My last name starts with an: M
Directions
Based on the first letter of your last name, find your assigned child welfare role from the list below. Assume that you are part of a wrap-around services team. For example: If your last name is Ford, your assigned special population would be Addiction Specialist.
- Last name (A–F) = Addiction Specialist
- Last name (G–L) = Child Protection Investigator
- Last name (M–R) = Homelessness Specialist
- Last name (S–Z) = Foster Care Social Worker
This case study will allow you to apply the information that you have learned to a case study. Review the case study, keeping in mind your child welfare role. After reviewing your textbook and resources, answer the case questions in the discussion board.
Case Study Scenario
Marie, a 67-year-old grandmother, is fostering her 14-year-old granddaughter, Audrey. Marie wants to help Audrey and is even thinking about adopting her.
- Marie has just learned that Audrey witnessed her father’s death from a heroin overdose. She has seen her mother overdose several times.
- Because of her parents’ addiction, Audrey and her mother were homeless and were found living under a bridge.
- Audrey’s mother, Elaine, demanded that Audrey panhandle for money, which she used to buy more drugs.
- Elaine is trying to kick her habit and is accepted in a residential facility for long-term addiction treatment, instead of a short-term detox center, in the hopes that she can get Audrey back.
- Audrey also dug through dumpsters to find enough food for herself and her mother. Despite being destitute, Audrey is terrified to leave her mother, for fear she will die as her father did.
- After Elaine’s last overdose, Audrey was removed from her mother’s care and placed with her grandmother, who is estranged from Elaine.
- Audrey is acutely malnourished and thin; while she denies using drugs, there are some apparent tracks on her arms.
- Since moving in with Marie, she has been hoarding food and wants to sleep on the floor instead of the bed. There is also evidence that Audrey has been cutting herself.
Case Questions to answer based upon your role:
- Explain how you will prepare Marie to care for Audrey as a foster parent.
- What should Marie know about the impact of Audrey’s experiences?
- What services or resources will Audrey need?
- Would you advise Marie against adopting Audrey, given that Elaine wants to get clean?
