When a service user is ready to plan for the desired change, some practitioners may automatically revert to the role of an expert and offer suggestions for how and when the service user could implement the change. Service users are more likely to follow through with a plan for change they conceived themselves as opposed to a plan that was conceived for them. As a result, it is often useful to ask service users key questions (such as, “Where do you go from here?” and “What happens next?”) to encourage them to create their own plan for change.

You will use key questions to help the service user in your case study move from commitment to planning. You also will identify resources from your own community that you would refer to the service user. 

To Prepare

• Create three questions you would ask the service user in the case study to help them move from commitment to planning. Be sure to use questions that are different than those on the Key Questions handout.
• Reflect on the service user’s presenting challenge. Identify three resources from within your own community that you would refer to the service user. 

Identify the Hart City case study you were assigned in the subject line of your post.

Post three key questions (not found in the “Key Question” section of Chapter 19 in the course text) that you would ask to help move your Hart City service user from commitment to planning. Then, identify three resources from within your own community that you would refer to the service user, and explain why.

HART CITY CASE STUDY(ALMA)

Alma

Alma is a 40-year-old woman who has just been admitted to the Hart City Substance Abuse Clinic via a court order. She had three driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in the past year. Recently, while driving under the influence, she jumped a curve and hit a pedestrian. He survived; however, he needs extensive rehabilitation. The police convicted Alma of reckless endangerment as well as drunk driving and ordered her to an inpatient facility. Alma is married with four children all under the age of 16. She is the chief executive officer (CEO) of a multinational organization. Her job requires her to travel two weeks each month. Early on, Alma and her husband decided that he would stay home and raise the children. He is also a writer, but he has yet to publish anything significant. Alma has been the sole financial provider for her family for 16 years. Alma adamantly denies that she has a substance abuse problem and does not want to stay in treatment for the required 30 days. She is hostile towards the staff and in need of an intake assessment and referral for treatment. Her family is also in need of referrals for emotional support.