The Herman Case

Social workers have several responsibilities. They have to provide service, justice, and dignity to a client. They have to possess integrity, competence, and patience. Social workers need to possess knowledge of human rights, and how to perform scientific inquiry. Social workers occasionally have cases in which problems ensue and a solution is not found within a certain time frame. Social workers must be able to act on an issue quickly and effectively. Situations can vary depending on the case, the client, and the persons involved in the case.
Herman was an elderly World War II veteran. He resided in a poor neighborhood, surrounded by different dangers: attempted break-ins, armed attempted break-ins, and other suspicious activity. There was proof of dangerous activity with what appeared to be bullet holes on his door. Due to his feeling of unsafety, Herman acted on his Second Amendment

The social worker did not handle the case correctly or completely. Herman obviously had some social issues, and showed signs of psychological problems. No action was taken on account of those possible problems. No supervision or consultation was exercised in this case, even though the social worker did not know precisely what should have been done. Though the senior center director seemed to care more about her job than about Herman, she was simply following protocol that comes with her occupation. The aide did her job, addressed a possible issue to her administrator, and followed rules set by that administrator. Herman suffered the most. He was lonely, sad, and felt unsafe. He was a war veteran and an elderly man. Although not positive, he could have had PTSD and depression, which could have been evaluated and assessed if it had been acted upon. His suicide is what determined this a failed case on the end of the social worker and her inability to receive help or assess a possible