Evaluating Decision-Making and Relationship Competence when
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

Family Members:
Client (Mother) – Grace (age 36)
Father – Joseph (age 43)
Child – Samuel (age 4)                           

CASE VIGNETTE

You are a social worker in a family service counselling department. Grace was getting support from a settlement agency for immigration sponsorship of her parents and other family members and was referred to counselling to help with stress and integration of the immediate family. The family emigrated from the Nigeria two years ago in hopes of starting a new life in Canada. There are no supports for the family in Canada. Grace is concerned about her four-year-old son Samuel’s aggressive behaviours with other children at his preschool including screaming, hitting, and grabbing toys from other children. In the last session, Grace indicated she uses physical discipline at home. For Grace, it is important Samuel is obedient as this will help him have a good future in Canada. You have reviewed a few alternative discipline methods with Grace.

This is your third session with the client. 
You have already explained your role and the limits to confidentiality.

 Read the vignette in the allotted time. You are welcome to take this sheet into the OSCE, but please leave it unmarked and on the chair for the next participant.