A paper which analyses a social work case study with particular reference to mental health and child protection legislation. Bibliography lists 9 sources
Name of Research Paper File: JL5_JLcasestu.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
There are a number of issues which are raised by this case study, which illustrate amongst other things the need for integrated health and social care policies, and the
necessity for taking a holistic rather than a separatist approach to such cases. It is evident, for instance, that Lisas difficulties cannot be attributed to a single cause, but are
the result of a combination of factors to do with her socio-economic environment and her mental health. In addition, those responsible for dealing with her case are obliged to regard
her sons well-being as a priority, but at the same time need to avoid separating families wherever possible, current policy being to work on stabilising and maintaining the family unit
rather than dividing it. There are also the pragmatic elements of allocation of resources to be taken into account - if there are not sufficient social workers in a particular
area to deal effectively with a high volume of clients, for instance, then it is clear that at least some are in danger of "slipping through the net".
It is therefore necessary to consider not only the various statutory provisions
which are applicable to Lisas case, but also the ways in which they can best be enacted, given these constraints. One of the most important elements of the Community Care
Act 1990 is that it moves away from the earlier model of primarily residential care, and towards a greater degree of client autonomy. Local authorities are responsible for coordinating care
packages, which might include home helps or day care facilities for those with dependants. Assessments are conducted by professionals (in Lisas case, the health visitor and GP) and the local