Sexual abuse is not uncommon daily; someone is assaulted either by a stranger or someone they know. In Brandon’s case, the 12-year-old white male was sexually assaulted by his biological father from 4 to 6. When he garnered the courage and shared with his mother, who reported the case to higher authorities. The situation is unimaginably complex because the abuser is the biological father. As a social worker, the task of reporting a parent who is abusing their child can be daunting as it is not based on mere reporting so that the abuse can take responsibility (Plummer, Makris & Brocken, 2014). Instead, it is inclusive of prioritizing the child and protecting them from further damage and harm. The social worker in Brandon’s case has the responsibility to deal with the child abuse issue, considering the welfare of the abuser, the victim, family, and community.
Critical Analysis of the Ecological Model
The social worker might have used the ecological model to comprehend Brandon’s case as it focuses on the interactions between the individual and the environment. Furthermore, Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman & Hessenauer (2019) define the ecological model as one that centers on interactions between a person and the environment. Therefore, the interactions between Brandon and his surroundings could have provided great insights into the case. Through the model, the social worker is able to comprehend how the client interacts with his surroundings.
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Person-in Environment
The person-in-environment is a perception of other people and how they interact with the surroundings around them. These systems range from family, friends, social services, religion, educational systems, politics and religion, and goods and services. This kind of framework provides a precise way to access the client’s behavior. For example, the social worker could have easily understood Brandon’s behavior by looking at how he interacted with education and family systems. Furthermore, some actions such as aggression had increased within the home while the reluctance to follow the rules had taken place within the school system. Also, according to Brandon’s teacher, he was revealing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Brandon has again been using inappropriate sexual language with girls at school. All these behaviors indicate his inability to function within the systems that exist in his environment correctly. Critical of these behaviors is only possible through the person-in environment.
Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels
Applying the micro level's ecological model would help enhance conflict resolution and coping mechanisms for Brandon. At this level, the social worker would take the initiative of assisting Brandon with behavior changes. Furthermore, the micro-level focuses on the personal concerns of the abused child. Therefore, the social worker must know the biological and personal history and comprehend how it affects Brandon’s perspectives (Zastrow, Kirst-Ashman & Hessenauer, 2019). On the other hand, the social worker would act as a bridge between Brandon and his environmental systems at the mezzo level. Critically, the rationale stems from the fact that the family is considered a crucial element of the case at the mezzo level. Working as a link between Brandon and his immediate family will help better understand child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect among the various parties. At the macro level, the social worker would have to involve the larger society. For example, they could target and advocate for crimes revolving around policy changes and sexual offenses.
Strengths Missed
Brandon displayed numerous strengths that the social worker might have missed on. For example, he opened up about the abuse that had been going on between him and his father at a young age. Most young people do not share on incidences of abuse to get them the help they need. Brandon was actively engaged in his treatment. Brandon’s mother also called for the immediate arrest of the father and warranted. This is an indication that she was open to learning more about child sexual abuse. The rationale is based on the fact that most spouses protect the abusers, especially when they are immediate family members (O’Quinn, 2019). Protecting abusers causes more harm to the child.
During the treatment process, Brandon’s mother was a significant challenge, because of her reluctance for educational and psychological testing. The rationale is based on the fear of stigmatization and labeling that comes with it. Also, Brandon’s inability to communicate his feelings and why he felt unsafe is a significant challenge. Critically, only through opening up can someone get help deemed crucial.
Challenges and Impacts of Abuse
Had Brandon’s strengths not been identified, significant impacts would have taken place due to the abuse. First, had he not revealed the information, he would not have received the essential help. This would have derailed him from overcoming his problems (Morrison, Bruce & Wilson, 2018). Also, had he not displayed a willingness to participate in the treatment, the trauma from the damage would have been detrimental to his mental health. Therefore, the revelation of his strengths enabled Brandon receive the treatment that curbed further mental damage.
Conclusion
The person-in-environment perspective of the ecological model is centered on an individual’s interaction with the systems within their environment. As revealed in the case, Brandon was having issues in both his family and educational system. Using the ecological approach, a social worker may have understood Brandon's situation. Across the various levels. Brandon's strengths played a significant part in the social worker's ability to provide accurate services.
References
Morrison, S. E., Bruce, C., & Wilson, S. (2018). Children’s disclosure of sexual abuse: A systematic review of qualitative research exploring barriers and facilitators. Journal of child sexual abuse , 27 (2), 176-194.
O’Quinn, J. (2019). Child marriage and sexual violence in the United States. In Victim, Perpetrator, or What Else? . Emerald Publishing Limited.
Plummer, S-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies:
Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. Hessenauer, S. L. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
