Pre-Birth Family Assessment and Care Plan Assignment

Introduction

Experience related to pre-birth family assessment and implementing care plan for Dominique Rashad led to develop important insights for me. I have assessed complexities and concerns that can potentially influence Mother and unborn child. Dominique is a 17-year-old young British Pakistani Woman, currently, she is 19 weeks pregnant and living in care of local authority. The present reflective commentary aims to determine about the statuary guidelines, theoretical framework and social dilemmas underpinning own decision-making process in care plan assessment of Dominique and her unborn child.

Main Body

Understanding legislation and framework

The care plan was primarily guided through Children Act 1989, particularly, Section 17 and 47. In accordance with section 17 of act local authority should focus on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children (The Children Act, 1989). Moreover, Section 47 depicts that if the child in not born then mother should be involved in the procedure and consequently, investigation related to child abuse and neglect in such circumstances where probability related to suspicion of harm is high should be taken. This needs to be done for safeguarding child and mother, the past events in Dominique life clearly depicting about requirement of taking significant actions that secure mother and child life. The relationship issues and emotional stability has the potential to impact unborn child. Further, Dominique requires to be safeguarded from Billy as per Children Act 1989 (The Children Act, 1989). By considering the past life event of Dominique, this can be said that it is important to undertake enquiry and accordingly safe and secure care should be provided to Mother and child. This adheres with Section 47 and therefore, this was considered while making care plan (Briggs, 2020). One of the important actions was aligned with undertaking consistent monitoring of Dominique so that risk related to harm could be identified and consequently, actions could be taken.

In current case context, assessment articulating about adopting Section 17; Dominique desire related to safe environment and engagement in midwifery services and parenting classes states that a safe and secure environment should be developed for her. Local authorities and social workers are accountable for safeguarding mother and unborn child (Bywaters et al, 2020). Thus, accordingly the care plan was implemented and goals related to providing parental classes and emotional support was implemented (Care Planning Process, 2024). Furthermore, I have prioritised safe living condition that must be free from violence within care plan. This action is adhering with section 17 as safeguarding of Dominique and child has been prioritised.

Critical analysis of Models of Intervention

The assessment used strength-based approach via acknowledging varied protective factors within Dominique’s life. The foster cares, Meena Khan consistently supported Dominique and she has often built emotional interaction with her. Dominique desires related to parental training and education highlighting about her potential and this shows that she wants to become a better mother who can provide stable life to child (Firmin, 2020). Strength-based model focuses on assessing individual strengths and accordingly, actions are taken for promoting well-being of individuals. In similar manner, strengths of Dominique were prioritised and her desire was considered in care plan. This model complies with person-centred care and this enabled me to understand the needs and requirements of Dominique and her unborn child and consequently, evidence-based actions were taken (Care Planning Process, 2024) However, on the other note strength-based approach comprised with certain limitations; the weakness of individual has been ignored in this model that might develop potential barrier in achieving goals (Forslund et al, 2022). Therefore, I have emphasised on weakness of Dominique, as per Meena, Dominique gets influenced from Billy and based on the past information this can be said that there is threat to unborn child and therefore, monthly mental health check-ups and consistent monitoring of Dominique will be done.

The Ecological System theory focuses on the interaction exist between individual factor and broader social environment. This theory led to develop significant insights related to Dominique’s situation and her struggles that impacted Dominique’s well-being (Toros, 2021). The Mother has been in trauma for so long and often she thinks that she needs to keep distance from Zayn for protecting him and child as Billy can harm them. This shows that how past experience impacted Dominique. The children development is impacted due to different environmental factors and by adopting holistic approach I have prioritised the safety of Dominique as it is important for protecting both mother and unborn child. Based on the analysis this can be said that, Dominique faced personal and cultural issues as well due to different ethnicity that highlight about systematic barriers and this has further influenced emotional well-being of Dominique.

