LMSW Practice Test

If a foster mother caring for two special needs children becomes abnormally tired and her doctor suggests a vacation, what should the social worker do?

1. Find a new home for the children as the foster mother's health is failing

2. Recognize the foster mother's need for a vacation and make temporary arrangements for the care of the children

3. Suggest that the special foster care board can be used for babysitting relief

4. Try to find out if there is another way to deal with the mother's exhaustion

The correct answer is: Find a new home for the children as the foster mother's health is failing

The most suitable response is to recognize the foster mother's need for a vacation and make temporary arrangements for the care of the children. This choice emphasizes the importance of supporting the foster mother’s well-being. Foster parents often face immense responsibilities, particularly when caring for children with special needs, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Encouraging the mother to take a break allows her to recharge, which is vital for her own health and her ability to provide care. By arranging for temporary care for the children, the social worker balances the needs of the foster mother with the ongoing commitment to keeping the children in a stable environment. This approach prioritizes the mental and physical health of the caregiver while ensuring that the children continue to receive the care they need in a safe setting. Finding a new home for the children would disrupt their stability, which is not in their best interest, especially considering the attachment they likely have formed with the foster mother. Suggesting the use of the special foster care board for babysitting relief could also be an effective solution but does not take immediate action to address the foster mother’s fatigue. Exploring alternative methods to deal with the mother's exhaustion, while important, may not be sufficient if her health is already being negatively impacted. Therefore,