Client Background
Raymond is a 23-year-old African American man who, due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, is now homeless. His upbringing in a lower-middle-class household has left him accustomed to financial hardship, yet the lack of work and other opportunities has forced him to take to the streets. His strong-willed nature and refusal to abide by societal expectations have further isolated him from receiving help from the public.
Models and Frameworks
The Racial-Cultural Identity Model and Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development can be applied to understand Raymond’s current situation and his development. The Racial-Cultural Identity Model suggests that individuals pass through several stages in their process of identity development (Treatment, n.d.). In Raymond’s case, he is likely in the stage of dissonance, where he is conflicted between his own personal beliefs and the societal expectations. His rebellion against societal norms, coupled with his racial identity as an African American male, further exacerbates his situation.
Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development, on the other hand, can be used to understand Raymond’s moral identity. According to Fowler, faith is not just about religious beliefs but is a universal concern that involves one’s relatedness to a larger set of values and meanings (Fowler, 1995). Raymond may be in the Individuative-Reflective stage, where he is attempting to establish his own identity and belief system, separate from those of his family and society. His rebelliousness may be an expression of this struggle, as he rejects mainstream values and norms in an attempt to assert his own identity.
Optimal Approach
As Raymond’s social worker, I believe the most effective course of action would be to employ a strength-based approach. This approach focuses on the strengths and resources of the individual rather than their problems and deficits (O’Sullivan, 2020). In Raymond’s case, his rebellious nature, while it may have led him to his current situation, also indicates a strong sense of independence and resilience. These qualities can be built upon to help him overcome his current situation.
I would help Raymond identify and build upon his strengths, such as his resilience and independence. At the same time, I would also work with him to address his struggle with societal norms and expectations. By helping him understand that societal rules and norms are not necessarily oppressive, but can also provide structure and stability, Raymond may be more willing to engage with societal institutions, such as employment and housing services.
References
Fowler, J. W. (1995). Stages of faith: The Psychology of Human Development. Harper Collins.
O’Sullivan, E. (2020). Reimagining homelessness: A blueprint for policy and practice. Policy Press.
Treatment, C. F. S. A. (n.d.). Exhibit 2-1, stages of racial and cultural identity development – improving cultural competence – NCBI bookshelf.