Special Considerations and Services for Children

To facilitate an accurate and complete assessment of the child s behaviors, social workers need to record specific and behavior-focused information about the following (a) the problem presented by the child (b) behaviors that demonstrate the problem (c) the intensity, frequency, duration, and specific environmental circumstances that accompany or appear to be linked to the problem (d) areas that are affected by the problem  

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders is another tool used by social work practitioners in the assessment process to identify clearly those categories that are applicable to children and to caution the professional on developmental differences that prevent the use of some diagnostic codes with children (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Goldman (1998) proposes a quick and practical schema that allows the practitioner to apply the DSM-IV diagnoses to children. He proposes that the clinician first confirm the full criteria in the DSM-IV and then consider using the following questions as a way to assess children. 

Where is the problem located Distinguish between problems generated within the child such as ADHD as an internal difficulty and environmental (V codes) or school-related difficulties. 

Is the child s problem a reaction to a specific and identifiable stressor This helps the clinician to rule out adjustment disorders and posttraumatic stress disorders. 

What are the basic areas affected and impaired by the problems In answering this question, Goldman suggests that the clinician is able to distinguish between behavioral, mood, and dissociative disorders. 

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