CNL-545 Child Abuse Assessment Case Study Directions ✓ Solved

CNL-545 Child Abuse Assessment Case Study Directions: Read the

Read the case study of Rachel and answer the questions following the case study. Rachel is a 15-year-old Caucasian female. Rachel is a ward of the state and lives in a group home with 12 other girls. Rachel is in the group home because she has a pattern of arrests and truancy that led her to juvenile detention. After serving a sentence of 6 months in the juvenile detention center, she was remanded to a therapeutic group home for a year.

Rachel sees her mother and father once a week, on family day. Rachel has a history of learning difficulties and her case worker reports that she has been diagnosed with a cognitive disability. The case worker explains that Rachel lacks age-appropriate social cues and struggles to make friends. Rachel was brought into your office by a group home case worker. The case worker explains that she discovered that Rachel has been communicating with an unknown male over a social networking website.

The case worker explains that the material that has been shared is inappropriate and involves a tactic called “sexting.” There is little known about the online contact, for instance, they do not know the individual’s age, name, or true identity.

1. Identify three follow-up questions you have for Rachel.
   1. A.
   2. B.
   3. C.
2. Identify three follow-up questions you have for the case worker.
   1. A.
   2. B.
   3. C.
3. Describe at least three indicators/symptoms you would be assessing for in Rachel’s case.
4. Is Rachel a victim of sexual exploitation? Explain.

Paper For Above Instructions

The case study of Rachel provides a complex scenario that highlights the multifaceted nature of child abuse assessment. As a mental health counselor or child welfare worker, it is critical to understand the details surrounding Rachel’s situation, formulate appropriate follow-up questions, identify key symptoms or indicators, and determine the nature of her experiences, particularly regarding sexual exploitation.

Follow-Up Questions for Rachel

1. Can you tell me more about your relationship with the person you are communicating with online? How did you meet?

2. What type of conversations do you have with this person, and how do they make you feel?

3. Have you ever felt uncomfortable or unsafe during your interactions with this person? Can you describe those feelings?

Follow-Up Questions for the Case Worker

1. Can you provide more details on the type of content that Rachel has been sharing with this unknown male online?

2. What specific behaviors have you observed in Rachel that led you to be concerned about her online interactions?

3. Are there any indications of previous incidents of abuse in Rachel’s history that we should consider while assessing her situation?

Indicators/Symptoms to Assess in Rachel’s Case

In assessing Rachel’s case, it is imperative to look for specific indicators that may signal trauma or emotional distress. Three key indicators to assess include:

• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Watch for any signs of anxiety, depression, or withdrawal that are more pronounced than typical adolescent behavior.
• Social Interactions: Evaluate Rachel’s ability to form and maintain relationships. Given her struggles with social cues, it will be important to see if her online interactions are affecting her in-person relationships.
• Communication Patterns: Assess her verbal and non-verbal communication when discussing her online interactions. Look for signs of fear, confusion, or reluctance to talk about the unknown male.

Is Rachel a Victim of Sexual Exploitation?

Based on the available information, Rachel may indeed be a victim of sexual exploitation. The inappropriate exchanges involving sexting indicate a risk of sexual exploitation, particularly given her age and cognitive disabilities. Exploitation can manifest in various forms, including coercive engagements or manipulation into sharing explicit content. The lack of knowledge regarding the identity of the male adds another layer of risk, suggesting that Rachel may be vulnerable and unable to navigate the complexities of these online interactions safely.

Moreover, Rachel's background— a history of truancy and a cognitive disability— renders her particularly susceptible to manipulation and abuse. Victims of sexual exploitation often come from backgrounds that include neglect or abuse, underscoring the need for thorough assessment and intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rachel's case emphasizes the importance of careful assessment and the necessity of a multidimensional approach to understanding child abuse. By asking insightful follow-up questions, observing indicators of distress, and evaluating the potential for sexual exploitation, professionals can better advocate for the safety and well-being of children like Rachel.

References

• Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Finkelhor, D., & Jones, L. (2006). Children’s Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey. Juvenile Justice Bulletin.
• Levine, M. (2010). The Child Welfare System's Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Child Abuse & Neglect.
• Mitchell, K. J., Finkelhor, D., & Wolak, J. (2007). Online Victimization of Youth: A Report of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
• National Center on Sexual Exploitation. (2019). Understanding Sexual Exploitation: Parents and Guardians Guide.
• O'Leary, P. J., & Krok, K. (2019). The Impact of Substance Use on the Sexual Exploitation of Young Women. Child Abuse & Neglect.
• Radcliffe, P. J., & Pelling, M. (2013). Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
• Scully, C., & Marston, J. (2005). Patterns of Child Sexual Abuse in Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2018). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.
• Wurtele, S. K., & Kenny, M. C. (2010). Reducing Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Parents and Educators. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse.