A CASE WORK WITH A CHILD

Broader objectives
(A person can write it or leave it, as in the beginning most of it has been
covered)

These are those objectives of case work which define what a case worker
should achieve in overall process. These help worker to maintain conformity
and protect him for any deviation. These are in short panoptic goals of case
work.

1. To study problems of client which are psychosocial in nature faced by

him in all dimensions?

2. To chalk out possible reasons for clients dysfunction.

3. To help client to resolve problems, cope with it and promote effective

functioning.

4. To link client with needed resource.

5. To promote delivery of social service network.

6. To develop and use case work practice in the context of diverse

problems and continuously evaluate the results for further
improvement.

In social case work there are also specific objectives which deals with
particular situations which arise in case work practice from time to time.
These objectives are framed or modified by the case worker according to
situation and need of the hour while dealing with the client.

1
The Beginning:

The Client Miss Sumaira, aged 15 years, a student of class 10th in Delhi Public
School was referred to me by my friend and her teacher Mr. Rouf Khanda.

Nature of the Problem:

Every day, children enter their classrooms bringing backpacks, pencils, paper
—and their unique views of the world. Every child has his or her own
expectations and insights, formed from experiences at home, in the
community, and at school. When children witness violence between their
adult caregivers or experience abuse or neglect, they can enter the
classroom believing that the world is an unpredictable and threatening place.

Children look to their parents for stability and protection. When a parent is
the source of violence, the child’s sense of security and safety can be
compromised or destroyed, replaced instead by fear and anxiety. Lacking a
sense of security, a child can have difficulty in exploring the world through
play, developing self- confidence, and maintaining motivation. A parent’s
unpredictable or violent behavior can lead to difficulty in forming personal
attachments and may foster relationships that are based on fear and
insecurity.

According to my friend the client faces difficulties in class to understand

things and most of the time she use to be day dreaming. She has no friend
in the class or in school and she never likes to make friends which again
leads her is isolation.

2
Personal History of Client:

Identification of the Client (Personal profile)

1. Name of the Client: Sumaira Jan

2. Nick Name Sumee
3. Birth of Place: Pulwama
4. Age: 15 Years
5. Sex: Female
6. Marital Status: Unmarried
7. Religion : Islam

Family Background:

Sumaira belongs to an upper middle class family, her father is Deputy

Superintendent of Police and her mother is a government teacher, she has
two siblings, one brother who is studying in at college and a sister who also
study with her in the Delhi Public School in 8th class.

Interview with Sumaira:

Today I went to the school of my client and met with my friend Mr. Rouf, he
introduced me with the client and we have introduction of each other. During
that time Mr. Rouf stayed with us. After introduction was over I asked the
client what is the reason for her lack of interest in studies, it seems that the
client wants to speak but due to presence of her teacher she was not able to
speak. Then I decided to quit the interview with the client and asked her to
join back the class. Immediately after the client went back to class I asked
Mr. Rouf that I need free space to talk with the client so that she can open
up, in presence of her teacher she will never open up. So, Mr. Rouf told me
he has been instructed by principal of school to be with us. I asked Mr. Rouf
to arrange a meeting with principal so that I will explain him about the case
work, Mr. Rouf got the appointment and on _______________day we fixed the
meeting.

3
Observation:

• Though I did not interacted that much with the client but it was visible
from the client that she is suffering from the problem and she wants
help to come out of it.

• As in school there are limitations of time and also we have to follow

rules so it will be a great challenge to intervene in this problem.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To seek permission from principal.

• To build rapport with client.

4
Second Interview:

Today I reached to the school of my client and initially I had a meeting with
the Principal and Mr. Rouf teacher of the client. I explained the principal
about the process which I will be following and the requirements in it, after
explaining him how the process and progress will take place, he got satisfied
and assured me to provide full support.

After the meeting was over and we went out, I generally tried to get more
information about the behavior of my client. In the third period Mr. Rouf
called my client and we headed to M.E. Room of school.

