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Systems Theory

In: Social Issues

Submitted By sop1020
Words 642
Pages 3
Summary of Practice Intervention
(300 words)

Introduction
After directly working with the family for a period of six weeks, the relationship between the mother (Mrs J) and the other three children (HD, HD, HD) it would appear that a systems based approach maybe most appropriate. The family unit (to include the father – Mr D) can be seen as a system, and to gain an insight into the working pieces of the system, I must try and understand the dynamics and how the individuals interacts with it. Systems theory is based principally on the basis that no individual is isolated. The family interactions, (to include professional interventions) represent a system (or web) around the individuals. In the family environment, the decision taken by one of the family member (i.e. the Mrs J or Mr D) can directly affect the options available for the other members. It is also important to acknowledge that the family are also reliant upon other exosystems (such as Children Services, health and education) to influence and support the children within it (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). The internal and external system can be complex and overlapping, “systems theory concentrates on the relationship between the parts rather than parts in isolation” (Social Care Institute for Excellence, 2004, p.18).

Why use systems theory?
Within this particular case it would be easy to focus upon the individuals within it and neglect the external influences assisting them. However such a stance would only have a partial success as the internal issues within the family are manipulated by external influences. Although addressing the initial referral (PPD1) regarding violence as a standalone issue may be have some relevance, looking at the wider influencing factors effecting the whole family would prove more successful. For example as both father (Mr D) and the mother (Mrs J) originate from Iran, the

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