Defining Family Problems

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Defining Family Problems
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Review and Outlook

• Review of previous material
• Three definitions of family
• Clarify terminology
• Outlook for today
• Define family problems
• Define family interventions
• List major family problems that concern you
• Discuss the role of values in defining problems
• Make sure to read!

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ObjectivesStudents Will Be Able To

• Define family problems.
• Define family interventions.
• Describe three ways of viewing family problems.
• Reflect on how your values affect your own view
  of problems and solutions and how this affects
  your work with families.

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Family Problems Defined

• A circumstance that challenges the healthy
  functioning of the family and its members
• Example

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Family Problems Defined

• This circumstance may occur
• within the family

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Family Problems Defined

• This circumstance may occur
• outside the family

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Family Problems Defined

• Affects everyone in the family

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Example

• What Is the Challenge to Family Functioning?
• Who Is Challenged?
• Who Is Affected?

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Family Interventions

• Various ways to help families experiencing a
  challenge or crisis in their lives
• Options and examples
• Counseling
• Education
• Services
• Advocacy/policy
• Prevention
• Combination

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Brainstorming Question

• What are the major challenges families face
  today?
• This can be globally as well as nationally.
• List three that interest you the most.

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Three Ways of Looking at Family Problems

• 1. A problem can also be viewed as a solution.

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Three Ways of Looking at Family Problems

• 2. A solution to one problem can produce another
  problem.

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Three Ways of Looking at Family Problems

• 3. A problem and its solutions are defined by
  values.

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Options for Values

• Value-free.
• Value-laden.
• Value-neutral.
• Value-reflexivity.
• Coming to grips with your values and how they
  affect your work with families.

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Summary and Plan

• Summary of the day
• Plan for next class
• Guest speakers nuts and bolts of working in
  groups/teams
• Find out who your family group is and what your
  problem is
• Begin work in groups