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Case Study 1
You are one of three social workers employed by an NGO. This NGO is the only organisation
delivering social work services in the local township. It is 15:30. You receive a call from the social
worker at the local hospital. She reports the following: A six-week-old infant (girl) has been admitted
to the local hospital with internal burn injuries Doctors are busy with the infant. If the infant survives,
she will have a tube implanted to be fed. This will be because of the severity of the injuries. The
mother of the baby gave her poison to drink. The mother is 16 years old and resides with her mother.
The household also includes two other children, aged 7 and 9 years, who do attend school. The social
worker do give you the address in the local township.
1. How would you approach the case, in your answer, identify the risks, recommend appropriate
interventions.
Case Study: Social Worker Response to Infant Poisoning in a Local Township
As a social worker employed by an NGO, the situation presented is alarming and demands an
immediate, comprehensive response. The case involves a six-week-old infant girl who has been
poisoned by her 16-year-old mother. The infant is critically ill, and her prognosis is uncertain. The
family consists of the young mother, her two children (aged 7 and 9 years), and the maternal
grandmother. Given the complexities of this case, it is crucial to carefully assess the risks and
implement appropriate interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant and her siblings,
as well as to address the needs of the mother and the larger family unit.
Risk Identification
Immediate Risk to the Infant - The primary concern is the immediate medical condition of
the infant. The infant has sustained internal burn injuries as a result of being poisoned. Even if
she survives, she will likely require ongoing medical care, including feeding through a tube due
to the severity of her injuries. This poses both short-term and long-term risks to her physical
health and development.
Risk to the Mother - The 16-year-old mother, by poisoning her infant, has exhibited harmful
behavior that raises serious concerns about her mental and emotional state. At such a young
age, she may not have developed the necessary coping mechanisms or support to handle the
stress of motherhood. There may also be underlying factors, such as depression, trauma, or
other psychological issues, that contributed to her actions. The mother is at risk of further
emotional breakdown or harm to herself or others without proper intervention.
Risk to the Other Children - The 7- and 9-year-old children residing in the household are also
at risk. Their mother's actions indicate potential neglect, abuse, or instability within the
household, which could negatively impact their emotional well-being and safety. Although
they are attending school, they may be living in an environment that is not conducive to their
healthy development.
