Comparative Case Analysis Assignment

Grading Criteria for this assignment-updated Dec 7th

In this assignment, you are to write a case study based on a clinical situation at the micro level, including assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment planning, incorporating at least two different intervention approaches, while keeping a systems/ecological perspective.   One of these approaches is to be the Task Centered approach (which you studied either in SW 8111 or in your undergraduate B.S.W. program, and which can be reviewed in Chapter 26 of the Turner reserve reading and also Chapter 11 of the text for this course); the other approach is your choice based on interest, but must be taken from among those in the textbook or those examined in class from sources outside the textbook. You may use supplementary material from other sources in developing your paper; all sources (either the textbook or outside readings) should be appropriately cited. You will provide an assessment, and potential intervention plan for a client from each of the perspectives chosen. The case study will include a written assessment, using the "Sample Format for an Assessment Report" found on p. 80 of the text.

You are to take the assigned case from the beginning contact and go through assessment, treatment/intervention and termination for each approach (the Task Centered approach and the one of your choosing), specifying sufficient detail in each phase so that the instructor can determine the extent to which you understand the application of each approach. This means describing the practice principles and procedures in assessment, treatment, and ending phases as they are advocated in each of the two theories. These principles and procedures can differ significantly between the Task Centered approach and others described in the course text or addressed during class lecture.  You will need to include a diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria, a treatment plan, and individual session case notes. 

You are being given wide latitude on how you apply your chosen approaches; however, you should include the following:

1. The first section of your paper will briefly describe the two practice approaches you are applying to the extent that a colleague unfamiliar with the approaches could understand how clients are worked with in applying these practice approaches. Do not just state what the approaches are and neglect to explain them. This section should be under the major heading of Description of the Two Approaches with subheadings for each of the two approaches.
   
   
2. Under the major heading of Presenting Case Problem, write a statement of the case problem(s) as described by the client and/or any referral source.
   
   
3. Under the subheading of Case Assessment describe the assessment process , and then complete the assessment using the format on p. 80 of the text. Include how you will set up and pace the goals for your client system, and how you will evaluate progress and movement from one goal to the next, as well as how you will determine termination.  (You may use a single-subject design or a whatever goal-setting/accomplishment model that you are familiar with.)
   
   
4. Under the subheading of Treatment/Intervention, describe this phase, first in a section titled Treatment/Intervention Task Centered, and then in a separate section titled Treatment/Intervention (Whatever approach you choose).   You do not need to give a dialogue process account of the intervention e.g. “she said, he said, I said” except where you think this is necessary for understanding how you applied the intervention approach used. Do, however, describe enough of your practice procedures (what you did and how the client responded) for a reader to understand what went on.

 

5. Under each separate model, describe the case ending under the subheading of Termination.

• Under the major heading of Comparison of the Two Approaches compare and contrast the significant similarities and differences, as you see them, between the two approaches as applied to your case. This section of your paper should be written with subheadings of Compare/Contrast Assessment, Compare/Contrast Treatment and Intervention, and Compare/Contrast Termination. In other words, how do the two approaches compare for assessment, treatment, and termination? Refer to specifics of each of the approaches. Include your evaluation of which approach is best-suited to the client system, and why you prefer that approach, if that is the case.