HLTHIR404D - Scenario: Debra - Smells Of Alcohol

[magic_dudu]

Hi everyone,
I am hoping to receive some assistance on the below case study:
Case Study:Debra is a young Aboriginal mother and she has brought her 4 year old child (Max) to the education and care service where you work. Debra is greeted by the room leader (Julia), who notices that Debra smells strongly of alcohol. The room leader begins to tell Debra about the dangers of alcohol abuse and points out the impact it can have on her child. Julia then gives Debra several forms to fill out for an upcoming excursion, and asks her if she needs any help in completing them. Debra looks somewhat lost, but she sits down and begins going over the forms. Julia then speaks to Max and tells him he will be staying here to play for the day. Max doesn’t seem to mind at all and is eager to play with the other children. Once Max has gone, Debra gives the forms to Julia and says she will be back later to finish them – when she picks up Max. Julia seems frustrated, and accepts the paperwork, reminding Debra that the service closes at 5.30pm.
closes at 5.30pm.
Complete the following:
1. What are the inappropriate or ineffective communication practices happening in this case study?
2. Suggest how Julia may have communicated differently with Debra.
3. Outline how you will provide for Max’s education and care, what considerations will you take into account?
4. What steps would you take to provide Debra with the support that she needs and what resources would you use?
My answers:
1. It is inappropriate to discuss Debra's drinking problem and tell her what to do. Julia is not a counsellor, therefore she does not have the qualifications to do so. It sounds like Julia is being condescending and lecturing and assuming without proof.
2. It would have been better to ask Debra if she had been drinking and see what she says. For example, it could be that someone has spilt something on her accidently. When a parent arrives intoxicated, it is I believed that a form of abuse to be anecdoted and reported to the centre's supervisor. As the child was staying in care, I would be concerned about how the parent was when she came to collect. Debra will need a plan and back up if she believed the parent was intoxicated when she arrived later in the day.
3. I don't quite understand this question.
4. First of all, it is better for Julia to have some further assistance and coach on how to tackle scenarios like this, it would be more beneficial and efficient for future. Alcohol and Aborigines is a really complex issue an educator at a child care centre would need to be very careful about handling.
This is a really tough one, any suggestion on the above answers would be appreciated! Thanks a lot.

Warm Regards,
Melody

[Lorina]

It seems like you're on the right track with your response. You may also want to add that it's not the time for Debra to sit and fill out excursion forms. She could do that at a later time.

As far and providing for Max read the following, it should be able to give you some ideas:

Parent Alcohol Misuse

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina