Spsarcs Intervention Model

SPARCS does not directly provide services to parents, however if foster families and youths are open to participating, the program model can be implemented with parental involvement as part of multifamily group therapy (CEBC, 2006). In a group, families can learn that they are not alone in their struggles and that alone can be very empowering. However, as foster-care youth children often have adverse or nonexistent relationships with their foster-parents, this may be difficult. Especially since placements can change at anytime. Therefore, it is important to realize the barriers associated with delivering services within the child welfare system. Communication with foster parents and agencies about possible future changes in placements need

Questionnaires are completed to assess for baseline symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors at the beginning, mid-point, and end of group. Anecdotal information and surveys play a large role in understanding what is and is not working with SPARCS. This information is gathered from students, parents/guardians, and school staff throughout SPARCS groups. Following up with caregivers and youths to see how they are functioning after the treatment intervention is also important. This can give providers a sense of how well youths retain the concepts of SPARCS. Clinicians can also provide resources that youths can utilize after the termination of intervention such as community mindfulness groups and other support groups. Continuing practice is important in order to maintain the skills learned in the group.

Diversity and Social Justice Issues

Social justice means all citizens are entitled to the same rights and services. However, children and adolescents are deeply underserved and often remain unseen. Four children die from maltreatment everyday, and neglect cases are on the rise. Often times, these are attributed to poverty. According to the 2005 census, 17.6% of children are living in poverty. The rate increases to 42% for children raised by single mothers (DeNavas-Walt, 2010). Policymakers and researchers have long recognized that low income families are substantially more likely to come in

The rising deaths and DCFS cases is a testament to the disservice our nation is doing to neglected and abused youths. Once kids are placed in the foster care system, they are often moved from one placement to another which may negatively impact all aspects of their lives that are critical to success in later life such as school, social relationships, and environmental/community influences. This constant separation and loss may lead youths to feel hopeless, and resent social interactions as they feel that social relationships are extremely fragile. This affects group treatment as individuals may drop-out of treatment due to a new placement, or decline to actively participate as they feel hopeless and feels distrustful of everything around them. When children and youths cannot trust their caregivers for reassurance, they have no where to turn but the public. Unfortunately, too often we as a nation also let them down. When they feel there is no where to turn, they shut down and isolate themselves. Not only does the distrust impact treatment, youths in foster care will continue to face substantial adversities upon aging out that may reinforce the idea that there is not safety and security in the world.

Social Worker’s Role

The primary role and responsibility of the clinical social worker in the group is the development and maintenance of a healthy functioning group. Clinical social workers operate as the group