Case Study

You are having a meeting with a senior colleague and discussing your concerns about Paulie.  Paulie is 7 years old and lives with his mother Rebecca.  Rebecca has only recently moved to the area and from brief conversations you believe that she is trying to escape from an abusive relationship with Paulie’s father.  Paulie is very withdrawn and rarely talks.  He appears to wear the same clothes every day (although they do seem clean).  You believe that the family would benefit from partnership working but your colleague thinks it will create more problems than it will solve.

1. How would you explain the benefits of partnership working for Paulie and his mother to your colleague?
2. How would you explain the benefits of partnership working for yourself, your colleague and your setting?
3. What services might be useful to bring together in this case?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong.  Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately.  Ask them to challenge your response if necessary.  You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.