Now I had one on one interaction with my client and initially she does not felt
comfortable and does not responded and I also do not compiled her. I started
by the question what they have read from the morning in the school, and
slowly she also started talking, and I paid full attention whatever she said,
slowly I started conforming from her about her siblings and their occupation.
She mentioned that her elder brother is pursuing B.S.C in College and her
younger sister is studying in class 8th in the same school. After conforming
about her peer group she said she does not like to make friends, this took
me little bit surprise but I showed no reaction to my client and continued
listen her carefully. After some time she opened up and talked to me with
ease, but at the same time she played smart by hiding the actual problem,
we started general discussion about the school and teachers and I observed
she do not have much interest neither in school nor in teachers, meanwhile I
asked her that by her speaking way she seems to be a bright student then
what is the reason that you get low marks in you subjects, after listening to
this question she gave a long pause. After that I do not feel good to ask her
same question so I changed the topic and started asking about her likings
and disliking, she replied that she like to be alone all the time and want to
live far away from her home, when I asked why she again went for a pause.

5
It was now lunch time in school so I asked her do she has to take lunch and
she said yes, so we stopped discussion and I asked her I want to discuss with
her once again and she said she too. So we fixed time that we will meet
again on ____________________________.

Observation:

• Today it was nice to interact with the client in open atmosphere and
she too feels relaxed.

• Though she did not opened up too much but the response she gave
was good enough to build a good rapport with her.

• She many a times indicated that problem lies within the home by
putting pause on few of my question.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To build rapport and bring client into “comfort zone”

• To make client talk about her problem and try to gain insights about
the same.

Important to mention:

“I was introduced to client as carrier counselor and because she is

weak in studies she is first to interact.”

6
Third Interview:

Today I went to the school, and met with Mr. Rouf, we had a bit discussion
regarding my client and after that he called her at same place in the school
M.E. Room she greeted me and I too responded to her. Then Mr. Rouf left the
room, and we started our discussion, I asked her about these day’s activities
and other simple things so that we can start discussion easily. Today I found
change in her and I found she have trusted me by now so she started
opening up, after asking a question regarding her parents as how do they
do? She first took a pause and then said it does not affect them how we are
so why should we waste our time in thinking how they are. It brings a smile
on my face and she asked why it is so? I replied her it is good to see her back
and it is nice that she share her feelings with me. I asked her, that I feel
there is something wrong at her home which makes her very much disturbed
is it so? And then she started telling me all about the problem, she
mentioned that her father is a DSP and mother a government teacher but
she (my client) has never been able to see her parents in prospers manner,
and this directly affect them (my client and her siblings), she told me now
her elder brother also shifted to Srinagar for studies and he did it to live far
from parents. She told me already her parents had very less time to spend at
home with them and during that time they use to fight with each other and
sometimes use very bad language, they do not understand how much that
affects their children and their studies. She said that once upon a time she
use to top the class but slowly because of family tension her studies got
affected and now she is unable to understand anything and also cannot
properly concentrate on the studies and other parts of life. I conformed from
her why doesn’t she have any friend? She replied she fears they may not like
to continue friendship if they come to know about her family and she does
not want to tell anyone this thing. I told her in very light manner that

7
friendship happened to be with a person not with family. After a healthy
discussion with her, I asked her does she want me to help her in overcoming
this problem and she with very innocent look answered yes if I can help her
she will be thankful to me. Then I said her we need to meet again and we
fixed the day for next session.

Observations:

• Today my client opened up and discussed her problem with me. She is
developing trust on me and I also responded in positive manner.

• The problem with my client is because of parental problem and as we

have seen in such cases children are more affected and same is with
my client.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To arrange meeting with either parent of the client.

• To start initiating intervention plan for client.

8
Fourth Interview:

As I have already told Mr. Rouf to arrange a meeting with Sumair’s father at
school, and once you fix it just give a call. Mr. Rouf called last evening and
today I went school to have meeting with my client’s father. As I reached
school it was around 10:10 AM and prayer was going on in the school so I
waited in visitor’s hall, after prayer were over Mr. Rouf came and told me
that her father will be coming and we were discussing casual thing with each
other and by that time her father reached school, Mr. Rouf and I went to
principal’s room and her father was later on called there, now in presence of
principal and Mr. Rouf we had general discussion about her child and her
studies later on Principal of school told him about me and also asked him to
have a meeting with me. He agreed and we went to school conference room
we had one on one discussion. I explained the trauma from which his child is
suffering from and the reason about it. He responded by blaming my client’s
mother for the reason of problem, I discussed many aspects of this problem
and its impact on their children. I even warned him about bad consequences
on the psychological and physical development of their children. He being
Police officer and educated person agreed about the fact, but at the same
time he was unable to understand what he can do about it, I provided him
with few suggestions that are as:

1.If you feel that problem will take place by any action you should move
to other room or go out for a walk,

2.Try to avoid any problem or fight with your wife in front of children.

