John L., 15- year old, is referred to a mental health agency by his high school social worker because he has been cutting classes regularly for several months. John is reluctant, but says he will see the social worker. Prior to this time, his behavior, grades and attendance had been above average and he seemed to be college bound. Now he is failing several courses and is uncooperative with teachers. His mother says that for the past few months, he frequently comes home after midnight and is circumspect about his activities. The family consists of John, his single mother who supports them by working as secretary, and two older sisters. Mr. L left the family when John was three. John’s change in behavior is attracting attention in school and the worker wants to intervene quickly before his school career is seriously harmed. In beginning to work with John, the casework should first

A.      Recognize that since John is reluctant client, he may refuse to cooperate in treatment and discuss the issue with him.

B.      Establish herself as a sympathetic authority who can help John work on his school problems.

C.      Secure more information about John’s situation and his concerns, and work toward developing a preliminary plan.

D.      Promise that treatment can help him solve his problems.

A teenage boy and his parents were seen at a mental health center after he attempted suicide. The boy was not doing well in school and stayed in the house most of the time. The parents were also socially isolated, rarely left the house, and had few friends. The boy reported that whenever he established a friendship, he was discouraged by his parents who found fault with each. The mother interrupted her husband and son, telling the interviewer what they meant and thought. The issue that will probably be a primary focus in family treatment is

A.      Separation-Individuation

B.      Despair

C.      Respect for each other

D.      Suicide

A four-month old baby, born with several drug withdrawal symptoms and recently abandoned by her drug addicted mother, is to be placed in a new foster home. In this situation, the social worker should 

A.      Not tell the prospective foster parents about the natural mother’s drug addiction, so that they will not become too worries or refuse to care for the child.

B.      Tell the prospective foster parents about the natural mother’s drug addiction, but reassure them they will have no unexpected difficulties.

C.      Inform the prospective foster parents of the child’s background, explain that she may have medical difficulties or developmental problems and that the agency will assist them when necessary.

D.      Not tell the prospective foster parents about the child’s background unless they ask.