CASE ANALYSIS PREP: ONE LITTLE BOY

Now, here are those instructions for your case analysis prep with "One Little
Boy". Please realize there are no right answers, but do put thoughtful time and effort
into this for a good discussion on 12/4/19 = our LAST CLASS!
Remember roles are different: The SWer is the protagonist (the main figure in a real
situation) and you are the professional consultant . Case analysis will enhance your
critical thinking!!
1) After reading the case through, once or even twice, make a list of your "wonders."
What would you like to know more about? Why did this happen? Why not something
else?
2) Develop an initial "problem statement" that synthesizes the dilemma the SWer has
with the case they are bringing to you for consultation. Consider three system-level
causes (include micro, mezzo & macro matters) that complicate it for them with their
client. For this assignment in our class, use the following problem statement formula:
"Due to the issues of _____________, ________________, and _______________, the
social worker is faced with the dilemma of ____________________________ or
_______________________________ with the client."
3) Begin an "outline of a contextual analysis" based on those identified systemic
issues that you have listed in the problem statement for the case. What would you
explore further about the micro issue, for example? You may already know a lot about
this (then just list it); but if not, what research would you look into to have a better
understanding of this complicating cause? Some of the contextual issues are ethically
based too. Consider lack of community resources in rural areas as mezzo, and
historical oppression or human rights policy impacts at the macro level, for instance.
Your contextual analysis is intended to flesh out (fill in the details) the issues in your PS
at each of the three levels.

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 CASE ANALYSIS PREP: ONE LITTLE BOY

Frieda Freeman-Cooper
One Little Boy Case Analysis
November 24, 2019

Wonders About the Case

Why weren’t the police notified of the threat Ben made since it was a new policy after the
shooting at Columbine?
Why did it take a week before Bonnie, the Social Work Services Coordinator was notified of the
situation?
Several referrals were made regarding behavioral problems over the years and the parents
declined services. At what point is it considered neglect?
The police talked to Ben but didn’t take him seriously because he said he was “just kidding”.
Why didn’t the authorities take it more seriously? He already had a history of shoplifting and
behavioral problems. Especially after Columbine he should have been shown that making
threats is serious and there are consequences for it.
Why was the wrong assessment ordered? (needed a psychiatric eval. completed) It should have
been done the day the threats were made two weeks prior. (parents should have picked up the
child and taken them for eval per policy)
When Ben was initially referred to the developmental pediatrician, Dorothy, Ben’s mother, was
told that Ben was developmentally delayed. She wasn’t properly educated about what that meant
for Ben. As new parents, the Hartin’s should have been referred for some type of parenting
classes. He was reaching his milestones such as crawling (9 months) and walking (20 months)
later than normally developing children. No one thought of referring the parents for
education/parenting classes?
During the initial assessment performed by the social worker, it was noticed that Ben had some
unusual physical features but nothing else was ever mentioned about whether or not he had any
genetic abnormalities. Follow up?
The parents stated that Ben didn’t listen and when the social worker came to their home for the
intake, Ben was throwing toys at her and the parents didn’t do or say anything to make him stop.
During another visit Ben was observed mistreating a kitten and the parents did not correct him.
Instead, when the social worker told Ben to put the kitten down she was asked to leave. Follow
up?

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 CASE ANALYSIS PREP: ONE LITTLE BOY

Problem Statement
Due to the issues of Ben’s uncontrolled behavioral problems, the school not following the
policy when threats were made, and the psychiatric evaluation not being performed, the
social worker is faced with the dilemma of getting CPS involved and having Ben taken into
custody or keep letting administration deal with the client.

Outline of a Contextual Analysis

A. Ben’s Uncontrolled Behavioral Problems
1. Dorothy’s state of mind during pregnancy/epigentics
2. Ben’s genetic physical abnormalities not addressed
3. Ben’s developmental history was not taken into consideration
4. Ben’s tendency to harm animals not addressed
5. Parent’s lack of discipline

B. Policy Not Being Followed

1. The school did not alert authorities of threat
2. When authorities were alerted, no action was taken
3. District Social Work Coordinator was not notified of the situation until a week
after it took place

C. Psychiatric Evaluation
1. Evaluation was not performed at the time the initial incident took place
2. A week later when the evaluation was to take place the wrong evaluation was
ordered

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