The Use and Importance of Clinical Case Management

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a minor child; and,

• This married couple faces divorce unless the father seeks help.

Fortunately, this couple can be referred to a number of community-based resources in the couple’s hometown of Indio, California. (A list of these community-based resources is provided at Appendix A). The case management referrals would include couples therapy at the Riverside County Mental Health Service and a referral for Randy to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for inpatient detoxification and dual-diagnosis counseling. Providing Randy with the opportunity to detoxify in a secure setting would likely enhance the effectiveness of the other case management elements. Although the case study is silent concerning the impact these events have had on the couple’s minor child, 9-year-old daughter, Mattie, has been defiant and her physical and verbal aggressive behavior at school has resulted in being suspended from school. Family therapy sessions provided at the Riverside County Mental Health Service would help explore how the behaviors of the parents have affected her. In addition, after detoxification, Randy would be referred to a local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and/or the Riverside County Substance Abuse Program for participation in their 12-step program. Susan could also benefit from NA due to her disclosure that she has struggled with substance abuse.

In addition, there are some other private resources in Indio, California area that could be used for referrals, but the case study is silent concerning the couple’s health insurance status and this would undoubtedly have an effect on the decision to utilize these expensive facilities versus the free or low-cost alternatives described above and in Appendix A. Finally, Randy should be referred to a legal services center such as the Riverside Legal Aid Clinic which provides pro bono legal services to Indio residents to address his recent trouble with the law. Additionally Mattie can be referral to Betty Ford Center it has a free program for children of parents with substance problems.

Explain how the clients would benefit from each orchestrated referral.

The referral to the Riverside County Mental Health Service for couples therapy can be reasonably expected to help Susan and Randy focus on their marital problems in general and help Randy in particular come to grips with his responsibilities as an individual, husband and father (Perosa & Perosa, 2010). The case study is also silent concerning Randy’s current educational and training status, but it is reasonable to conclude that this individual is in need of academic and vocational counseling and training opportunities which could be provided by Indio-based Arbor Education and Training which partners with the College of the Desert (Center for Employment and Development), Center for Employment and Training, National University Academy, Patricia M. Drown and the Student Assistance Program, the Esperanza Youth and Family Center, Incight and the Indio Performing Arts Center.

Although the effectiveness of 12-step programs such as those offered by Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous groups varies, a growing body of evidence confirms that motivated clients can achieve and maintain sobriety with the support of these groups (Smock & Trepper, 2008). Randy’s referral to a legal services center such as Riverside Legal Aid may help mitigate the severity of the punishment that is meted out by the court for Randy’s recent driving under the influence and endangering a minor charges. Reducing any jail time or a suspended sentence could help Randy continue his participation in couples/family therapy and the rehabilitation programs he needs to address his substance abusing behaviors.

Conclusion

Regrettably, some practitioners might be tempted to view Randy’s predicament as hopeless and counsel Susan to seek a divorce at her earliest opportunity to protect her and the couple’s minor child from potential harm as a result of Randy’s substance-abusing behaviors. Taken together, though, while the problems facing this family are serious, they are not insurmountable and social workers should use a case management strategy to provide this family with the multidisciplinary assistance they need to overcome their problems. Based on their extrapolated ages of about 27 and 35 years old, Susan and Randy are experiencing the same types of problems in their lives that adversely affect countless others, but many people manage to successfully overcome these problems during their early adulthood and their chances of doing so are significantly enhanced by using a case management approach as part of an overall treatment plan. In the final analysis, the ability of Susan and Randy to respond to their current situation in healthy ways will depend in large part of their adherence to the treatment plan and how well the case is managed by the social worker’s ability to draw upon relevant community-based resources.

Appendix A

Resource List

Indio, California 92201

Name of the referral Resources Address Telephone Number

Arbor Education and Training Academic and vocational development opportunities 45570 Grace St. Suite 1, Indio, CA, 92201 (760) 775-2887

Awareness Program Alcoholism treatment 45550 Grace Street Indio, CA, 92201 (760) 342-1233

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Inpatient detoxification; Behavioral disorder treatment; Dual diagnosis treatment; Outpatient services. 47518 Van Buren Street, Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-3512

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Provides a nurturing haven of hope, help and healing for boys and girls ages 7-12. 39000 Bob Hope Dr., PO Box 1560

Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (866) 831-5700

Narcotics Anonymous Twelve-step program for substance abuse (including alcohol) 44-374 Palm StreetIndio, CA, 92201 (760) 342-6616

Oasis Mental Health Treatment Inpatient psychiatric services for substance abuse 47915 Oasis Street Indio, CA, 92201 (760) 863-8609

Riverside County Mental Health Service Marriage counseling 47825 Oasis Street Indio, CA, 92201 (760) 863-8455

Riverside County Substance Abuse Program Counseling and 12-step program for substance abuse 83912 Avenue 45 #9 Indio, CA, 92201 (760) 347-0754

Riverside Legal Aid Pro bono legal services 4129