Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

A mother and daughter are referred for bullying behavior at school. What should the social worker do NEXT after gathering a history from the mother?

1. Schedule an individual session with the girl.

2. Have the mother sign a release to talk with the school counselor.

3. Schedule a session with the siblings to gather additional information.

4. Request the girl's school record.

The correct answer is: Have the mother sign a release to talk with the school counselor.

Having the mother sign a release to talk with the school counselor is a crucial step in addressing the bullying behavior effectively. Engaging with the school counselor allows the social worker to gather essential information regarding the girl's experiences at school, including interactions with peers and any incidents of bullying that may not have been fully disclosed by the mother. This collaborative approach ensures that all perspectives are taken into account, which is vital for creating an effective intervention plan. The school counselor can provide insights into the social dynamics at play in the school environment and whether there have been any previous reports of bullying or related issues. Additionally, information from the school is critical for understanding the context of the bullying behavior, which can differ significantly from what is discussed in home settings. While scheduling an individual session with the girl could be beneficial, it is most effective after understanding the school context, as it allows for a more comprehensive view of her situation. Gathering information from siblings may provide further insight, but communication with the school is often a priority in cases involving bullying. Accessing the girl’s school records could be useful later on, but initiating a conversation with the school counselor is an immediate step that promotes a team-oriented approach to support the family.