| Unit.C.4.3.
Family/Crisis Intervention/Psychosocial |
[Unit.A.4.3.]
[Unit.B.4.3.] [Unit.C.4.3.]
[Unit.D.4.3.] [Unit.E.4.3.]
|
Australia |
focus
points
|
 |
Insert forensic
focus points here
Canada |
focus
points
|
|
"The forensic
genogram is an assessment/intervention tool used with the
forensic offender and a generational map of physical and
psychosocial problems" (Kent-Wilkinson, 1999, p. 52).
"The original
genogram is a tool developed for use in understanding the
dynamics of family relationships between three generations.
Although the genogram originated with the discipline of
family therapy, it has long been found to be useful to the
disciplines of nursing and medicine" (Rakel, 1977,
Bell, Watson & Wright, 1990; Puskar & Nerone, 1996;
cited in Kent-Wilkinson, 1999, p. 52).
"Murray
Bowen, a family system theorist and practitioner, developed
the original genogram as a tool for analyzing family structure
in his family systems theory" (Bowen, 1978; cited in
Kent-Wilkinson, 1999, p. 52).
"The forensic
genogram, expanded from the traditional genogram, is a three-generational
graphic description of a patient's family, and provides
additional information that compliments the traditional
forensic nursing history assessment format.
Individual and
family patterns can easily be mapped with regard to behaviours
of criminal activity, addictions, and suicide attempts.
In addition, psychosocial and physical patterns are identified
as well as patterns of education and employment" (Kent-Wilkinson,
1999, p. 53).
"As part
of the legal chart, the forensic family genogram serves
as a graphic database for information and could routinely
accompany the court letter, providing the judge, crown and
the defense with additional knowledge at a glance.
The author recommends
the forensic genogram tool for student nurses beginning
to understand the complexities of the forensic offender
population.
The forensic
genogram may provide further information that facilitates
health promotion, cost containment as well as a further
understanding of the events and factors in an individual's
life that have resulted in their current situation before
the courts" (Kent-Wilkinson, 1999, p. 55).
|
dealing with grief
|
|
"Many people,
upset at hearing grieving relatives crying uncontrollably,
try to stop them, our advice is to let them cry, let them
express their grief. People only try to stop them to make
it easier on themselves, so they don't have to hear the
sounds of grief" (Smith, 1997, p. 3).
International |
focus
points
|
|
Insert forensic
focus points here
United Kingdom |
focus
points
|
|
"Stigma,
lack of understanding and emotional stress can lead to a
range of trauma for families whose relatives are diagnosed
as mentally ill or who have become embroiled in the Criminal
Justice System" (McCann, McKeown & Porter, 1995,
p. 25).
"How then
do families cope when their relatives have schizophrenia
and have also committed a serious offense?2" (McCann,
McKeown & Porter, 1995, p. 25).
"It seems
clear that services to relatives require urgent improvement
and further evaluation. Forensic services could benefit
from understanding relative's experiences more fully"
(McCann, McKeown & Porter, 1995, p. 25).
United States |
focus
points
|
|
|
intervention support
|
|
"All families
require understanding, caring and accurate information from
medical caregivers" (McClain, 1996). Parents consistently
report that supportive contacts with their health care providers
make a difference to their overall adjustment to their babies
death" (Powell, 1991; cited in McClain & Schaefer,
1996).
|
strategies for family
support
|
|
At the time of
death:
- express condolence
to the family
- encourage
parents to see and hold infant
- explain local
procedure with sudden unexpected deaths, such as
- autopsy investigation
if SIDS is expected, reassure family that
- their was
nothing they could have done to prevent death.
- reassure
family that intense feelings of grief are normal and
- resources
are available for support. Early support following the
death:
- refer the
family to local SIDS program · attend the viewing
or services and send a sympathy card
- listen empathetically,
allow expression of intense grief, and validate grief
reaction
- discuss siblings
reactions Long term family support:
- send a card
or call around the anniversary of birth and death
- be available
to families as needed, anticipate potential anniversary
- reaction to
the death (McClain, 1996, p. 31).
Focus Points
Reference
Kent-Wilkinson,
A. (1999). Forensic family genogram: An assessment &
intervention tool. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 37
(9), 52-56.
McCann, G.,
Mckeown, M. & Porter, I. (1995). Identifying the needs
of relatives of forensic patients. Nursing Times, 91
(24), 35-37.
McClain, M.
E., & Shaefer, S.J.M. (1996). Supporting families after
sudden infant death. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing
and Mental Health Services, 34 (4), 30-34.
Smith, P. (1997).
Angels of death. On the Edge, IAFN- Newsletter International
Association of Forensic Nurses, 3 (2), 1,3,14.
Top
of Page
Topic
C - Forensic Nursing > Section C.4.0. Forensic Practice/Prevention
> Unit.C.4.3. Family/Crisis Intervention/Psychosocial
