Strength Based Approach Strength

Displayed

Togetherness

Even though Merridy is divorced she still maintains a relationship with her ex-husband so her children can spend time with him

Sharing Activities

Tony's new partner's child, Heidi lives with Tony. Ray and Joe are now exposed to another child. Tony must share his attention between the three children. The children's time spent at day care also contributes to sharing activities as well.

Affection

Ray is very affectionate, and trustworthy of his mother, Merridy as seen by his reaction at his examination.

Support

Merridy is supportive of her children by working at her job. Max and Jude also show support by helping Merridy watch the children while she is at work.

Communication

Ray and Joe communicate with each other as demonstrated by Ray's behavior of looking at Joe at the examination.

Acceptance

Max and Jude are very accepting of Merridy's difficult position of being a working single mother by helping feeding and watching her children.

She is also committed to ensuring that her children have a relationship with their father.
Resilience

Merridy's reaction to the examination shows that she is resilient to the fact that her children need protection. Her resilience is also displayed by her making arrangements with her brother Max taking care of her children while she is at work.

Support

In this troubling case, strengths can be used to help remedy this potentially abusive situation. If there is abuse taking place, by Tony or at Tony's house, support is a strength that will need to be exploited to ensure that these problems can be solved. Support must come from all available parties in this case in order for this strengths-based approach to work. Merridy must continue to work hard to support her kids. Merridy's brother Max and his partner must also dedicate themselves to continue supporting this family. In order to fix this potential problem Max and Jude may have to dedicate themselves further to help Merridy…