3. Try to understand her stand and if she will be wrong try to keep silent
at that time and then once she become cool explain her what wrong
she has done.

9
 4. I also advice him to spend more time with daughters so that they will
not feel alone and most importantly they are growing one so they
need more parental care.

5. I also recommended him to perform yoga, or to use water therapy

whenever he feels angry.

After this I told him that I may need to talk with him further any time, he
happily gave his phone number and told me that I can contact him anytime
whenever needed. He also promised me that he will try level best to
implement these things. I thanked him for his time, and he in response
thanked me for all this.

Observations:

• Today I had meeting with my client’s father regarding their family

problem and its impact on my client, it seems me that her father
responded in well manner, but as a human nature he put blame on his
wife.

• I observed that he was very flexible and was very worried about her
daughter, these were very good signs for me to progress in this case.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To visit school of the client.

• To arrange meeting with client’s classmates and engage them in

helping her out.

• To extend further intervention plan.

10
Fifth Interview:

Today after few days I went to school, and met with my client, we had
discussion in M.E Room of school, today mainly discussion remained about
the observations and changes felt by the client from last few day. My client
told me that she feels a bit relaxed from past few days but she was not sure
why and how it is so? I enquired from my client about her studies and she
replied in very good manner that she is not happy with studies and is not
able to concentrate on studies. This was the real concern for me. It means
that she is still struggling with problem. I shifted the discussion and
encouraged her to make friends as human being is a social animal. Though
earlier she showed that it does not work for her but I motivated her and she
promised me that she will think about it. After discussion with my client I
conformed about her mother, where she is working and what she is teaching
etc. after conforming this we decided that, we will again have a session and
after that she left to have lunch. I met with Mr. Rouf and requested him to
manage a meeting with my client’s classmates. So that I will also discuss
with them, after seeking permission from principal he told me that I can have
a meeting with them in their sixth period as it is Art class and I waited till
sixth period and in sixth period I went to their class (X) and Mr. Rouf
introduced me to all of them. I felt that class responded in very good manner
as it was just enjoyment for them by not attending their regular class that is
Art class. I discussed with all of them about their hobbies and interests and
slowly I managed to make atmosphere where in I can now talk to them about
socialization in their class. I encouraged all of them both boys and girls to
have good relationship with each other because school days never come
back and good relationship here will get carried on for life long. And I

11
particularly encouraged girls to have friendship with each and every other
member of their class particularly among themselves. I managed to talk few
of girls separately and I urged them to engage Sumaira with them and help
her out in studies and other social aspects and I found good response from
these young girls of my client’s class.

Observation:

• Today I found my client a bit relaxed but at the same time still not sure
about situation.

• Her classmates showed interest really to help her out from her problem
and they promised to lend their help to her.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To have meeting with younger sibling of client and involve her in

helping process.

• To have one more meeting with classmates of client and analyze

progress.

12
Sixth Interview:

Today I visited the school only with the purpose to meet with the class mates
of my client and with her younger sister, to know more about my client and
her over all behavior. I first had a session with her younger sister who is
studying in class 8th in same school. I met her during their games period she
was sitting ideal so I got good chance to interact with her, as children use to
found me in their school off and on so it was easy for me to start discussion
with her. After formal introduction and knowing about her likings and friends
etc after this I asked her about her sister and about their relationship. She
responded in very normal way initially, and said that it is fine she has as
usual relationship with her sister as any other will be having. When I
conformed about her behavior at home and elsewhere, she said her sister
used to play with her and use to treat as every elder sister treats her
younger sister but from last some time she has changed, she speak very
less, and do not play with her, she use to sought on her and most of the time
she use to spend alone. I asked my clients sister does she has friends and
she answered yes and even she introduced me with them, and it was a nice
feeling to see this young girl not being affected with family problem till date.
I conformed about their parent’s behavior and she was a bit sad and replied
that is okay, and I did not tried to push her for more so I thanked her for
spending time with me.

