A Dangerous Son - Movie Analysis Essay

Introduction

'A Dangerous Son' is an emotional documentary, and watching it creates sympathy and frustration amongst viewers. This is because it draws attention to the inadequacies of the mental health system, especially in the case of minors with aggressive behavior and the stigmatization that follows. This documentary questions ones' existing views of people living with mental illness, their families, and mental health centers. Watching it does not create a soothing viewing experience, but it is enjoyable in large part because of its ability to expose you to what happens in the real world. It also enlightens viewers on how psychiatric disorders affect many people, but only a few people get access to treatment.

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How did this film illustrate mental illness at the micro level?

According to William's mother, a caseworker often has no background with mentally ill or autistic kids. Therefore, they have to deal with someone whose role is not to give money to institutionalize the child. Most times, therapists recommend that social workers spend twenty-four hours with sick children for extreme care, but social workers are often reluctant in such cases.

How did it incorporate systems theory?

Systems theory notes that behavior is affected by a variety of factors that function together as a network. The environment of an individual and company they keep dramatically influences their behaviour (Burns & DeVille, 2017). The documentary illustrates systems theory in that, Vontae, showcased violent behavior since he missed his father. His father was shot by the police hence causing his violent behavior. Also, after staying in residential care for six months, Ethan attacks his mother barely six hours of his return home. The care he received while on residential treatment did not match the care received at home hence leading to the attacks. Besides, system theory suggests that seeking to correct the defunct parts of a system has a positive impact. As such, providing mentally ill kids with the necessary help ensures that they change their behavior.

How did it include family systems theory?

The family consists of members with unique characteristics and different roles to play and a set of rules to follow (Burns & DeVille, 2017. The film incorporates the family system theory whereby, as much as the mentally ill kids have siblings, they receive special treatment. Amy, who is William's sister, feels that their parents never have time for her hence affecting her life. On the other hand, Ethan does not follow house rules, and he frequently attacks his sister. These behaviors cause isolation of the attacked members of the family hence losing the interdependent function of the family.

How did it address stigma in relation to mental health?

According to the film, stigma is prevalent concerning mental illness. However, after watching it, people learn that it is not the parents' problem that the kids are violent rather an illness that requires professional help. The parents feel guilty, and the loneliness can be overwhelming, as is the constant concern that their child may injure themselves or others. This sensitizes everyone against stigmatizing the affected and urges them to assist wherever they can to support the kids.

Briefly discuss how mental illness was illustrated at the macro level? How did policies impact treatment and access to care?

Although medication can change the outcome dramatically, appropriate care is often a privilege for those who can afford it or who live in free or affordable healthcare states only. As noted in the movie, 17 million kids in the U.S. have or have encountered a mental disorder, while currently, there are less than 60,000 beds to accommodate such cases. Donald Trump engaged in collaborating with state and local officials to help secure schools and address the complex issue of mental health after the school shootings in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people were killed. And until this shift is implemented, parents with mentally ill kids hope to create awareness of this issue.

As a social worker what ways could you engage and intervene to help individuals and families? (micro and macro levels)

As a social worker, it would be essential to identify the families in need and implement a plan of action towards assisting them. This action includes spending time with the families and bonding with the members that feel isolated, and engaging all members in fun family activities that would create the togetherness that may have been missing in the family. Also, leading campaigns that sensitize the community on the mental health issues would ensure that the community recognizes the existence of such family hence reducing stigma and homes would be willing to assist such families.

After watching this video, how can you relate to the aspects of the individual cases to the Code of Ethics? Examples of it being upheld? Any examples of it NOT being upheld if any?

Some aspects of these cases relate to the Code of Ethics. For example, Ethan's social workers and psychologists uphold these ethics by being committed to their clients. They take Ethan and live with him for six months, all this while trying to get him to confirm good behavior. Also, the decision by the Social workers to take Vontae to live with his aunt upholds the Code of Ethics as they had to ensure the safety of both Vontae and his siblings. However, claims by William's mother that Homes are only interested in money defies the billing Code of Ethics. In that, homes are only willing to provide care depending on how much the client is willing to pay.

References

Burns, T. R., & DeVille, P. (2017). SOCIO-ECONOMICS: THE APPROACH OF SOCIAL SYSTEMS THEORY IN A FORTY YEAR PERSPECTIVE. Economics & Sociology, 10(2), 11-20. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.14254/2071-789X.2017/10-2/1

Garbus, L. & Gesing, T. (2018). A Dangerous Son. United States: HBO.