Randy is a new client at Walden Pond Youth Home. You are his prime worker, and you will need to present a summary of his issues at your team meeting. At this meeting will be some co-workers who have yet to work with Randy, as well as the therapist, who has just returned from holidays.

Write 5 enteries about Randy's mental health according to the document below.

Document 1:

Timberland County Children's Aid Society

14 Emerson Place Suite 309

Timberland County, Ontario

K5T 8U9

Re: placement in therapeutic group home for Randy J.

BACKGROUND

Randy J. is a 15 year old ward of Timberland County Children's Aid Society. It has been suggested that he be placed in a therapeutic group home after numerous AWOL attempts from his foster family.

PROFILE

Randy was apprehended from his biological family at the age of two for reasons of neglect and suspected abuse. His mother, Katrina, subsequently attended rehabilitation for substance abuse but was not able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Crown Wardship was granted in 2004.

Randy's father, James has been incarcerated for in a federal prison since 2007.His charges are related to drug trafficking. Randy has many positive memories of his father, who was a source of stability for him during his early years. His release date is in June of next year.

Randy misses his father and often attempts to hitchhike to Kingston in hopes of visiting his dad in prison. Attempts to contact his father by letter and phone have been unsuccessful. Randy has expressed dismay that his memories of his father are beginning to fade. An attempt to contact the paternal family for photographs is in progress.

Randy has had 57 different placements within the agency. His hyperactivity and frequent AWOL's have proved to be a strain on foster families.

Randy has no interest in school and has not completed any high school credits to date. Randy states that he will be a drug dealer like his father, and will not need school. This contrasts with his expressed desire to stop using illicit drugs. A positive aspect that should be capitalized on is Randy's desire to be a role model for his younger brother (who is also placed with the agency). Randy has not yet been able to address his substance abuse, and would benefit from drug treatment programming.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Randy should be placed in a therapeutic group home with a 3:1 staffing ratio and clinical support.

Randy should have a medication review. He has recently discontinued treatment for depression with SSRI's. This has corresponded with an increase in his substance abuse issues.

Continued attempts should be made to reunite Randy with his father