LMSW Practice Test

What should a social worker do when a withdrawn child in a residential treatment setting, who had made progress with play therapy, now seems disinterested?

1. Continue with the treatment plan as though nothing has changed

2. Evaluate the treatment situation in supervision

3. Seek a psychiatric evaluation

4. Transfer the case to a more experienced worker

The correct answer is: Continue with the treatment plan as though nothing has changed

In this scenario, the correct action for the social worker is to evaluate the treatment situation in supervision. When a child who has previously shown progress suddenly becomes disinterested, it signals a need for reassessment. Supervision provides a vital space for the social worker to discuss these changes with colleagues or supervisors. This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of insights, seeking additional guidance, and potentially adjusting the treatment plan based on the child's current needs. Continuing with the treatment plan as if nothing has changed can ignore the child's feelings and potentially hinder their progress. Seeking a psychiatric evaluation may be appropriate if there's concern for underlying mental health issues, but a thorough evaluation in supervision is usually a more immediate step to understand the situation before making such referrals. Transferring the case could disrupt the rapport built, which is especially important in working with children. Thus, the most professional and supportive action in this context is to address the situation through supervision to collaboratively find a way to support the child’s needs during this setback.