Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Your Assignment Module Number and Heading: CHCCHILD401B
Your Assignment Type: Case Scenario
Currently Working in Childcare? Yes
Your knowledge: Basic Knowledge

Your Question?
QUESTION: SUGGEST HOW THE SERVICE COULD SUPPORT JENNY IN HER PARENTING ROLE?
BILLYS SCENARIO (2.9) has been attending your service two days per week for the last three months. Billy lives with his mother (Jenny) and her partner Lance, the father of two-month-old Mia. The family lives in a rented two-bedroom unit on the third floor of a block of flats. The flats are one of a series of dwellings situated near a busy road. There are no fenced play areas for children and there is limited access to public transport. Jenny, who has been unwell since the birth of Mia, spends most of her time at home trying to rest. Mia has not settled into a routine and is difficult to feed. Lance is currently unemployed but does work as a labourer when work is available.
Billy is an extremely active child, who tends to be loud and impulsive. He has poor language skills and his speech is difficult to understand. When Billy is not able to make himself understood he becomes physically aggressive. He has poor social skills and does not relate well to the other children, who often refer to Billy as being “naughty”.
Recently you have noticed that Billy has become sullen and withdrawn. He is easily upset and cannot tolerate other children playing near him. Billy is thin and has sallow skin. He often has a runny nose. Yesterday you noticed that Billy had three elongated bruises on his upper back. Two of bruises were red/purple in colour and the third was yellowish brown. You asked Lance, who usually collects Billy, about the bruises and he became annoyed and said that Billy was “always crashing into things”. He then grabbed Billy by the arm and dragged him out the door without saying good-bye.

What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
I AM REALLY REALLY STUCK ON THIS ONE, I DO NOT KNOW HOW I COULD SUPPORT JENNY. MAYBE I WOULD CHAT WITH HER, ASK HER HOW SHE IS, HOW IS SHE COPING WITH THE BABY, DOES SHE HAVE ANY SUPPORT, CAN WE GUIDE HER WITH ANY SUPPORT IF SHE WANTS IT?

PLEASE HELP!!

Description and Message:
I WOULD BE REALLY GRATEFUL FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS / HELP ON THE ABOVE QUESTION, THANKS SOOO MUCH!

I'm sure this question has been done before but can't find it ... anyway

Ok so you would chat to Jenny? Good....about what though? She is clearly not coping so you need to be prepared to give her options to help her....what would you suggest would help her situation?
What about the bruising on Billy? would you ignore that or what would you do?

Hope this helps a bit...if you answer the above then I can help you more

Thanks! Ok I would mention that billy has a lot of bruising on his chest and ask how they happened, I would also mention that he has had a runny nose and is looking a pale maybe he needs to visit his GP. Perhaps I would also mention that billy has become withdrawn and ask if she knew why and are their any problems at home?

As to her not coping, I would ask her what support she was getting from family and friends, maybe suggest a visit to her baby clinic nurse or GP for herself. Assure her it is ok to ask for help. Maybe suggest billy has a extra days care if she can afford it. Maybe I would talk to her about taking the baby and billy for a walk and a play at a park to get out of the house and get some exercise to energize her self and billy.

How's that! Thank you for helping xx

I probably would not approach the bruising issue off the bat!
I would start by mentioning how you have noticed Billy was withdrawn and not well. Ask if he has been to a doctor and suggest he may need to.
You could suggest Billy do some activities like swimming or something as he probably is not getting to run around much at home due to not many play areas for children. Also a mothers group may be helpful for Jenny...perhaps you can find some groups in the area that she could participate in, this would help her get out of the house & interact with other mothers and for Mia to socialise with other children.
As for the bruising you have to (even if you think there is abuse) report it. You may need to document and take pics of the bruises, show them to the Director and perhaps have a private meeting with Jenny to ask her about it.
If you suspect Billy and /or Jenny are being abused by Lance you will have to report it and you can suggest some support groups for Jenny who can help her.
Sounds like Jenny is depressed and needs a lot of help. You may want to as your Director to help you address this issue.
Let Jenny know that you are there to help and she can talk to you. It may be hard as usually if there is abuse she will try and cover it up or evade it.

Thank you so much, you have really been a big help ☺

no probs thats what we are here for