What are some possible assessments to be conducted? Assume you are the clinical social worker for each case and just beginning the process of providing clinical services. You may not need to name specific assessments but have some ideas as to what mental health challenges might be occurring and identify the type of assessments that might need to be administered. What questions might need to be asked and indicate whether assessing the individual or the family is necessary.

Case Study 1-

Vicky is in her mid-fifties and is divorced with a grown-up family. Much to her delight, they are now providing her with much-longed-for grandchildren. While she has friends and some family round about with whom she has regular contact, Vicky lives on her own in a rural community. Her interests include gardening, literature - both reading and writing herself - as well as her pets and her faith.

Vicky has has spent a lot of time in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital over the years due to prolonged periods of poor mental health. She had to give up work a number of years ago because of this. Vicky has been receiving daily support for about three years. This support includes: assisting Vicky with practical tasks; offering emotional support; and helping her to find ways to manage her mental health and general well-being.

One of the things Vicky receives support with is doing her weekly shopping with family. Crowded places heighten her paranoia, making her think that people are talking about her. the family calls you and tell you that when they arrive at the house expecting Vicky to be ready to go, but instead she is pacing up and down, looking really distressed. When you ask what is wrong, she tells you there's no point in going shopping. When you ask why not, she tells you she won't need it, as the voices are reminding her what a bad person she is and that she doesn't deserve to live any more. You then notice that she has emptied all her medication into a pile on the coffee table.

You know that Vicky has obeyed her voices in the past, taking potentially fatal overdoses. When well, Vicky has very trusting relationships with all those involved in her support, especially you, but she finds it difficult to trust anyone when she is unwell. She has resolved not to go to hospital ever again

Case Study 2:

The Duty senior social worker is contacted by Police in Nacogdoches who have received information from the child's grandmother Mrs T.

Mrs T told them that she cares for Jenny every weekend and at bedtime she noticed bruising to Jenny's foot that went from the top through to the sole. She asked Jenny how this had occurred and Jenny said that her father, William, did it to her.

Mrs T explained that her daughter Shona and her partner William lived within Wester Hailes. Mrs T had 'never taken' to William. Mrs T did not believe that William was Jenny's father, although the couple had reunited following Jenny's birth. Jenny had had a bruise to her face several weeks previously and Jenny had explained that she had fallen. Mrs T wished to remain anonymous.

An Initial Referral Discussion took place between a Police Inspector, senior social worker and community pediatrician. A decision was made that the social worker and police officer should jointly interview the child. Following the interview a decision would be made regarding a medical examination of Jenny.

The social worker contacted the mother, Shona, to tell her that a Child Protection Investigation was taking place, and what it would involve. Shona was angry that an investigation was taking place but said she would accompany her daughter to the interview.

Jenny was interviewed at the social work center. She said that her daddy had caused the bruising but it was an accident when they were playing football. Although the interview did not determine that the cause of the injury was deliberate, given the extent of the bruising, the social worker asked that a doctor examine the injury. Shona complied with this request. The examination was not conclusive - the physician felt that the injury could have happened as a result of an accident but was concerned that Shona had not sought medical advice as the bruising on the foot must have caused Jenny pain and difficulty in walking. Shona and William said that Jenny had been trying to get attention and had lied to her grandmother about the injury as she knew that Mrs T did not like William. Shona said Mrs T spoiled Jenny. Without further information the investigation did not proceed further. Mrs T was insistent that Jenny had told her that her father had caused the injury deliberately.

Case Study 3 -

Sam is 17 years old and has been drinking alcohol for the last three years. Having been suspended from school at 15 years of age, Sam did not return to school and has been unemployed since 'officially' leaving school. Recently Sam has become bored and has started hanging around with a group of older youths who are involved in offending and who drink every day.

Sam's parents have become increasingly concerned about him and are now at their wits' end because Sam has been charged with:

• Shoplifting
• Breach of the peace
• Possession of cannabis