Social Work Activities:

At the end of my day I had the opportunity of assisting one of the case managers with a

Preferred Communities program enrollment. This program is essentially an extension of case

management to refugee clients who have met their 90 reception and placement case management

period. I had the task of filling out paperwork for the client to apply to the agency’s PC program

as well as introduce and explain to him the nature of the program. He agreed that he would like

to enroll himself in the program, and I filled out the program accordingly.

Cultural Considerations:

During the PC enrollment meeting with the client some of his concerns were addressed. It

was disclosed to the case manager and I that his house was attacked earlier this month by people

throwing rocks and damaging his window. As expressed by the client he feels upset because he

thought he had achieved safety by relocating to America. Considering his previous environment

was combative he expressed his aggravation of experiencing this in his current community. This

behavior is a deterrent to refugees and immigrants alike to integrate themselves in their host

community and culture.

The motive of this crime is unknown, and the perpetrators were unidentified by the

police. However it was discussed in the meeting that this isn’t an abnormal occurrence in newly

arrived refugees and immigrants. The case manager explained to the client that he can expect

safety in his community, but he also has to be educated on how to protect himself and his family

because crime is still a possibility in any American community.

Competency Development:
10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and

communities.

The purpose of the PC program is to further the client’s progress and self-sustainability as

worked on during the Reception and Placement period. This program is designed for higher need

refugee clients that need an extension to their case management, because their case termination

would be considered immature. It is the client’s decision of whether or not they would like to

enroll themselves in the program, but most client that have this opportunity advertised to them

agree to the program. During our meeting with client we discussed what goals he would like to

work on in the upcoming year. He shared with us his goals of getting a driver’s license and a car.

So outlined steps that can be taken within the next three months, such as completing the DMV

Knowledge test within the next three months. A more prominent on going goal for the client was

to get a job in carpentry, so his case manager agreed to help him within the next year to make

career advancements toward this industry.

Roles/Ethics/Theory:

1.03 Informed Consent

After I explained to the client the purpose of the PC program I had to reiterate to him our

expectations of confidentiality. Although he agreed to these conditions in the initial Reception

and Placement period he has to sign new documentation to enroll himself in the program. It’s

important that the client is always informed of what they are consenting to regardless of whether

or not they have previously agreed to the terms.