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Introduction

Social Science and professional Practice Human Growth and Development. In this assignment I will explore psychological theories and how they assist in social work to better understand and work positively with clients. In accordance with the GSCC codes of practice, (2.3) pseudonym names have been used to protect the identity of the family. Robert describes his upbringing being very happy and largely contributory to him developing into a well-adjusted responsible young man. Howe (1995) believes when viewing parent-child interactions, the quality of this relationship can assist in determining the 'level of social competence and developmental pathway through life. Robert reports he was raised feeling loved, secure and trusting of his mother throughout his childhood. As Robert is hoping to become a relative carer for his siblings Camilla and Daley, it is important to acknowledge the grief they may all experience from being separated from their mother. Separation and loss can be seen in the simplest form of '...young children who are separated from their prime caregiver' (Bowlby 1973, p56). ...read more.

Middle

Parents who are unable to do so risk endorsing anxious and ambivalent attachments with their children (Main, 1991). According to Bowlby & Robertson (1973) Camilla and Daley are likely to be at the 'detachment phase' given they have been in the care of the Local Authority for nearly a year and could be experiencing feelings of separation. They are equally reported to have settled in well with their respective foster carers although both frequently express their wishes to be reunited with their family and display a strong attachment to Robert during supervised contact sessions. However, should they be placed in the care of Robert they are more likely to be at fifth sequence of grieving according to Fahlberg (1991, p141) who suggests they would experience '...adjustment, reorganisation and resolution' should their placement with their older brother be successful. Whilst recognising Robert as an adult, at 18 years old it is important to identify what this means in term of him becoming a relative carer for Camilla and Daley. ...read more.

Conclusion

with their mother during supervised contact, this must be recognised and support given for Robert to manage appropriately. It is salient to acknowledge Camilla and Daley may feel responsible for being removed from their mothers care and in order for them to feel secure with Robert, would require additional reassurance and support for them to '...make sense of their experiences' as suggested in Daniel et al (1999, p77). Attachment theory provides a valuable model in understanding relationships of families in need and promoting new and healthy attachments (Daniel et al 1999). Through this assignment I have explored several theories to assist my understanding of psychological perspectives, and how they are applied in social work in assessing the role of a relative male carer for the purpose of this case study. However as Local Authority's aim to place children with their families whenever possible, there would appear to be more theories relating to the attachment children have with their parents than with siblings who they already have a positive attachment who wish to pursue the role of a relative carer. ...read more.

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