beginning and contracting phase

Question 1

name some assumptions about this phase

Answer 1

• clients will be cautious
• structure creates freedom
• worker addresses questions early to develop a structure (contract)

Question 2

first question on the client’s mind during this phase?

Answer 2

“who is this worker?” and “what is this going to be about?”

Question 3

list some contracting skills

Answer 3

• clarifying worker’s role and purpose
• reaching for client feedback
• identifying common ground
• dealing with issues of authority
• supporting client in taboo areas

Question 4

first contracting skill - clarifying purpose

Answer 4

simple statement describing the general purpose of the session & services of the agency (examples of issues the client may experience)

Question 5

second contracting skill - clarifying role

Answer 5

simple statement of the way the worker can help (reflect general function of the social worker)

Question 6

third contracting skill - reaching for feedback

Answer 6

an effort to determine client’s perception of their needs (“handles for work”)

Question 7

fourth contracting skill - working contract

Answer 7

common ground between services (worker) and needs expressed by client

Question 8

fifth contracting skill - partializing the client’s concerns

Answer 8

helps to break large problems into manageable parts (clients are often overwhelmed)

Question 9

sixth contracting skill - supporting clients in taboo areas

Answer 9

clients may be reluctant to talk about taboo issues (sex, death, dependency, money, etc)

Question 10

seventh contracting skill - dealing w issues of authority

Answer 10

1. clarification of mutual expectations
2. issues related to confidentiality
3. mandatory reporter explanation (duty to report)

Question 11

research on contracting

Answer 11

• client feedback is associated with worker’s helpfulness
• scale predicting trust :
  1. purpose and role
  2. client feedback
  3. clients concerns
  4. supporting taboo areas

Question 12

client assessment tool criteria

Answer 12

• information gained helps worker & client
• client is aware of reason for tool & consented
• tool does not interfere with contracting and engaging process of beginning phase
  -tool is critical to work

Question 13

diversity issues

Answer 13

intercultural issues (race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, etc)

intracultural issues (working with someone who is similar to you - “special relationship” request)

Question 14

culturally diverse practice

Answer 14

• Lum : The Mexican American Example

mexican americans value family as source of identity and support (extends to extended family. godparents)

• Lum : African American example
• flexible family roles, commitment to religious values and church participation, orientation to work to support the family

Question 15

ethical and legal considerations

Answer 15

• informed consent
• confidentiality/privileged communications
• exceptions