LMSW Practice Test

What approach should a social worker use when developing a relationship and case plan with a Black adolescent involved in a violent gang?

1. An ecological systems approach

2. A focus on "staying out of trouble" as a primary goal

3. A strict behavioral approach

4. An individual-focused approach

The correct answer is: An ecological systems approach

Utilizing an ecological systems approach is essential when developing a relationship and case plan with a Black adolescent involved in a violent gang because this framework recognizes the multiple interconnected systems that influence an individual's behavior and experiences. This approach considers various factors, such as the adolescent's family dynamics, peer influences, community resources, and broader societal conditions. By understanding the complex interactions between these systems, the social worker can tailor interventions that address not only the individual’s immediate circumstances but also the environmental factors contributing to their involvement in gang activity. This approach allows the social worker to engage the adolescent in a more holistic manner, ensuring that interventions are culturally competent and relevant to their specific context. For example, fostering connections with family and community resources can provide support and alternatives to violent gang involvement, while also promoting resilience and empowerment within the adolescent. Other approaches, while they might have specific merits, do not encompass the wider relational and structural influences that the ecological systems approach effectively addresses. Focusing solely on "staying out of trouble," employing a strict behavioral approach, or using an individual-focused strategy may overlook important environmental factors and broader issues that are critical to understanding and assisting the adolescent in achieving long-term change.