CASE STUDY
You are a Homeless Outreach Support worker for TeamHealth Aboriginal Corporation, working with the Homelessness Outreach Support (HOS) Program that supports those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and their families in your local area.
Your primary objective is to assist clients to access mainstream agencies to secure or maintain stable accommodation. Another key focus of your work is the positive engagement during outreach with those who are homeless.
You have been allocated a family that consists of a mother (Alira), son (Jarrah), and daughter (Yindi). The mother has been a victim of domestic violence from her partner for the last five years and she is reluctant to discuss this due to stigma and shame. Alira has now left her partner and is seeking help through TeamHealth Homeless Outreach Support Program. Alira presents as highly anxious and tells you that she has trouble sleeping and has recurring nightmares. Kirra has left her partner in hope to keep her children safe but is very scared that they may be taken off her. Yindi (12yrs old) has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and does not seem to be coping well. Jarrah is unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings and is constantly fidgeting. He is anable to concentrate on tasks, has excessive physical movement, excessive talking, interrupts constantly and acts without thinking. Alira said that she thinks her son has ADHD.
All three family members look tired and undernourished
This research assignment is in three parts ( brief explanation)
Part 1 – Read the case study and outline the following.
How does Colonisation impact Indigenous Australians (including the Stolen Generation)?
Why is it important to understand Indigenous Australian culture when working with consumers?
What are the risk and protective factors for Aboriginal mental health?
Part 2 – Research
Apply critical thinking and judgement in identifying appropriate help and supports suitable for Alira, Yindi and Jarrah’s needs.
Name the supports and interventions that you will use and explain your choices.
Part 3 – Critical Reflection
It has now been three weeks since you first met your clients.
Critically reflect and evaluate on the decisions that you have made including the organisation/s and resources you chose to support your clients’ needs