A mother of two preteens has brought her son in for services. The woman is a widow. She confides that she has been having trouble controlling the boy, who is the oldest, and that the girl is disgusted with her brother’s behavior and does not want to be involved in helping him. Lately, the boy has become involved with teens his age and older. They have been drinking and coming home when they feel like it. The mother allowed them to smoke pot in the garage in hopes that she could keep the boy at home, but now she feels that backfired. The boy makes it clear that he thinks coming for help is ridiculous and says the one thing he will not do is give up his friends.

In each of the above situations, develop a tentative plan for the client. List the various services you believe each person needs initially. Include in your plan for each client both formal and generic services, and where appropriate, use social supports and support groups. Suggest other services the person might use later once the case is stabilized. Think about how you can involve others close to the person and how you will involve the client in planning.