Posted: April 17th, 2015

culturagram

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

 

GENOGRAM

 

A genogram is a simple tool that visually plots anecdotal, physical, social and emotional information that can tell us a lot about who and what we are. In the 1970’s Dr Murray Bowen created the genogram as part of his family systems model to explore multigenerational relationships and patterns in families. They serve as a practical and useful framework for understanding family patterns.

 

A genogram is a symbolic picture of your family tree. It can show important dates and characteristics of your siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

 

ECO-MAP

 

An eco-map is a visual representation of a person’s connections to other people and/or systems in their life. These systems can be formal (e.g. work, school) or informal (friends, extended family members). Utilising the ecological model devised by Bronfenbrenner in 1979 it illustrates how an individual or family exists within the context of their relationships with other individuals and institutions.

 

An ecomap should express the strength and effect of relationships to the individual. A bold or double line depicts a strong relationship, a dotted line a tenuous relationship and a thin line a weak relationship. An arrow head should then be added to each line to demonstrate the direction of the resource flow. If any of the relationships are particularly stressful a zig-zag line should be superimposed over the initial line.

 

Social supports (family, friends, religious organizations, support groups, neighbors, pets, etc.)

 

Community resources (housing assistance, daycare, financial assistance, health and dental care, mental health and substance abuse services, legal assistance, transportation, employment opportunities, nutrition, etc.)

 

Stressors (legal difficulties, family dynamics, financial problems, health issues, housing instability, daycare access, transportation, domestic issues, employment

 

Always include: Name of worker and date completed

 

 

The Culturagram

 

Culturagrams help us to understand the role that culture plays within a family system and used in conjunction with genograms and ecograms can assist us in the development of understandings regarding multigenerational processes of assimilation, acculturation and identity. The utilisation of a tool such as this can also help us to avoid regarding people in terms of a generic cultural identity and hence assist us to not make generalisations and assumptions. More recently it has been used in work with victims of domestic violence, children, older people and people involved in health and mental health settings.

Developed in 1994 and revised in 2000 the culturagram examines the following areas:

1. reason for relocation
2. legal status
3. time in community
4. language spoken at home and in the community
5. health beliefs
6. impact of trauma and crisis events
7. contact with cultural and religious institutions, holidays, food, and clothing
8. oppression, discrimination, bias , and racism
9. values about education and work
10. values about family – structure, power, myths and rules

 

 

Attachment 3: YARI Referral Form Example

Youth at Risk Initiative

(Add service identifier)  

 

 

Add service contact details

(Address, Phone, Fax, Email, Websiteetc)

 

 

REFERRAL
Referred by:		Contact details:
Agency:
Date:		Relationship to client:
Has consent for this referral been obtained from the client, parent or guardian? ● Yes   ● No

 

CLIENT INFORMATION
Surname:		Given  names:
Preferred name:		Date of Birth:			Age:		M/F
Address:
Telephone:		Email
Does the young person identify as:  ● Aboriginal    ● Torres Strait Islander     ●Other
Preferred language			Interpreter required:   ● Yes   ● No
Current status	School:
	Employment:
	Housing:
	Health
	Family support
Emergency Contact:	Name:			Relationship:
Address:				Phone:

 

REASON FOR REFERRAL
What is the reason for referral and any relevant history?
Please tick all applicable boxes
Child Safety Services involvement Youth Justice involvement (Pre-release referral) Conflict with parents.  I’m currently receiving support from …………………………… School issues Mental/Health issues Housing issues learning/employment issues
OFFICE USE ONLY
Referral status:	Accepted       ● Declined
If referral declined, client referred on to: