Learning Log Narrative Example
NAME: Toppathuh Heap
DATE: 2/30/01
Content:
Today I met with SW regarding the homestudy we started on 11/27. I brought up
some inquiries I had regarding the family. SW suggested that I bring these
concerns to the family when we met with them this afternoon. Soon after the
interview with the family began, SW suggested I take the child (BB, 8 years old,
male) aside and discuss his thoughts and feelings about this adoption. BB and I
discussed video games to build rapport. BB showed me a picture of his sister in
Texas. BB states that he has never met his sister and does not talk to her. He
showed me decorations that he has put on the wall in anticipation of new children
coming to the home. BB states that his first choice is a brother and a sister,
second choice is two brothers, and he does not want two sisters. BB says he
has waited “two months” for a new brother and a sister. He says he was in 4
foster homes and will tell new children “it will be okay” if they are afraid at first.
BB states that race of new children does not matter. BB states, “I already have
one sister and she is black.” He says a new child with a disability is fine, as long
as the new child can still play. He says he would play video games with a new
child in a wheelchair when asked what games he would play. When asked if he
will pick on his new sister with his new brother, he says no. BB asked if he will
meet the new children on the first visit. I said I did not know but I could find out. I
rejoined the adults for remainder of the homestudy interview. SW asked me to
address my concerns with family. I discussed my concerns with the family.
Thoughts:
I thought my discussion with BB went well. I think I gathered some important
information from him. I think we touched on some sensitive information. I think
he is excited about the family adopting two new children. I think this because he
answered yes when I asked, and he has decorated the other side of his room in
anticipation. BB says he will share his toys when asked. I also think Mr. and
Mrs. R will be very conscientious parents. I am impressed with Mrs. R’s ability to
discuss sensitive issues with children and her insistence on talking things
through. Mr. R appears to think through his answers thoughtfully before
answering questions. He pauses and then states his answer in an articulate
way. I believe this family is capable of handling the challenges that will come
with two new children. When SW asked me to address my concerns with the
family, I did not think the family would think that I had the authority to do so. I
believed they would think, “Who does she think she is? If our own social worker
isn’t bringing these issues up, why is she? She’s going to make us look bad.” I
think I would have been more comfortable bringing the concerns up if the SW
had not been there. The SW’s presence seemed undermining to my authority.
Feelings:
I was very nervous when SW suggested that I bring my concerns up with the
family. I felt afraid that they would resent me. I felt doubtful of my authority to
question them with the other social worker there. I felt relieved when the
discussion went well. I felt more trusting of the SW when she assisted me right
away with the concerns I was addressing. I felt supported by her. I felt confident
in my discussion with BB. I felt a little bit uncomfortable with some of the
silences in my discussion with him. I felt inspired by the BB’s commitment to
these children he has never met. And I felt very positive about his ideas
regarding possible sibling scenarios I proposed to him. I felt peaceful when I left.
I also felt very proud of my participation in the interview.
Social Work Principles Followed:
Conscious Use of Self – I engaged in this throughout my interview with the BB. I
feel comfortable relating to children and I think I have a gift for building rapport
with them. I was able to talk to BB about video games and movies, and I think I
gained some credibility by discussing this with him.
Maximize Client Participation and Social Worker Accountability – I feel that the
SW and I both did this when we explained to Mr. and Mrs. R that I was just
learning and that I was very nervous about addressing my concerns. We
enabled them to be helpers in my education and they seemed to enjoy that.