A Difficult Transition

Description

An interdisciplinary team is collaboratively providing support to an immigrant family, inclusive to a five year-old child who is struggling both at home and in school. The family most recently immigrated to Canada, and the parents are seeking support for their two children, and are interested in additional resources for newcomers, as well. The family does not have relatives or friends living in Canada, and are unable to seek informal means of support. They are not sure how to access government funded services, which makes resources seem out of their reach. This is exacerbated by the concerns that the parents have pertaining to the health and wellbeing of their children. They wonder whether they made the ‘right choice’ in moving to Canada? Has the health status of their five year-old child deteriorated due to significant amounts of transition and change? With so much taking place with their five year-old child, are they being attentive enough towards the needs of their eldest child? They are worried about whether the child can build new interpersonal relationships and adapt to the physical environment. Generally speaking, the family is experiencing stress and anxiety about the decisions they have made in moving to Canada, and the decisions that they will make about their future. The interdisciplinary team will be meeting with the family for the first time at a Community Health Centre. Their goal is to determine what support may be required for the five year-old child, who has been having a hard time adjusting to life in Canada, and has not been eating or sleeping well. The interdisciplinary team will also assess potential needs of the family, overall, in recognition that all parties may be experiencing their own challenges pertaining to change and uncertainty. Conflict arises when the family feels as though members of the interdisciplinary team are not being present and attentive towards their needs, requiring a mediated approach towards conflict resolution. Interdisciplinary conflict also takes place, stemming from frustrations of a heavy workload and burnout.