Voice of Child

During care plan assessment, it is important to assure that voice of child has been considered. However, in current case context, the child is unborn and therefore, my accountability related to safeguarding mother and child increased to greater extent. Dominique expressed her desire for secure, stable and nurtured environment. The Children Act 1989 focuses on listening and considering children views along with prioritising Dominique’ statement related to becoming a good mother (Hodgson, 2024). As per the Children Welfare Checklist of Children Act 1989, it is important for social services and courts to emphasise on feelings of children. However, in current case I have prioritised the feelings of Dominique as she was concerned about child. My motive is to discuss about future prospects of Dominique so I can ensure better environment for child as well. As per section 47 Children Act 1989, voice of mother can be considered as child is unborn and accordingly, feelings and wishes must be prioritised (The Children Act, 1989). The Child Protection Process focuses on considering mother needs when child is not born. Therefore, I have prioritised the feelings and desires of Dominique.

Contemporary social issues

From the case, it has been identified that Dominique experiences systematic inequalities as she belongs from British Pakistani ethnicity. Furthermore, poverty, discrimination and all of these factors are increasing the risk related to marginalisation for Dominique. Poverty can impact the child development procedure and disparities can results in lack of access towards quality healthcare services (Firmin, 2020). These are considered as social determinants of health which are contributing in developing significant issues for Dominique and her child. Research have shown that when mothers face poverty and discrimination related complexities then, this lead to impact their parental capabilities. Therefore, it was important for me to adopt an anti-oppressive practice framework. This approach emphasise on the oppression exists in society and focuses on mitigating these oppressions with the aim of promoting equality (Care Planning Process, 2024). I have coordinated with local authority, child care services and midwifery services for providing quality care to Dominique.

The reason behind this approach was to mitigate the barriers faced by Dominique, I have taken the responsibility of consistently monitoring Dominique so I can become able to know about her health status. Desire of Dominique related to parenting classes was considered and accordingly, this was included in the care plan (Davis, 2022). Training will be provided to them and this results in enhancing her self-efficacy to greater extent and further improves her care towards child. Thus, it can be said that social barriers can create negative impact on Dominique. However, Children Act 1989 emphasise on reducing discrimination with children and therefore, quality services were encouraged for Dominique as this ultimately results in ensuring equality to child and further reduces discrimination (The Children Act, 1989). Furthermore, financial support will be provided to Dominique via children services and social services and this resolve complexities related to poverty.

Influence of trauma

Trauma can impact an individual in drastic manner, stigma associated with it adversely influences mental health and same aspect witnessed in Dominique’s case (Bekaert et al, 2021). From the research it has been identified that childhood trauma creates long-lasting impact on mental health of an individual and impacts their relationship status as well. Furthermore, it has potential to drastically impacting parental capacities. Dominique had childhood trauma and she further suffered from abusive relationship. This is significantly articulating about emotional dysregulation and attachment issues that might negatively impact Dominique’s relation with child. When mother experiences stress due to trauma are more likely to have underweight infants. The mental health status of the mother should be stable so no harm can be developed towards child. Thus, this clearly shows that it is highly important to focus on trauma of Dominique so that her stress can be managed and consequently, her emotional intelligence can be enhanced. Therefore, I have mentioned about this domain in care plan, focus has been emphasised on enhancing resilience capabilities in Dominique and mental health check-up supports in assessing mental health status of Dominique.

Thus, by incorporating trauma-informed practices, I have framed the intervention, understanding related to past and present behaviour of Dominique was developed and accordingly, her mental health status was assessed (Forslund et al, 2022). Furthermore, in case of emergency immediate referral from metal health services and counsellor will be taken that supports in tackling the situation. The core aim associate with empowering Dominique through providing parental training and consistent support. Timely check-ups help in assessing about health status of Dominique and accordingly, an evidence-based decision would be taken.

