Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

In a case involving a child in foster care, what should the social worker focus on after the parents refuse to follow treatment?

1. A plan for reunification.

2. Developing a permanency plan for the child.

3. The parents' mental health treatment.

4. Helping the parents change their behavior.

The correct answer is: Developing a permanency plan for the child.

In cases where parents refuse to follow treatment, focusing on developing a permanency plan for the child is crucial. A permanency plan is essential because it aims to secure a stable and safe environment for the child, which is the primary concern in child welfare cases. Given that the parents are not engaging in necessary treatment, the likelihood of reunification decreases. A permanency plan considers the child's long-term needs and may involve options such as adoption, guardianship, or long-term foster care, ensuring that the child’s welfare remains a priority. This shift in focus is important for providing the child with the stability they require during a potentially tumultuous situation and can help guide the social worker’s interventions and support strategies for the child’s future. Other focuses, such as the parents' mental health treatment or behavior changes, while important, become secondary to the child's immediate need for a permanent, safe living situation when parents are not participating in treatment.