In your reply posting, evaluate the potential additional needs of the selected child of a peer that are not mentioned in that classmate's posting.

1. African American - Strong Religious/Church Beliefs (Christianity)

2. 6 year-old; Preschool, Initiative vs. Guilt

3. ABC plan:

A. Developing and Maintaining Contact:

I would utilize play therapy to help build trust and rapport with the child and to ensure the child is comfortable. Avoiding eye contact can be seen as respectful in this culture so I would take that into account. Encouraging the child to speak freely and asking open-ended questions and lead to close-ended questions can help ensure the child feels valued. Because the child is Christian, I can use Christian stories or pictures to help develop rapport and make them comfortable. Involving the mother or another adult figure can comfort the child and aid in developing rapport and facilitating communication.

B. Identifying the Problem:

I can use art/play therapy with the child to allow them to express their emotions due to their developmental stage. I want to get an understanding of if the child understands the finality of death and if not, use simple words to explain it to them. I would want to assess for any signs of distress in the child or regression developmentally or behaviorally. I also would assess to see if the child has noticed changes in their mother's behavior since the accident as well as the behavior of their siblings and how it impacts them. I would also want to assess for any signs of child abuse, just in case due to changes in behaviors since the accident. I want to ask the child about school and just ensure the child is getting the proper care.

C. Coping:

I would like to involve the mother in coping strategies with the child. I would suggest that she spend time with her child and be involved and continue activities the child may have participated in with the father. I would recommend counseling/support groups provided by their church. Prayers or Christian traditions can be explored and help the child feel a connectedness with the father. Sunday school or youth group involvement can help the child cope.