Introduction To Case Study: Erica, Age 30, Has Contacted A

Introduction To Case Studyerica Age 30 Years Has Contacted A Local C

Introduction to Case Study Erica (age 30 years) has contacted a local community centre. Erica says she lives with her partner James (Jim) and two children Jemima (13) and Isaac (4). Jim works full time in the building industry and the family relocated from interstate 8 months ago so he could take up a better paid job on the recommendation of a friend who was already living here. All of their extended family are back in their hometown. A couple of months ago, Jim was charged by the police for driving under the influence of alcohol and now his driver's license has been suspended for 12 months following a court appearance.

Erica said she has found out Jim has been having problems at work. They can't afford for him to lose his job and he has been spending a lot of the family budget going out and drinking with friends on the weekends. Erica has a background working in retail and administration but hasn't been working for some time as she wanted to settle the kids in after the move and now Jemima has just changed schools again and Isaac has started pre-school. She has noticed Jim is often frustrated with the kids and things are tense at home. Erica said she didn't really want to tell anyone about their problems, but she spoke to her neighbor about what has been happening when they noticed she looked down and said they had heard her arguing again with Jim last night. They gave her the name of the Centre and said they had used this service when they needed help and found it useful.

Module 4 (500 words) DUE: Sunday 3rd May 2020 You have now seen Erica on 3 occasions. She tells you her cultural background is Aboriginal. She begins to open up about the problems in her relationship with Jim, and her worries about the impact of this on her children. Erica explains that Jemima is from a previous relationship and that her previous partner was very violent towards her so she left him when Jemima was around 3 years of age and they have not had contact with him at all in the past six years. Erica is worried because she can see signs that Jim is becoming increasingly angry and frustrated with her. Erica describes Jemima as a sensitive child. Erica also tells you that Jim is very harsh on Jemima, yelling at her often, sending her to her room and seems to favour Isaac. Erica has spoken to Jim about this, but he responds by telling her she is ‘crazy’ and that Jemima needs to ‘grow up’. Erica tells you that Jemima has recently become very withdrawn.

Respond to the following questions: 1. How could you use attachment theory and trauma-informed practice to understand Jemima's circumstances in this case? 2. Would there be any need for risk assessment in this situation? Why or why not? 3. What specialist skills and knowledge would you need to work directly with Jemima? References must include two academic peer-reviewed sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Erica offers a complex interplay of trauma, attachment issues, and risk factors, requiring a nuanced understanding rooted in attachment theory and trauma-informed practice. Jemima’s circumstances, as described, highlight the potential impact of disrupted attachments and ongoing trauma, especially considering her mother's history and her father’s recent behavioral issues. Applying attachment theory helps us comprehend Jemima’s vulnerability and behavioral responses, while trauma-informed approaches prioritize her safety, stability, and emotional health.

Applying Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Practice

Attachment theory, initially developed by Bowlby (1969), underscores the importance of early relationships in shaping a child's emotional development and sense of security. Jemima, as a sensitive child, is likely to be highly affected by inconsistent caregiver responses and exposure to familial stressors. The evidence suggests Jemima may have experienced insecure attachment due to her mother’s previous abusive relationship and current family dynamics marked by tension, disciplinary harshness, and parental conflict. Such insecure attachments can manifest as withdrawal, anxiety, or behavioral issues, as Jemima exhibits through her recent withdrawal and sensitivity.

Trauma-informed practice emphasizes understanding a child’s behavior within the context of their traumatic experiences, recognizing that behaviors are often survival responses rather than misbehavior. Jemima’s withdrawal and her father’s aggressive and favoring attitude could be indicative of traumatic stress, by extension affecting her sense of safety and belonging. Trauma-informed approaches advocate for creating safe spaces, fostering trust, and understanding behaviors as manifestations of trauma (Harris & Fallot, 2001). This perspective guides practitioners to approach Jemima with sensitivity, avoiding re-traumatization at all costs.

Need for Risk Assessment

Given the present circumstances, a comprehensive risk assessment is crucial. The family context involves domestic violence, potential child abuse, parental substance misuse, and neglect, all of which elevate risks for Jemima’s physical and emotional safety (MacMillan et al., 2009). The concerning behaviors—Jim’s aggression, favoritism, and the environment of tension—pose ongoing risks for emotional harm and potential physical abuse. Additionally, Erica’s reluctance to seek help initially might hinder early intervention and increase the risk of escalation. Therefore, immediate and continuous risk assessments are necessary to determine the safety and wellbeing of Jemima and Isaac, informing targeted intervention strategies.

Skills and Knowledge Required to Work with Jemima

Working effectively with Jemima necessitates specialized skills including trauma-informed care, attachment-focused therapy, and cultural competence. Practitioners must understand the impact of trauma on child development and employ therapeutic techniques such as sensory modulation, emotional regulation strategies, and secure attachment-building exercises (Crittenden, 2016). Cultural competence is essential for respecting Jemima’s Aboriginal identity, incorporating her cultural background into assessment and intervention, and engaging family and community resources in a respectful manner (Dudgeon & Walker, 2015). Additionally, skills in child-centered counseling, behavioral support, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are vital for holistic care.

Conclusion

In summary, Jemima’s situation illustrates the importance of applying attachment theory and trauma-informed principles to understand her behavioral and emotional state. A thorough risk assessment is essential to ensure her safety, and working with her requires specific skills that acknowledge her trauma history and cultural background. This integrated approach can facilitate healing, stability, and resilience in Jemima and her family.

References

• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.
• Crittenden, P. M. (2016). Raising Parents: Attachment, Trauma and Resilience. Elsevier Science.
• Dudgeon, P., & Walker, R. (2015). Decolonising Australian Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 49(11), 951–953.
• Harris, M., & Fallot, R. D. (2001). Envisioning a Trauma-Informed Service System: A Vital Paradigm Shift. In H. Harris & R. D. Fallot (Eds.), Using Trauma Theory to Design Service Systems (pp. 1–22). Jossey-Bass.
• MacMillan, H. L., et al. (2009). Screening for Violence Against Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Medical Association, 302(5), 572–582.