School interdisciplinary team conflict

Description

Teachers have noticed a highschool student named George hasn’t been attending school and when George attends he is disengaged and shows behavioural concerns. The school pushes for disciplinary action. It is learnt that George and his family are facing racism and microaggressions in the community, further marginalizing them. This has led to substance abuse at the home resulting in neglect of George and his siblings. Due to this, George is often taking care of his younger siblings instead of attending school. A school support team meeting involving social workers, a child youth worker, community worker, and community outreach officer is formed to create the best support plan for George and resist disciplinary action from the school. During this interdisciplinary meeting, conflict arises as difference in opinion and approach creates tension amongst team members. Various styles of handling conflict within the team contribute to a less productive meeting.