Narrative Family Intervention in Child Welfare

Case Scenario: The Johnson Family

The Johnson family became involved with Child Protective Services after the school reported that 10-year-old Marcus frequently came to school without completing his homework, appeared tired, and had missed several days of school. During the CPS assessment, the worker learned that Marcus’s mother, Tasha, is a single parent working two jobs to support her three children. The family recently experienced an eviction and is currently staying with a relative.

During the initial interviews, Tasha repeatedly stated, “I’m a bad mother. I can’t do anything right.” Marcus also described his mother as “always stressed” and said, “We always have problems.” Tasha reported feeling judged by CPS and believed the agency had already decided that she was failing as a parent.

The CPS worker noticed that despite the family’s challenges, Tasha consistently ensured that the children had food, attended school when transportation was available, and maintained employment. Marcus also reported that his mother helps him with his schoolwork when she is home and “always tells us she loves us.”

Using a Narrative Family Intervention approach, the worker decides to help the family explore the stories they have developed about themselves and identify strengths and experiences that may support a different understanding of their situation.

Discussion Questions

Answer each question in at least 5 complete sentences. Use concepts from Chapter 11 to support your responses.

1. Identifying the Narrative
What problem-saturated story does Tasha appear to have developed about herself as a parent? How might this story affect her relationship with CPS and her ability to recognize her strengths?

2. Externalizing the Problem
How could the CPS worker use the concept of externalizing the problem with Tasha and Marcus? Provide an example of how the worker could separate the family’s challenges from the family’s identity.

3. Finding Exceptions and Strengths
Identify at least three strengths or “unique outcomes” in the Johnson family’s story. How could the social worker use these strengths to help the family develop an alternative narrative?

4. Developing an Alternative Story
What questions could the social worker ask Tasha and Marcus to help them create a more hopeful and empowering story about their family? Explain how these questions could support engagement and positive change.