After a session with my client’s sister I managed to take lunch with the class
mates of my client and we all together took lunch even along Mr. Rouf
accompanied us. We had general and very funny discussion and I tried to
find out about the progress of my client in managing to build social
relationship or not, and I found some encouraging signs as she shared jokes

13
with classmates and we all took our lunch in very enjoyable manner. I
thanked all of them for such a wonderful lunch and put forward my hope that
they will continue doing things like this all the time.

Observation:

• While talking to sister of my client I felt she being young does not have
that much impact of family problem but I also observed that she too is
getting involved in it. The changes mentioned by her regarding my
client are very important for me to design my strategy for proper
intervention, so that my client will be benefited.

• This was nice to see that my client has started enjoying her group and
encouraging sign for me to carry on with my intervention.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To arrange meeting with mother of the client and involve her in the
process.

• To know her understanding about the client.

14
Severn Interview:

Today I decided to meet with the mother of my client who is a teacher by

profession and is posted at Awantipora district Pulwama. I went to her school
after conforming about the school from local people I reached there by 11:
00 AM; she is posted at Boys government high school Awantipora. I met with
her and introduced myself to her and also explained my motto to visit her
school, she was surprise and shock and initially her attitude was very much
negative but slowly when we progress in discussion she became calm. Her
reaction was very negative when I explained her that I am counseling her
elder daughter, she initially reacted as layman, but when I explained her why
her daughter’s school approached me, then she started understanding the
matter. I discussed generally about her daughter. First about her activities
and about studies, she told me that her daughter was good at studies and in
other activities but suddenly god knows what happened to her, now she do
not take interest in studies and other activities and also at home she remains
confined to herself and likes to sit only in her room. While conforming from
her does she has asked her daughter about this change or has she ever
taken interest to know why it happened and reason about it. She responded
in very light manner and said yes she asked her two- three times but she
does not answer and then she (mother) does not feel good to ask her. It took
me by surprise; I told her do you know that you are losing your daughter she
replied by saying what and why? I told her your daughter is in deep shock
because of your fight with your husband and vice versa. She took a pause
and then replied with wet eyes that yes her husband use to fight with her,
she blamed her husband for the entire problem, and I gave same advice to
her as I have given to her husband and requested her to control such clashes

15
with her husband in front of her children, this act make children very
affected and sometimes led them to take very strange action. At the end she
being women showed very much worries about her child and I promised her
that everything will be fine if both of them will try to avoid fighting and
creating problems in front of their children.

Observations:

• I observed that same like her husband she was not ready to accept
mistake and blamed her husband for it.

• This was quite amazing that she has not taken any step to find out why
there is change in her daughter.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To have meeting with my client and aware her about the previous
sessions with her parents.

• To canvass the progress made by client and encourage further change

in her.

• To continue with my intervention.

16
Eighth Interview:

Today I went to my client’s school and had a session with her, we both went
to conference room of school and started initially with general discussion and
later on grab it into the main discussion, I updated my client about meeting
with her father and mother but did not disclosed what happened or what was
discussion between them and me remembering principle of confidentiality,
though she reacted in strange way and initially was not happy and after I
explained the need of my visit and meeting with her parents she was relaxed
but did not asked about comments made by her parents. Then I conformed
from her has she managed to make any friend or not yet and she happily
replied yes she has a friend in class namely Anjeela and she was very much
excited about it. I motivated her to speak about now a day’s atmosphere at
home and she still was not very interested to speak it out, but she
mentioned that her father from last few days is showing care about them
(her & her sister) and also asks about their day to day activities and school
work. But she also mentioned that still her parents use to fight with each
other and that makes her very disturbed. Today it was really heart breaking
but I managed to control my emotions and remembered myself about
principle of Controlled emotional involvement, when my client asked for my
help to find out any hostel for her to live in, this happened when she break
into tears after telling me about fight between her parents and their attitude
and language used by them just 2 days ago. I somehow managed to
motivate her for not crying and told her that she can trust me and she should
be quit hopeful that things will be fine soon, I remembered her that how her
father started taking care of them. And also remembered that she has a
good friend now so she should be very much hopeful that she will turn things

17
and will changed her parents for herself as well as for her younger sister.
After I told her these things she laughed and started discussing her activities
from last few day I gave her patient listening as well as active listening, I
found that she was feeling relaxed after telling me all these things. We
decided that we will have again a meeting session very soon and by that we
ended today session and my client went for her lunch.

