Lakshmi is 45 yrs old and the mother of three teenage girls. Lakshmi’s husband, Evan, who was the breadwinner of the home: Social Work Case Study, NUS, Singapore

Case Study

Lakshmi is 45 yrs old and the mother of three teenage girls. Lakshmi’s husband, Evan, who was the breadwinner of the home, is terminally ill and therefore unable to work. According to the referral you received, the family has been unable to afford the treatment for his prostate cancer and therefore Evan’s health has been deteriorating. The family was referred to you for social work support.

During the intake process, you understand that they were offered financial assistance for treatment but they refused because they believe that God will heal them. Instead, they have been attending various spiritual healers and prophets for prayers. You also discover that they attend a Spiritual Baptist church. The Pastor has been counseling her and is aware of the extent of the family’s issues. Lakshmi’s family is Hindu but Lakshmi became Christian when she married Evan.

She is estranged from her family. The first daughter Melita is 16 years old and has a very close relationship with her father and this whole ordeal seems to be affecting her emotionally. It appears that she is withdrawn and depressed. This stressful situation has now been affecting Lakshmi’s health.

Questions: 1. What kind of questions would you ask during the assessment phase?

2. What difficulties might you encounter in using faith and spirituality in this case and how would you handle these difficulties?

3. Lakshmi has said to you that she believes that her husband’s illness is a result of her family putting a ‘curse’ on her. What would be your course of action?