Critical Reflection of Task Centred and Systems Methods of Intervention

As a result of applying appropriate theory the organisation and structure of social work practice may be enhanced (Howe 1993).   Social workers use theory to inform practice and provide a sense of direct and guidance in their professional engagement with service users.

The problem areas that intervention will attempt to address in this case study are; John’s aggression, ineffective disciplinary methods, lack of attention, labelling, the family’s needs, parenting skills, financial constraints, educational concerns, behaviour of other children, marital relationship, power imbalances in the home, and oppression in general.   The mother in finding it difficult to cope with the demands of hectic family life and discipline at the moment is ineffective; John is sent to his room and then climbs out the window.   There are discrepancies in discipline as John is less obedient in his father’s presence.   Intervention will attempt to assist the family to function at an acceptable level, to promote members of the family to respect each other and have renewed esteem at an individual and group level.

Looking at the family as a system implies that individuals, society and the family are interrelated.   The functioning of one part in turn affects other parts (Pincus and Minahan 1973).   When parts are defective and need repair the entire system may be thrown into disarray.   The worker may act as mediator between different parts and reunite the conflicting parts of a dysfunctional system.   Intervention by the worker in this case may clear communication channels that have perhaps become blocked in the course of boisterous family life.

The point of using systems theory is to repair the system to working accord, to try to recognise those significant systems which the mother has to deal with i.e. children, husband, parents, in-laws, GP, school and siblings.   Instead of focusing only on one problem area the worker is interested in communication between all the related systems.   This...