1 SOCIAL WORK ADMISSIONS 2017/18 – WRITTEN TEST Below is the case study for the written test. Please answer all questions indicated and ensure your answer is in-line with the Learning Outcomes in page 2. You are the Duty Social Worker in a local authority disabled children's team. You are required to read the letter below and plan an assessment of the young person's needs. Letter Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to inform you of a 12-year-old young man Martin Joseph, who has complex needs and in my view requires a social work assessment. Please find below additional information on Martin. Please also feel free to contact me if you require further advice. Yours faithfully Aron Wells Assessment of Need of Martin Joseph 1. Martin is diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. He has difficulties with understanding verbal communication and he also has difficulties expressing his needs verbally. As such Martin's carers have to observe his body language and/or encourage him to communicate his needs. For instance on one home visit I saw Martin (his father was out with his brother) and I spent a lot of time with him in the garden. Aware that he does not communicate verbally, I tried to engage him through play – by repeatedly kicking a football to him and encouraging him to respond. His response was sporadic. Most of the time, Martin was happy to exist in his own world; loudly whistling, rolling on the floor, and picking up grass. 2. Martin also wears hearing aids and without these, he struggles to understand instructions. At school Martin is encouraged to use signs to communicate his needs, however recently, he has increased the number of words he uses. 3. Martin needs all his self-care needs to be met by adults around him. He needs to be encouraged to use the toilet, cleaned after defecating, and encouraged to wash his hands. He also needs adults to serve him food, and then encourage him to eat. Martin can become distracted at meal times therefore adults have to find imaginative ways to engage him in his meals.2 4. There have been reports in the past about parental mental health including suicidal ideation. Questions 1. As the Social Worker, explain who you will involve in the assessment of Martin and why you will involve them. 2. Briefly outline the information that you will seek and how you will use this in the assessment. 3. If you were the Social Worker in this case, what professional ethics/values would help guide your assessment of Martin? 4. It is accepted in Social Work that disabled people are oppressed. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Please explain your reasons. 5. The work count for this case study is 600 words. Learning Outcomes: Criteria Mark – undergraduate applicant Mark – postgraduate applicant 1. Spelling, grammar and writing style /20 (pass mark = 8) /20 (pass mark = 10) 2. Was able to accurately describe and summarise the key issues raised in the case study /20 (pass mark = 8) /20 (pass mark = 10) 3. Demonstrates an ability to develop their own arguments and discussion based upon the case study /20 (pass mark = 8) /20 (pass mark = 10) 4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethics and values relevant to social work practice /20 (pass mark = 8) /20 (pass mark = 10) 5. Demonstrates appropriate level of /20 /203 reflection compatible with principles of social justice (pass mark = 8) (pass mark = 10) TOTAL: /100 PASS/FAIL (please delete) /100 PASS/FAIL (please delete)