Mary Adams And Her Family Expanding The Social Support Netwo

Mary Adams And Her Family Expanding The Social Support Networkthe Ada

Mary Adams and her family: Expanding the social support network The Adams family consists of Frank and Mary (the parents) and two teenaged children, Julie and Bill. The family was referred by CPS when Julie ran away from home following an argument with her mother over chores which resulted in a beating from her father. Confrontations over non-compliance with house rules and non-participation in church activity have escalated over the past year. Frank and Mary are heavily involved in their church, which has rules about how members should dress. They attend church meetings four days a week.

Julie and her parents have major conflicts over these rules. While assessing the family’s social support network, you discover it consists almost exclusively of church contacts. Mary’s network consists of five people, including Frank, Julie, Bill, her pastor, and her pastor’s wife. The family has just moved to an apartment. They know no one in the building.

Mary agrees to work with you on expanding her social support network.

Discussion

Brainstorm ways in which you might help Mary expand her social support network.

To support Mary in expanding her social network, several strategies can be considered. First, introducing her to community-based organizations, such as local clubs, hobby groups, or support groups, can provide opportunities to meet diverse individuals outside of the church setting. Participating in neighborhood activities, community centers, or volunteering initiatives can foster new social connections.

Second, facilitating her involvement in educational or skill-building classes—including language courses, parenting workshops, or job training—can not only enhance her personal growth but also lead to new social contacts. Third, encouraging her to initiate casual interactions with neighbors—such as greeting neighbors, attending building events, or joining community safety groups—can gradually build trust and familiarity within her immediate environment.

Fourth, leveraging digital platforms through social media or community forums can help her locate nearby events, activity groups, or support communities based on shared interests or experiences. Fifth, fostering her participation in extracurricular activities for her children can serve as gateways to meet other families, thereby strengthening her social ties.

What skills might you teach her to enable her to expand her network?

Teaching Mary effective communication skills, such as active listening, assertiveness, and open-ended questioning, can empower her to initiate conversations and maintain relationships. Building her confidence in approaching new people through role-playing exercises can reduce social anxiety and prepare her for real-world interactions.

Skills in managing boundaries and understanding cultural or social cues are also vital, especially when engaging with diverse groups. Providing her with problem-solving strategies for resolving conflicts and fostering mutual support can enhance her ability to sustain relationships.

Additionally, teaching her time management skills will help her allocate regular periods for social activities without feeling overwhelmed. Finally, educating her about local resources and support services will enhance her ability to connect others to appropriate assistance, further broadening her network.

What might be an appropriate homework assignment?

An effective homework assignment could involve Mary contacting at least three new community or neighborhood groups, attending one social event, or initiating a friendly conversation with a neighbor. She might also be asked to keep a journal of her social interactions, noting what went well and areas for improvement. Another assignment could include researching local clubs or classes that align with her interests and preparing a plan to participate in at least one of them during the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, she could practice her communication skills by initiating small talk with someone she already knows, such as a neighbor or acquaintance, to build confidence.

What might be a reasonable goal? Which practitioner is best to deal with this case?

A reasonable goal is for Mary to establish at least three new supportive social contacts within three months, fostering her sense of community and reducing her reliance solely on church connections. This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

The most suitable practitioner to handle this case would be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or a community mental health counselor experienced in family dynamics and social support interventions. These professionals are equipped to facilitate relationship-building strategies, provide psychosocial support, and address underlying issues related to family conflict and social isolation.

References

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