SOCIAL WORK CAPSTONE (100 POINTS)
The purpose of this assignment is to expand theoretical understanding of the multi-systemic issues
related to direct practice with individual and family systems in which individual members have a specific
physical or mental health disease/illness. The paper focuses on theoretical constructs, micro and macro
systems issues and interventions, and practice research method. Students will have the opportunity to
demonstrate their knowledge of how to apply core social work competencies.
All papers should reflect strong, written graduate academic work (substance, organization,
clarity, citations, and originality). APA 7 style reference page(s) is mandatory. This paper will
be submitted through Turnitin. Please see the Appendix for grading rubric.
Students must obtain a minimum score of 80 or above, with a passing grade in each or the
sections as specified in the rubric. You will not be able to submit your paper for early review
However. if you score less than a passing grade on any section/s. you will be required to revise
that section/s. If required to revise. your maximum score in any revised section will be the
minimum score required to pass that section
Maximum paper length: 9 pages excluding references page(s) and excluding title page An abstract is not
required. Any information beyond 9 pages will not be graded Your paper should be typed and doublespaced with 1" margins on all sides. Use a 12-point Times New Roman font consistently throughout the
paper.
The paper should be structured according to the following sections, with subheadings included
section.
Section 1. Assess Individuals. Families, Groups. Organizations and Communities (~ 1.5pages, 15% of
grade, 12/15 points required for passing grade).
• You will be given a description of a family. Choose one member of the family. In one paragraph
summarize who the person is, their sociodemographic characteristics and any other relevant
information (an abbreviated bio-psycho-social-spiritual report)
• The description you are provided with will include a presenting illness or mental health
diagnosis e.g. Opioid Use Disorder, PTSD, depression, Dipolar, ADHD. etc.. In 1-2 paragraphs,
provide a definition of the disorder, its etiology, symptoms and common effects on the
individual and their family.
o If you chose a client with a mental health diagnosis, see the most recent DOM.
o If you chose a client with a medical diagnosis not included in the DSM. you must use a
peer-reviewed journal article instead.
• Finally, choose one of the following theories and in 1-2 paragraphs highlight how it can help you
understand highlight how your chosen theory can provide a framework for understanding your
client, their family and/or presenting problems.
o Systems theory
o Social learning Theory
o Psychodynamic theory
o Psychosocial development theory
o Transpersonal theory
o Social exchange theory
o Social constructionism
o Conflict theory
o
Contingency theory
Section 2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice(~1.5 pages, 15% of grade, 12/15 points required
for passing grade.)
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Choose 1 socio-demographic characteristic from our case study (e.g. gender, age, race, Sexual
orientation, SES).
Locate at least two peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 10 ears that discuss differences
and diversity in terms of specific characteristics for symptoms, diagnosis or treatment of the
illness/disorder you wrote about in section I (e.g. gender differences in the treatment of PTSD.
racial disparities in the diagnosis of depression or anxiety)
In 2-3 paragraphs summarize the articles, as they relate to the client in your case study.
In 1-2 paragraphs identify differences between the client in the case study and yourself (the
practitioner) discussing your own possible strengths and skills as well as challenges.
Section 3. Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice (~1.5 pages, 15% of
grade, 12/15 points required for passing grade)
• Considering your client's diagnosis (presenting illness/disorder and characteristics, choose 2
evidence-based social work interventions that may be used in practice with this client and/or
their family.
• Locate at least two peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 10 years that provide research
support for the use or these practices with individuals presenting with your client’s diagnosis
and characteristics
• Summarize the articles and relate findings of the studies with the client in your case study
Section 4. Practice with Individuals, families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (~1.5 pages. 15%
of grade, 12/15 points required for passing grade)
• Identity a gap in the research literature relating to the condition of the client in the case study.
Use a minimum of four peer-reviewed research journal articles from the last 10 years to support
the gap you identified.
• Finally, suggest an area for future research based in the gap you identified
Section 5. Advance Human Rights and Social. Economic and Environmental Justice (~1.5 pages, 15% of
grade, 12/15 points required for passing grade)
• Identify and discuss two possible systemic and environmental factors that adversely contribute
to the experience of the diagnosis in the case study, its intervention/ treatment, and/or
prevention.
• Use a minimum of two peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 10 ears to support your
work in this section
Section 6. Engage in Policy Practice (~1.5 pages. 15% of grade. 12/15 points required
for passing grade)
• Identify a policy related to the condition or the client characteristics that you wrote about in
previous sections of the paper
• Critically discuss how the policy you identified may be effecting the client in the case study, their
family, community and others presenting with the same condition
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Finally, suggest a concrete strategy that can be utilized by, you as a social work practitioner, to
influence change on a macro practice policy level
Use a minimum of two peer-reviewed journal articles from the last 10 years to support your
work in this section. You may also use additional sources, such as policy briefs!
COURSE CALENDAR - 10 WEEKS
Week 1.
Mandatorv first-week meeting - if you know you cannot attend, please e-mail the instructor Via Canvas
ASAP
Week 7. (July 1)
Capstone Due in Canvas by midnight on Friday of week
Week 9. (July 15)
Students notified it section revisions are required.
Week 10. (July 22)
All revisions are due ( upload entire paper with revisions highlighted)
Due in Canvas by midnight on the last day
Final grades posted, Course Evaluations