I waited for Mr. Rouf as I wanted to discuss about my client and her parents,
so after lunch time was over in the school, I met him and luckily it was his
vacant period, I discussed about improvement in my client and he told me he
has seen a good improvement in her. After discussing about my client I
asked Mr. Rouf can he manage a meeting with my client’s parents and he
responded, that they have a system in the school, that by the end of every
month they hold parents teachers meeting and on that day he can fix a
meeting between them and me. I told Mr. Rouf it is important that both her
parents should come. So I will be looking forward for this meeting, so that I
can discuss with my client’s parents and try to make them understand what
they are doing with their children in un- noticed way.

Observation:

• I observed many visible changes in my client and she seemed more

confident and optimistic.

• The problem of parental conflict still persist which hamper client’s

progress and rehabilitation.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To arrange meeting with both the parents of my client.

• To update them about the progress of case work with their child.

• To motivate and encourage change in them through technique of

counseling.

18
 •

Nine Interview:

Yesterday Mr. Rouf called me and informed about the parents teachers
meeting, which will be held today, so I went to the school today with a motto
to have a brief discussion and counseling session with the parents of my
client. I reached to the school early so that I will get good time to discuss
with her parents, I met with Mr. Rouf, and he informed me that her (my
client’s) parents are yet to reach the school, so I joined Mr. Rouf and I found
a good response from other student’s parents, they asked me about carrier
counseling for their children and also were very interested to know how to
deal with their children about different matter, and I felt quite happy to share
my views with them. After some time both the father and mother of my
client came as they have both specially asked to come by Mr. Rouf so that I
can hold a meaningful meeting with them. After normal greeting and after
they conformed about progress of their ward, Mr. Rouf told them that they
have a meeting with me regarding their ward. So we went to Conference
room of the school and I had a meeting, and detailed discussion with them
for around 2 hours. I upgraded them about the image framed by their
children regarding present situation at their home and its direct impact on
their personality and education. I tried my level best to motivate both of
them to solve their problems with each other as soon as possible and if that
will not happen at least avoid fighting in front of their children. We discussed
many things and at a point I felt both of them were feeling what they have
done and what will be the result if this will continue, but saying this that they
have completely changed is just foolishness as it is not possible just having a

19
open discussion or advices by someone will bring great change. But I am
quite hopeful that there will be some impact and hopefully they will restrict
themselves fighting in front of their children.

Observations:

* Both the parents seemed willing to change their attitude and behavior for
the well being of there child.

* I observed the positive change and improvement in attitude and

behavior of my client I deiced to terminate the Case work process in next
meeting.

Specific objectives:

* To arrange meeting with my client and access her change.

* To have a meeting with principal, classmates of my client, and her

teacher.

20
Tenth Interview:

Today after many days I went to the school to see my client, I reached to the
school at around 11:00 AM and met with the principal of the school and
conformed about my client’s progress and behavior, the principal gave a
brief description about the present progress and behavior of my client and
showed his faith that I can put more efforts to modify her behavior a bit
more. After the meeting with the principal of school, I met with Mr. Rouf class
teacher of my client and my friend; I conformed about the progress of my
client in her studies and also about her behavior. After meeting with these
people I met with my client in M.E. Room, she was happy to see me after a
long time, I greeted her and she thanked me, I asked for what she is
thanking me, she narrated the story of past few days at her home,
mentioned that there is a bit change in attitude of her parents, and this
makes her relaxed and also thanked me for making her realize how
important friend is in one’s life. I gave a smile to her and explained her that
it is joint efforts from her side, parent’s side and most importantly from her
school side. She continued telling me about happenings of past week or so,
and her dealing with people, I very actively listened to her and appreciated
her to speak more and more, today I gave her some tips, which she should
use at home to avoid facing any problem related to her parents.

21
 • I told her that whenever she smells rat she should leave the room and
move to her own room to avoid getting affected by parental problems.

