Discussion 4: Aspect of your client’s culture

iscuss one aspect of your client’s culture that you think has had an impact on your case:Mrs. Harjo and Tony: Mrs. Harjo is 65 year old female who identifies as Latina. She lives in Globe, Arizona, and subsists on Supplemental Security Income, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps), and her garden. Mrs. Harjo has been living alone since the death of her husband five years ago. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and visits her hometown in Mexico for Semana Santa every other year.

A paternal grandson, Tony (age 13), recently moved in with Mrs. Harjo following his mother’s death from acute alcohol poisoning. Tony’s biological father is serving five years in county jail on a third conviction. Tony’s biological parents were never married, and his mother did not obtain a legal divorce from her first husband. When Tony was born, the hospital registrar listed the first husband as the legal father on his birth certificate. Trying to do the right thing, Mrs. Harjo went to Tony’s school to give notice of a change of address and to put her name on file as guardian and emergency contact. School officials pointed out that Tony was not legally related to Mrs. Harjo, and that therefore she had no authority to authorize medical care, or to enroll Tony in school.

The principal referred Mrs. Harjo to an attorney, where she appealed for help in getting Tony’s paternity corrected. The attorney advised that the biological father adopt Tony in order to change the legal parent, but refused to take the case because Tony’s father was incarcerated, and the likelihood of an adoption by an incarcerated parent was too low. Moreover, the whereabouts of the legal father are unknown, and thus no relinquishment can be secured. (Garcia, Bain, Avera, Armenta, 2005)

Tony’s grades have dipped to a C average (he typically earns A’s and B’s) since the death of his mother. He is on the freshman baseball team, and cites this as one of his favorite activities, but will be barred from playing should his grades continue to decline. Tony has no specific academic interests but wants to remain eligible to play baseball. Teachers report that Tony has always been quiet, but has had difficulty concentrating in school since his mother’s’ death two months ago.

Social justice, Diversity, and Poverty Discussion Board (15 points): This discussion board relates to this week’s learning objective: Deconstruct the features of poverty, Analyze social justice, and Evaluate the social construction of identity and cultural competence. The purpose of this discussion board is for you to assess the intersection of how your client’s culture, civil rights, Socioeconomic Status influence their case. Additionally, you will learn how to reflect on their own values, opinions, and perspectives and how it can impact their client’s case. You will do this by reading the case study and providing a thoughtful response that includes critical thinking. You will be expected to apply course concepts to your client’s case.

Directions: Create a new thread and in the subject line have your name and the title. Posts should be no less than 300 words and no more than 500 words. You need to address the following questions in your response:

1. Discuss one aspect of your client’s culture that you think has had an impact on your case. What made you select this particular aspect? How does this aspect impact your client?

2. Do you think that poverty is a presenting concern for your client? What makes you think this?

3. In what ways would a social worker be able to advocate for your client’s civil rights/social justice? How would that help your client?

4. What is one question that you have about your case study/client and its relation to this week’s module material?

5. Do you see any similarities/difference between yourself and your case study client? Why might it be important to be aware of our similarities and differences in social work? How does your own life experience shape your opinion about this case?

6. Please ensure that you respond to at least one peer in addition to your own post! Peer responses are expected to be a minimum of 100 words. Be sure to include critical thinking and thoughtful feedback in your response to ensure you earn the full amount of points in your post.

Discussion 4: Aspect of your client’s culture