Introduction
Often, people face numerous challenges and require social support to enhance their well-being. Some of the most significant challenges in most societies include homelessness and drug and substance abuse, which make it difficult for individuals to meet their goals. A Case Management Case Plan (CMCP) is an essential tool that makes it easy to address these issues. We endeavor to develop a comprehensive CMCP outlining the strategies needed to support Marcus Alvin, a single American male aged 26 experiencing homelessness. Alvin’s case is an example of most Americans experiencing homelessness, which forces them to engage in other activities like drug and substance abuse. Homeless individuals find it difficult to access healthcare services, which affects their mental health, for often, they are discriminated against and isolated by other society members. This CMCP uses the person-in-environment framework to address the issues and strive to solve his challenges after looking at his strengths, needs, and available resources. Using this framework, we are determined to empower Alvin and help him realize his goals. By incorporating other stakeholders to address Alvin’s issues, we are confident that we can develop a comprehensive and sustainable solution. This CMCP details how Alvin can be assisted in realizing self-sufficiency by having short- and long-term goals.
Client Goals
We have divided Alvin’s short- and long-term goals based on the time needed to realize them. The short-term ones need to be actualized within 1-3 months, and they are critical because they will help him start his journey (You et al., 2016, pp.47-60). The first goal is to help him secure an emergency shelter. This is urgently needed, given Alvin’s deplorable state caused by his homeless condition. The goal is to help Alvin connect with a local homeless shelter within one month. This will go a long way toward cushioning him against the challenges brought by homelessness. The second short-term goal is to assess Alvin’s addiction condition and establish whether he is dependent on some drug or substance. We will link him with a professional to assess the nature and severity of his addiction within two weeks. This is vital because it will help develop a tailored treatment plan to help him recover.
For the long-term goals, which will need to be realized within 6-12 months, we will work on obtaining permanent and supportive housing for Alvin. After finding him an emergency shelter, it is essential to help Alvin secure permanent and supportive housing that will assure him of long-term stability. We intend to find a permanent house within 6-12 months and assure him of long-lasting security. The second long-term goal is to work on how to help Alvin reduce or cut his alcohol dependence. Alcohol consumption is one of the issues that is worsening Alvin’s condition, and there is a need to enrol him in an addiction treatment program. We intend to have Alvin’s alcohol consumption and dependency issue addressed within one year. Another significant long-term goal is helping Alvin increase his social support network. There is a need to help Alvin develop a social network that will help him feel appreciated and wanted by other members of society. Loneliness and isolation from other members of society are some factors that worsen Alvin’s situation, and helping him establish significant social networks and relationships will help him quickly overcome his challenges. The short- and long-term goals follow the SMART model, which makes them clear, time-bound, and actionable. We will closely follow Alvin’s progress and tell how he is doing toward achieving the set goals.
Intervention Plan
Alvin needs an elaborate intervention plan to realize his short- and long-term goals. He needs to utilize the available resources and ensure that he realizes the goals quickly. For the housing goals, we will assess and conduct an assessment to establish the available housing programs and establish the one that suits him best (Killick & Taylor, 2012, p.815). We will help him make applications and draft the best papers, allowing him to get admission with local housing program providers immediately. We are determined to help him secure a house within the first month and get him on track to sustainability and full recovery. For the substance abuse issue, the plan is to refer Alvin to a qualified addiction specialist who will comprehensively assess and establish his situation. Once the assessment results are out, we will establish the best treatment option that will see him overcome his addiction. Depending on the severity of his situation, we will place him in an inpatient or outpatient program. This will be done within the first two weeks, with the duration of treatment based on his response and needs. After participating in an addiction treatment program, we expect to reduce or eliminate Alvin’s alcohol dependence within a year. To help Alvin fulfil his goals on social support, the plan is to first identify his existing social support network, like friends and family. Once we have identified his existing social support network, we will help him strengthen the ties and encourage him to embrace them. Again, we will identify community support groups within Alvin’s locality and connect him with individuals facing challenges similar to his own. This will help him understand that his issue is not a unique challenge and that he will be motivated to participate in social activities that will boost his connection with others. Helping Alvin realize his social support goals will be an ongoing process that will ultimately enable him to have an increased social network and cope with issues better.
