This essay is based on the critical systems theory and discusses its applicability to analyse the case study regarding Lennie; then, it identifies the key issues of the case by this theory and discusses its strength and limitations; also, the conflicts of interest by different stakeholders; finally, it provides a brief plan for social work to proceed the client.
According to the case, critical ecological systems theory is applicable as the theoretical framework to the case of Lennie. Critical ecological systems theory believes that relationships between person and environment are interactive, reciprocal and mutually-adaptive; also, personal actions are with purposes and personal problems are happening in the life process. Therefore, individual…show more content… It is similar to two research conducted by Hong, Espelage, & Kral (2011) and Marzano et al. (2011), which emphasises that maladaptive behaviours to the environment are more likely caused by the factors in micro-system. It is clear for us to knowledge that our client was placed in a prison for a 17-year custodial sentence at 18-year old, and this environment makes many his aspects worse. This situation could be explained that the prison, as an important factor in micro-system, makes vital influences on the client so that problems and difficulties occur when the client cannot adapt well into this new setting. That is corresponding to critical ecological systems theory as interactions between person and environment. Furthermore, critical ecological systems theory takes personal conditions into account as well (Coady & Lehmann eds. 2008 pp. 98-111). In this case, our client is facing serious health problem but also mental, behavioural, emotional and socializing difficulties and problems. This condition could also be counted as an obstacle to achieve positive…show more content… According to the condition of the client, the primary need is to ensure his all aspects of health are going well because that is the basic and fundamental factor to establish a proper relation with the environment in such way that the occurrence of positive interactions becomes possible. That is also in accordance with critical ecological systems theory. Therefore, the crisis intervention model (Coady & Lehmann eds. 2008 p. 249-271) fits the current and primary needs of the client, so this theory is selected as the base to guide the intervention. The service purpose is to deal well with client’s physical, mental and behavioural crisis, help Lennie rationally analyses the fronting problems so that he can positively face these problems and figure out the solving solution, and achieve personal development and adopt rational life-style. The service objectives are as follows. Stage one, because our client’s special condition, crisis assessment (O’Hara & Pockett 2011, pp. 102-116) should be conducted to understand the severity of the crisis such as Lennie’s diabetes condition, suspicion of major depression and suicidal signals. For this special needs, a social worker might
