Assessment Techniques

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- Describe two potential assessment techniques and/or tools that might be used for the Yellowbird family case. Compare the major similarities and differences between the techniques and/or tools.

Family System interventions operate from the perspective that the pathology of family members is the result of dysfunctional family systems. For instance, conflicts arise as family members try to meet the needs of the person. The Yellow bird family is dealing with the stress of working with a delinquent youth whose behavior is affecting the entire family. A potential assessment technique that can be utilized in this particular case is proposed by Kagan, Reid, Roberts, & Silverman-Pollow, 1987). The following two intervention models are suggested:

(1) Court-Related Youth Service

Kagan et al (1987) propose a court-related youth Service (CRY) that is designed to provide family court judges with an effective alternative to institutional placement. This intervention is used in cases where a youth could not remain a home, and thus may be appropriate for the Yellowbird Family as the parents do not wish to have Jason at home. The intervention program is faced on the family's ability to engage in family counseling and deal with current stresses. According to Kagan et al (1987), the primary assessment takes place with the youth with family distanced from the assessment and treatment process. The intervention program is based on home-based counseling in which the youth would stay in a specially arranged home for a 30-day period. However, according to Kagan et al, unlike other home-based counseling programs, the CYR program operates by: (a) providing outreach family counseling as well as crisis-centered, (2) accepting referrals by family court judges concerning families who assist on placement for the child, (3) permitting cases where diligent efforts are required to reunite a child in foster care with a family, (4)intervening in cases of abuse and neglect, and (5) preparing for youth who will likely need a home in the future (367).

(2) The Circumplex Model

The Circumplex Model (CM) is a multi-dimensional self-report assessment that can be used to assess couples and/or families. In terms of family assessment, the model measures three dimensions: (a) cohesion, (b) adaptability and(c) communication. It also includes a satisfaction dimension, which focuses on each person's satisfaction within various aspects of the family system. CMl is comprised of three concepts. Cohesion is the emotional ...