The Routledge Handbook on Financial Social Work by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781032239460
Google: EVC2zgEACAAJ
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Limited
Published: 2021-12-13T03:50:00+00:00

Case Study

Joan, a 35-year-old single mother, is currently suffering from mild depression and struggles with an addiction to opioid use. She is referred to an outpatient treatment program by a social worker at the school her children attend. In response to questions from the self-sufficiency matrix referenced earlier, which the therapist uses during the intake process, Joan shares some of the other difficulties she is facing: her rent is late, she has already received an eviction notice, and the hours of her job are continually in flux, such that she never knows when she might be able to work. While she pays $919 per month for a two-bedroom apartment located in an extremely low-income neighborhood, she likes the fact that the place is hers and she’s not interested in giving it up if she doesn’t have to. To address the impending eviction, she went to another social service agency that was willing to provide funds only for the outstanding rent, but the additional late fees and court filing charges that were put onto her rental account ledger are still owed, adding to her overall debt. Per the other agency’s mandate, she attended a financial education workshop on how to spend less money, but she did not find it particularly helpful. She also shared that she felt the housing counselor was judging her when her credit report was pulled and it was found that she had outstanding debt on a utility bill. The stress of not knowing how to keep food on the table (she receives $300 in food stamps / SNAP benefits), her inability to regularly pay both rent and electric in full and on time, and the irregularity of her income prevent her from sleeping well at night and, despite her attempts to stop, are often triggers for her opioid use. The therapist appreciates that providing methadone treatment and counseling will not alone address the other underlying issues, which if not handled, will likely exacerbate the issues for Joan and her children. The therapist gathers the additional information she needs, and then refers Joan to the in-house emergency financial assistance program. This administrator works with Joan to pay the remaining balance on the rent account, and stops the eviction. Without being worried about her rent, the next few sessions with her therapist go well, as she is more focused and attentive. The administrator of the financial assistance program also works with Joan to help her find better employment options. Over time, Joan gets a better job and her situation improves. By setting aside some money with each paycheck, she is able to mitigate other unexpected expenses that arise. Money is still tight, but with a period of sobriety and a better handle on her finances, she feels more in control of her situation.

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