Families are as unique as the individuals who form them. While you may utilize the same or similar techniques while working with family systems (through the steps in the GIM and related practice skills), it is also essential to recognize that each family has unique needs and experiences. The empowerment perspective states that a critical aspect of working with individuals and families is to address their feelings of powerlessness and oppression. Empowerment is a process, and one part of that process is to gain an awareness of the oppressive structures evident in our society. Pressure, in the form of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia, can impact a family's quality of life and ability to thrive. In this Discussion, you consider the many aspects of working with diverse families.

Select a family system working with barriers and challenges, such as those related to differences in sexual orientation, differences in race or ethnicity, substance abuse, food insecurity, or managing a disability.

Consider how a social worker might address one of these barriers on an individual, family, organizational, group, or community level.

Drug addiction drug abuse OR substance abuse

Senior citizen OR older people OR elderly OR aging

Suicide prevention OR suicide intervention

Adolescent OR youth OR teen AND anxiety

• Provide a brief description of the family system you selected.
• Explain potential barriers or challenges this family might encounter.
• Explain how a social worker might address this barrier on an individual, family, organizational, group, or community level.

Please include references.