Elders & Abuse Discussion

Discussion Taken from Chapter 16 – Case Study 16.1 & 16.2

Imagine you are the APS social worker called to help Helen Noble, from Case Study 16.1. What would be the first thing you do upon receiving the referral from the police? 

What type of assessment instruments, if any would you use?

What is your opinion as to the action taken by John Benisch, the community service director in the Case Study 16.2 (Pyatt)?

What is your opinion of the social work actions? 

What would you have done differently, if anything? 

Is it possible that the person labeled as a social worker was not really trained as a social work professional? (see supplemental article regarding APS turnover) The health department, criminal justice system, and APS are involved. Is anyone else likely to be involved in this situation? Who else should be called in to the assessment and/or intervention process for Mrs. Pyatt?