Question

At the recommendation of the school counselor a mother request that a social worker treat he ten-year-old son for persistent fighting in school. The mother states that her son is well disciplined in the home and neighborhood. After obtaining a social history from the mother, the social worker should NEXT:

A. obtain a release to talk with the school counselor
B. arrange to meet with the boy
C. obtain school records on the child's social adjustment
D. obtain further information about the son's behavior from the father

Answer 1

The social worker should next obtain a release to talk with the school counselor after gaining insights from the mother. This action is crucial for a fuller understanding of the child's behavior and to maintain a collaborative approach with the school's staff.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the recommendation of the school counselor, a mother requests that a social worker treat her ten-year-old son for persistent fighting in school. The mother asserts that her son is well-behaved at home and in the neighborhood. After obtaining a social history from the mother, the social worker should NEXT obtain a release to talk with the school counselor. This step is vital to gain a comprehensive understanding of the child's behavior in different environments and to collaborate effectively with school authorities who may provide additional insights into the causes of the boy's aggression at school.

It is essential to consider that the factors influencing a child's behavior are multi-faceted and can vary between different settings such as home, school, and community. A complete assessment of the child's social adjustment requires information from multiple sources. Therefore, after speaking with the mother, obtaining permission to discuss the child's circumstances with the school counselor is an appropriate and logical next step that respects confidentiality and professional protocol.