The family is in need of services because they are struggling to make ends meet. Two of the Sanchez children have mental and physical disabilities. Vicki who is 25 was diagnosed with autism. Her sister Carmen who is 17 was born extremely hard of hearing, and is considered deaf. …show more content…
Once clients biological needs have been addressed and met, the social worker can then take a look at the client’s psychological needs. Once those needs are met and under control the clients social life can be addressed. Within the biopsychosocial approach there are two theories in which to assess clients. Systems theory takes into account how the client interacts within their environment, much like the person in environment approach. Ecological theory works by explaining human development by describing aspects of the individual, the environment and the interaction between the two (Rogers, 2013, p. …show more content…
The different systems playing into the Sanchez family are off balance therefore they are not able to maintain stability. Hector works, but is very prideful and refuses to accept government assistance. He is the patriarch of the family and whatever he says, goes. Roberto also works, but due to many of his health challenges is not always able to provide as much financial support. Also the reality that his presence of being an illegal immigrant brings stress to Celia and Hector.
Within the functionalist theory there are manifest functions, latent functions, and dysfunctions. In the Sanchez case one of the more obvious manifest functions is that Celia is receiving help with groceries thanks to the food pantry at her church. However, a latent function of this could be that Hector may at some point become suspicious of where the food is coming from. He could begin to distrust Celia and eventually become angry with her for disobeying him.
Dysfunction in the Sanchez case seems more obvious in the sense that there are many factors that are playing into this family system. Not all of them are helping to preserve the system. Roberto brings joy to the family, but also lots of stress. Celia is not as independent as she would like, because she is not proficient in the English language. While she is grateful to have her children’s help she also becomes resentful that she needs