Explain why it is important to use theory in family therapy

Advanced SW Practice II

THEORY AND FAMILY ASSESSMENT

Social work assessment of families must take into account not only the individual members but the functioning of the family as a whole. For example: How is an adolescent’s mental health issue affecting their siblings and the power dynamic within the household? How has a parent’s sudden unemployment influenced the socioemotional health of the children? What kind of impact is an ongoing community crisis having on individual family members and the family unit?

Family assessment includes the application of theory and often the use of validated instruments such as the Self-Report Family Inventory or the Family Crisis Orientation Scale. Whereas instruments provide valuable information, often from family members’ own perspectives, theories can help the social worker understand behaviors, developmental issues, relationships, and intergenerational patterns. 

In this Assignment, you apply theory to your work with the fictional Hernandez family. You also consider how a validated family assessment tool could deepen your understanding and inform treatment.

 SHAPE  * MERGEFORMAT

TO PREPARE

• Review the Learning Resources on theories and assessment of families. Based on the Van Hook “Assessment of Families” chapter, explore validated assessment tools for use with families.
• Access the Social Work Case Studies media and navigate to the Hernandez Family case. 

BY DAY 7

Submit a 2-page paper in which you: 

• Explain why it is important to use theory in family therapy. How does theory help social workers understand and assess a family?
• Apply systems theory and a developmental perspective to the Hernandez family. How would this perspective inform your assessment? 
• Select a validated assessment tool from the Van Hook chapter that you would use to assist with your assessment of the Hernandez family. How would this assessment, including results from your chosen assessment tool, inform the treatment plan? 

Use the Learning Resources to support your Assignment. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list. 

References

• Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Chapter 1, “Introduction” (pp. 1–42)
• Chapter 2, “Historical and Theoretical Developments” (pp. 43–66)Download Chapter 2, “Historical and Theoretical Developments” (pp. 43–66)
• Rasheed, J. M., Rasheed, M. N., & Marley, J. A. (2010). The ecology of families: A systems/developmental perspective. Download The ecology of families: A systems/developmental perspective.In Family therapy: Models and techniques (pp. 45–81). Sage. 

Credit line: Family therapy: Models and techniques by Rasheed, J.M., Rasheed, M.N., & Marley, J.A. Copyright 2010 by Sage Publications. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications via the Copyright Clearance Center. Licensed in 2022.

• Van Hook, M. P. (2019). Assessment of families. Download Assessment of families.In Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach (3rd ed., pp. 64–106). Oxford University Press. 

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