Parenting capacity and collaborative work

From the assessment I have analysed that Dominique wants to be a good mother, own role as a social worker comprised with analysing and assessing her parenting capacity. I have focused on different provinces related providing care, assuring safety and emotional resilience for witnessing the strengths and weaknesses of Dominique so that I can shape her parenting journey. The Parent Support Workers are approached who can provide counselling related to good parenting techniques to Dominique. This action is specifically taken by considering the desire of Dominique along with looking upon the betterment of child. The collaboration with professionals such as midwifery, parent support workers, childcare and social services a coordinated care plan was made that aims to enhance Dominique’s parenting capacity along with maintaining child safety (Care Planning Process, 2024). By undertaking regular check-ups within enduring emotional support, my motive is to enhance Dominique self-esteem and emotional intelligence so she can build a secure attachment with her child. I will focus on undertaking consistent monitoring of Dominique so she does not face any kind of abuse or harm, I will collaborate with local authorities and accordingly, Dominique would be safeguarded.

Based on the above reflective commentary, I can say that I have taken decision by adhering with The Children Act 1989 [Particularly, Section 17 and Section 47]. The decision aligned with developing a safe and secure environment for Dominique along with consistently focusing on her overall health (The Children Act, 1989). Parenting training will be organised for Dominique so she can learn about good parenting practices. This results in developing a secure attachment between mother and child and subsequently, protection would be assured to both Dominique and her child. Hence, it can be said that all the important elements have been considered while undertaking Dominique case assessment and implementing care plan.

Conclusion

Conclusively; this can be said that present reflective commentary emphasising on complex nature child protection. Particularly, in case of single mother like Dominique, her past traumas and relationship dynamics impacting her overall well-being. It is important to consider relevant legislation for taking significant decision and I have done the same thing. Children Act 1989 was considered throughout decision making process by adhering with relevant sections. (The Children Act, 1989). Accordingly, a multi-faceted care plan implemented that targeting Dominique needs and consequently, safe and secure environment prioritised in care plan along with ensuring consistent support to her. I will use this knowledge in future while dealing with such kind of cases. I have become able to know that it is highly important to understand the past experiences of mother as this has potential to impact child during pregnancy.

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References

Books and Journals

Bekaert, S., Paavilainen, E., Schecke, H., Baldacchino, A., Jouet, E., Zabłocka–Żytka, L., Bachi, B., Bartoli, F., Carrà, G., Cioni, R.M. and Crocamo, C., 2021. Family members’ perspectives of child protection services, a metasynthesis of the literature. Children and Youth Services Review, 128, p.106094.

Briggs, F., 2020. Child protection: A guide for teachers and child care professionals. Routledge.

Bywaters, P., Scourfield, J., Jones, C., Sparks, T., Elliott, M., Hooper, J., McCartan, C., Shapira, M., Bunting, L. and Daniel, B., 2020. Child welfare inequalities in the four nations of the UK. Journal of Social Work, 20(2), pp.193-215.

Davis, J., 2022. Adultification bias within child protection and safeguarding. HM Inspectorate of Probation.

Firmin, C., 2020. Contextual safeguarding and child protection: Rewriting the rules. Routledge.

Firmin, C., 2020. Contextual safeguarding and child protection: Rewriting the rules. Routledge.

Forslund, T., Granqvist, P., van IJzendoorn, M.H., Sagi-Schwartz, A., Glaser, D., Steele, M., Hammarlund, M., Schuengel, C., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M.J., Steele, H. and Shaver, P.R., 2022. Attachment goes to court: Child protection and custody issues. Attachment & Human Development, 24(1), pp.1-52.

Hodgson, J., 2024. Institutionalised violence and child imprisonment in England and Wales: a case for abolition. Justice, Power and Resistance, 7(1), pp.21-38.

Toros, K., 2021. Children’s participation in decision making from child welfare workers’ perspectives: A systematic review. Research on Social Work Practice, 31(4), pp.367-374.

Online

Care Planning Process, 2024. Online. Available through: < https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-act-1989-care-planning-placement-and-case-review>

The Children Act, 1989. Online. Available through: < https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents >