What action should a social worker take if a parent insists that their child is the sole problem in the family dynamic?

Facilitating a discussion of family roles and dynamics is the most appropriate action for a social worker in this situation. This approach recognizes that family issues rarely stem from a single individual and that understanding the interplay between family members is crucial. By engaging the parent in a conversation about how each member contributes to the overall family dynamic, the social worker can help identify patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to the challenges faced.

This action fosters a more holistic view of the family situation, encouraging the parent to see the complexity of relationships rather than attributing blame to the child alone. It opens the door for potential changes in communication, role expectations, and problem-solving strategies within the family unit. Moreover, it allows the social worker to assess the family's functioning and to guide them toward healthier interactions and understandings.

Discussing family roles and dynamics aligns with systemic approaches in social work practice, which emphasize the importance of context and relational influences on individual behavior. By taking this approach, the social worker can pave the way for deeper insights and solutions that involve the entire family rather than targeting only the child.