisciplinary Team member Interview Questions, intervention that occurred From the perspective of the social worker, the interview questions focused on trying to determine the status or condition of Precious in their home setting. Ms. Weiss, the social worker for social welfare initially asked about relationships with parents, and had to pry when Precious had slipped the information regarding having her firstborn fathered by her own father. Eventually, when Precious already severed relationship with her mother and her mother was the one calling Ms. Weiss with the aim of being reunited with Precious and her grandchildren, the issues surrounding physical and sexual abuse were explored. Prying was necessary to enable the social worker to determine that most appropriate course of action or intervention to assist Precious and her children. Services Rendered and your recommendation for services The services available for Precious were the alternative education classes and the social welfare funds to support living expenses. There are three (3) services that Precious could avail, as follows: (1) HIV sensitising services or other health programs (including obesity programs); (2) job placement for single mothers; and (3) child support programs. Done differently: Lessons learned If one were the social worker, the things that would have done differently are as follows: (1) As soon as there were insinuations or red flags noted of abuse being inflicted and sustained, one should have verified the condition by making surprise visits at home or by interviewing Precious’ teachers at her traditional school. This would have prevented continued verbal, physical and sexual abuse from her parents. (2) The abuses sustained by Precious should have immediately been addressed through counselling and appropriate directional guidance to community programs: education, employment, and even spiritual guidance. (3) Precious’ mother should have been interviewed and cross examined earlier to initiate the urgent intervention of taking away Precious from her violent abusive behavior. From Precious’ case, the lessons learned were diverse. As the social worker, one had to be more vigilant on the red flags or evidences of maltreatment. Urgent and immediate interventions could have saved Precious from sustaining repeated violence and abuse which resulted to having being impregnated by her own father twice. In addition, other support systems or support programs could be recommended to support Precious’ needs: address her obesity through health education programs; develop knowledge and cognitive abilities (mathematics, reading and writing); recommend part-time employment; and place the two children under child development programs. In addition to addressing their physical, intellectual, and emotional needs, Precious’ spiritual needs could also be addressed. One must recognize that a holistic support on Precious’ well-being is needed to ensure that she would become a productive and responsible citizen and mother to the two children. Reference Daniels, L. (Director). (2009). Precious [Film]. USA: Lee Daniels Entertainment. Read More