Case Plan

On Friday 2 February 2014, the client, Joanne Maison was arrested after police were called by security and centre management at Lakeside Shopping Centre.  The client first came to the attention of staff at K-Mart when she was observed cutting open packets of nappies and putting them inside her jacket and pockets.  When police arrived, Joanne was being restrained after being abusive to the Shopping Centre security guards.  When the security staff asked the client to open her jacket, she complied and the nappies and packets of baby food were revealed.  She was compliant and co-operative with security staff but became agitated when she was required to accompany them to the office where she was advised that the police would be contacted. She tried to run away, but was restrained by the security staff and she became physically and verbally abusive.

When the police arrived, Joanne was clearly agitated and was taken to the local police station for further questioning.  When asked to remove her jacket and belongings, the client was found to be in possession of a small amount of heroin and had $220 in her pocket.  Joanne was charged with 1 count of Stealing, 1 count of Possess Prohibited Drug (heroin) and 1 count of Assault and was released on bail.   

The case was heard in the Perth Magistrate’s Court where Joanne entered a plea of guilty. The Magistrate has referred the client to the Central-East Metropolitan Community Corrections Centre for the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report.  K-Mart has asked the Court for restitution from the client as the damages came to a total of $52.00. The Magistrate has ordered the restitution to be held over pending the completion of the Pre-Sentence Report with instruction as to the client’s current financial situation. 

Joanne is a 22 year old female born 29 September 1990, at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Western Australia.  She has one child, a daughter named Pearl.  The client has a sister, Jessica, and a younger brother, Jason (19 years). Jason lives with Joanne. Joanne’s father passed away seven years ago and her mother re-partnered shortly after.  Neither Joanne nor Jason wish to have any contact with their mother.  They have an aunty who they are fairly close to, but who has distanced herself since Joanne’s drug use became apparent. 

The client was issued a Cannabis Infringement Notice four years ago, but has no other record of prior offences.  Joanne is currently on a single parent payment having given up a hairdressing apprenticeship when she fell pregnant with Pearl. 

Case Plan

Assessment Instructions

Topic

For this assignment you will be listening to two client statements; one audio-visual and one audio. The purpose of providing information in two formats is for you to experience the difference between listening and analysing information presented in-person and via the telephone. After you have listened to the recordings, you will need to complete the following tasks:

• Compare and contrast the utility of different models of case management for use with this particular client (1000 words);
• Write a case note for the client’s file (200 words max); and
• Identify the risk and protective factors relevant for this client and outline informal and formal supports which the client may use. In your discussion include details of referral processes that may be involved and the reasoning behind your recommendations (800 words).

In order to complete this assignment you will be given access to the recordings of the client’s statements. The transcripts will not be made available unless you have an exceptional reason for requiring them. All other materials necessary for the successful completion of this assignment have either been provided as part of the course (through lectures and readings) or are accessible using the Internet or library. Remember that this is a practical unit; theoretical understanding is important, however, it is the application of theory to practice which is the focus of this assessment. 

It is expected that you will use secondary sources (outside of lecture notes and assigned readings) to answer these questions (where appropriate). It is recommended that you make use of the ECU library workshops and the Faculty of Business and Law Study Skills Centre.

Materials

You will base your case plan, case notes and conclusions on the following pieces of information provided:

• Offence/case details and summary
• Audio-visual interview with the client
• Audio interview with the client

Marking Criteria

Your case plan will be marked based on;

• Your ability to articulate and analyse models of case management
• Your ability to synthesise information and present it concisely
• Written expression
• Level of thought and information given in the recommendations provided

Word Count

Essay and/or Report Format; 2000 Words