Case Study

 Klaus is four years old. He has been brought to your house at very short notice by social services after his mother was arrested and taken into police custody. The child is likely to be staying with you for several months. The child has an aunt who lives in Germany, but no other relatives. The social worker has mentioned that the mother’s boyfriend is aggravated at the child being taken into care, and wants to maintain regular contact. It is assumed that he and Klaus’ mother are in a long-term relationship, that he wants to continue having contact with Klaus, and that he will resume his role as a father figure if Klaus is returned to the family upon his mother’s release. The social workers have been trying to establish contact with the child’s aunt but cannot find current contact details for her. They have been told by the boyfriend that she and Klaus’ mother have been estranged for two years, and that they have not had contact in that time. Klaus has never met his aunt and apparently does not know that she exists. The social worker has only been able to provide two sets of clothes and a toy train that Klaus is very attached to. Klaus is distressed. He speaks limited English and has asked repeatedly for his mother and father.

1. What strategies would you expect to put in place to support the child to develop a strong attachment with you?
2. What other procedures would you apply 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.