• I told her that she should avoid sitting alone, she should always sit
along with some one’s company whenever she will be at home,
preferably she should share sitting with her younger sister by that she
can also have eye on her about her studies.

After a session of discussion, it was lunch time and I went along with my
client (they have a system in school that every class take their lunch
together with class teacher) so that I can meet with her friends and all other
class mates. They offered me lunch, I thanked them for their offer, Mr. Rouf
was present there and we shared lots of things with each other and it was
very jolly atmosphere. I observed that my client has changed a great way,
now she enjoys company of others and also talk to them freely it was a great
feeling to observe all this.

Observation:

• I observed the positive change and improvement in attitude and

behavior of my client I deiced to terminate the Case work process in
next meeting.

• I found because of last session with her parents some change has took
place.

Specific objectives for next meeting:

• To initiate termination process with my client.

• To provide her guidance as to how to manage difficult situations.

22
Eleventh Interview: (Termination phase)

Today, I met my client at her school during lunch break and we both went to
conference room to have a case work session. I started with general things and
encouraged her to speak more and more. She told me that things have now
changed around her I asked her how she react to it, she told me she is feeling good,
happy and now more optimistic and confident .As per her “I am the most lucky and
happiest person in this world and how insane was I that I didn’t realized it prior”.
Then I took her attention towards the core issue of her parent’s behavior and
atmosphere at home. She “smiled” and said now things are far better than what it
used to be earlier. She said both her mother and father took more care of them
especially her and nowadays they don’t quarrel with each other. She said “my home
has now become place to live and now I feel I have a mother and father like other
children who care and are concerned about their children.” I felt happy and rejoiced
when she communicates it. After that I enquired about her school and about her
friend, she told me that now not only Anjeeli but others classmates have become
her friends too and she really enjoy their company and school atmosphere too. I
told my client that she has now overcome the problem almost, so she needs to
carry on with this. I told her that I cannot continue for long with counseling her, so
she should take care of herself more efficiently. Firstly she reacted in very odd
manner and she told me that can I be with her for some more time. I explained to
her everything about my profession and especially about case work and time frame

23
in it besides my academic commitments. But at the same time assured her, that I
will fallow ups till she and I get satisfied with result. She realized it as she herself
being a student after it we both started analyzing the realistic goals which we have
achieved during sessions of case work.

At the end I encourage my client to continue with this attitude and tried to instill in
her information about future course of action and also if she faced any such
problem in time to come. She thanked me for everything which I rendered to her I
also appreciated her motivation, willingness and cooperation.

I thanked principal, teachers especially Mr. Rouf and classmates of my client for
their support. With all such developments I terminated my case work.

•
.

EVALUATION PHASE

The below listed points will give brief look to the evaluation process of this
case work:-

1) Theoretical knowledge is necessary for working in field

2) I was able to understand root cause of the problem of client.

3) I was able to intervene properly to resolve her problem.

4) To bring change environmental modification (family, school,

community, peer group) are of utmost importance in this case.

5) To initiate any process client should be willing and ready to change.

6) Family played important role in modification of behavior of client and

support for life time.

7) Client’s dignity and worth should be respected which help and

motivate him to change.

8) Client’s decisions should be respected and honored.

24
 9) While dealing with client a case worker should be able to know his/ her
competence.

10) Theoretical part of case work many a times differ from its
implication in the field.

In this case work I (student counselor) used both verbal and non verbal
communications to communicate with my client. The medium of verbal
communication with my client was Urdu/ Hindi whereas medium of
communication with her parents was Urdu/ Kashmiri / English and medium of
communication with her peer group/ classmates and with her younger sister
was Urdu/ Hindi. The communication between school authorities and me was
English and Hindi.

Initially the case seems very difficult one but as the time progress it started
becoming interesting and at the same time challenging. Sessions with my
client’s parents proved fruitful and hence helped in positive change in my
client. As a class 10th student my client herself was aware that she is not
living normal life and her day to day activities are getting hampered. Her
own willingness made it possible to intervene in this case and progress
forward and school atmosphere particularly her classmates provided her
emotional and moral support which helped in behavior change and
socialization of the client.

“Even after termination I visited my client twice and observed and analyzed
the status of my client. As per her class teacher she is progressing fast and is
showing keen interest in studies”.

25
26