Outcomes
This CMCP’s success will be determined by the progress toward helping Alvin realize his goals. We will evaluate whether Alvin secured an emergency shelter within one month by liaising with emergency shelter providers to establish whether he succeeded in this aspect. We will endeavour to establish whether he completed an assessment with a qualified professional by seeking documentation from a professional to confirm this. Again, we will determine whether Alvin obtained permanent housing within six months by engaging the housing agency to confirm. Alvin’s reduction or elimination of alcohol dependence will be established by relying on individual reports and conducting assessments. The social support goals will be assessed by establishing how well Alvin has reconnected with existing relationships and whether he has developed new supportive ones. We will observe how he interacts and relates with others during meetings and public engagements.
Termination
Two essential milestones will guide the termination of Alvin’s management services. The first and most critical milestone will be having Alvin secure and transition to permanent supportive housing. Permanent and supportive housing is vital because it will provide an excellent space to access ongoing support services needed to help him build a fulfilling life. The second milestone includes developing a sustainable recovery plan with strategies on how he will be helped to maintain sobriety. Again, a sustainable recovery plan will protect Alvin from relapsing and empower him to overcome challenges without needing assistance or further guidance (Miley et al., 2004, p.431). The plan’s termination does not translate to the cessation of support services, and for efficiency, the termination program should be gradually implemented to help him adjust smoothly and integrate seamlessly into daily social life. Again, Alvin should be connected with ongoing resources before termination to ensure he is supported whenever necessary. Ultimately, the termination plan should have a follow-up plan to ensure that contact is not lost and his progress is monitored. Alvin should be engaged throughout the termination process to ensure he is comfortable and any issues are addressed early.
Follow Up Plan
As already stated, there is a need to ensure that contact is not lost after termination. This is to ensure that Alvin does not slip and return to his old ways. There is a need for follow-up calls periodically to enquire about his progress. Again, he should be provided with a contact avenue to report issues whenever they arise after termination. Again, in-person visits are a vital aspect of the follow-up plan, and a social worker should be assigned to visit him within pre-determined periods, like once in two months. During the follow-up engagements, the social worker should establish how Alvin is doing with his permanent housing, overcoming substance abuse, and how he is doing with developing social networks.
Personal Reflection
Developing this CMCP has provided essential insight and enhanced my understanding of this class’s materials. By looking at Alvin’s strengths, weaknesses, and available resources, I understood his needs and developed an elaborate and holistic plan that serves his needs excellently. I ensured that my intervention strategies addressed both Alvin’s short and long-term goals, which goes a long way toward empowering him. I applied the social work practice principles in developing this plan, especially by giving the client an opportunity to contribute to the plan’s development (Hanna & Nash, 2012, p.486). The developed plan intends to empower Alvin and make him independent, which is a good way of ensuring that sustainability is realized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this CMCP is a good framework that can be used to help others with similar challenges to Alvin’s. Homelessness, substance abuse, and lack of social support are issues facing most people. Social workers are required to help the masses overcome these issues, and this plan provides a blueprint for how it can be done. Individuals’ short- and long-term goals should always be considered when developing a CMCP plan, and sustainability should be ensured.
References
Hanna, S., & Nash, M. (2012). ‘You Don’t Have to Shout’—Vocal Behaviour in Social Work Communication. Social Work Education, 31(4), 485-497.
Killick, C., & Taylor, B. J. (2012). Judgments of social care professionals on elder abuse referrals: A factorial survey. British Journal of Social Work, 42(5), 814-832.
Miley, K. K., O’Melia, M., DuBois, B. (2004) Generalist Social Work Practice. An Empowerment Approach, (4th ed). p.431-458.
You, E. C., Dunt, D., & Doyle, C. (2016). Important case management goals in community aged care practice and key influences. Care Management Journals, 17(1), 47-60.
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