School Social Work – Assessing the Organization related to Trauma Care

ASSESSMENT OF CLIENT AND ORGANIZATION’S ABILITY TO ASSIST

The purpose of this assignment is to assess the impact of trauma on a client’s well-being, with a focus on the organization’s ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed resources. 

Introduction

Select a client who is being served by your field practicum organization. Describe the client and their presenting problem. Describe your field practicum and the purpose of your work with clients. 

Description of Agency and Response to Trauma

How does your agency or organization identify traumatic stress in client systems? 

How does the agency or organization establish a safe physical environment for screening and assessment? How might you improve the environment? 

How might your agency or organization unintentionally cause clients to reexperience harm? 

Evaluate therapeutic relationships, environment, policies and procedures, attitudes, and beliefs. Discuss those findings. 

Evaluate the Impact of the Agency on the Client and Employees

Conduct a critical analysis of how trauma and diversity factors (e.g., age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion or spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status) have affected the person’s development through the life cycle and are currently affecting their well-being. 

Assess the field practicum organization’s preparation to assist the client with resolution of the presenting problems. 

Report on staff training regarding culturally specific trauma interventions, trauma resources, community liaisons or leaders who have knowledge of expertise of agency and staff, universal design, and policies and procedures that reduce barriers to service. 

Identify any community resources that can be used to address gaps in service, including lack of knowledge about trauma, the impact of trauma on vulnerable and marginalized individuals and communities (e.g., race-based trauma), and cultural awareness.

Brainstorm possible solutions if there are no alternative resources available to assist the client.

If you were the director of this agency, how might you reduce the potential of a client reexperiencing trauma in this setting?

How does the agency support staff as they treat individuals with trauma? What does a trauma informed agency look like? What changes might be made at your field practicum?