The novel "Broken Three Times" provides a nuanced
glimpse into the lived experiences of Maria and her children, Sylar and Samaya.
Through their interwoven stories of resilience and struggle, we gain insight
into the multi-layered issues impacting vulnerable families navigating the
child welfare system. This paper aims to comprehensively examine key aspects of
their circumstances by reflecting on existing literature and applying social
work lenses of cultural competence, human development, and trauma-informed
care. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges
they face while highlighting opportunities for strengthening practice
approaches.
Family Strengths and Everyday Adversities
On the surface, Maria, Sylar, and Samaya's family unit exhibited
affection demonstrating their bond as a source of support. However,
peer-reviewed research indicates a mother's own history of childhood trauma,
like Maria's sexual abuse, negatively influences her capacity to form secure
attachments and model healthy relationships (
Systemic Barriers and Resiliencies
Unfortunately, the child welfare system itself compounded these
family's adversities through avoidable failures. DCF missed opportunities to
immediately remedy Maria's underlying trauma and substance abuse issues.
Research indicates that trauma-informed and culturally attuned assessment
improves the identification and management of client needs (Beyer et al.,
2017). More robust family evaluations paired with ongoing supportive case
management may have reduced placement disruptions detrimental to the children's
well-being. Their strong bond with Maria also demonstrated important
resiliencies, yet systemic constraints limited capitalizing on these protective
factors.
Cultural Influences on Health Behaviors
Entrenched cultural patterns profoundly influenced maladaptive
coping strategies like Maria's substance abuse. Her trauma history and lack of
culturally informed treatment cultivated dysfunctional behaviors. Sociological
theory posits behaviors developing within communities through social learning
of norms - for Maria's culture, rigid familial roles normalized imbalances that
tacitly endorsed abuse perpetuation (Bandura, 1977). Long-term inpatient
treatment integrated with culturally matched counseling could have durably
addressed the trauma driving her addictions. However, resource constraints
often impede patient-centered, strengths-based interventions accommodating
culture (Oquendo & Hastings, 2019).
Types of Maltreatment and Placement Risks
Regrettably, out-of-home placements intended as safe alternatives
introduced further risks contradicting goals of safety, well-being, and
permanence for children. As discussed in my submissions analyzing risks,
research, and practice shows child trauma manifestations depend largely on
protective/risk factors like placement stability (Goldbeck et al., 2016). For
Sylar and Samaya, moves disrupted developing trust compromising their ability
to process traumatic experiences. Without specialized foster parent preparation
and ongoing support, caregivers lack training managing trauma's impacts
increasing maltreatment risk (Choi & Ryan, 2007). Comprehensive, timely
assessment guided by ecological and developmental frameworks generates more
effective placements equipped to meet diverse needs.
Three indicators for each type of maltreatment experienced by
Samaya and Sylar, we should start with Physical Abuse. Unexplained bruises or
injuries: Samaya and Sylar exhibit visible bruises, cuts, or other injuries
that cannot be adequately explained or are inconsistent with their age or
developmental stage. Frequent visits to the hospital or doctor: Samaya and
Sylar consistently require medical attention for injuries, it could be a sign
of physical abuse. This could include frequent visits for broken bones, burns,
or other trauma-related injuries.
Most impactful is substance abuse, and inappropriate sexual
knowledge or behaviors: Samaya and Sylar may exhibit knowledge or engage in
sexual behaviors that are not appropriate for their age or developmental stage.
Fear or avoidance of specific individuals: If Samaya and Sylar display fear or
avoidance towards certain individuals, especially adults, it could be an
indicator of sexual abuse. Physical symptoms or discomfort: Samaya and Sylar
might experience physical symptoms such as pain, itching, or discomfort in
their genital area, which could be a result of sexual abuse.
Finally, the children experienced a large form of neglect. Poor
hygiene or unkempt appearance: Samaya and Sylar may have consistently dirty or
unkempt appearances, with unwashed clothes, matted hair, or signs of poor
personal hygiene. Frequent absences from school or lack of supervision: If
Samaya and Sylar regularly miss school or are frequently left unsupervised, it
could indicate neglect from their caregivers. Malnutrition or significant
weight loss: Samaya and Sylar may exhibit signs of malnutrition, such as being
underweight or showing signs of significant weight loss, which could be
indicative of neglectful feeding or lack of access to nutritious meals.
The absence or inconsistent presence of Maria, as evidenced by
Maria’s unpredictable comings and goings, is a dynamic that can contribute to
maltreatment and mental health issues. When parents are not consistently
available or engaged in their children's lives, it can result in neglect, lack
of supervision, and emotional neglect, which can have adverse effects on the
well-being of the children.
Developmental Impacts and Life-Course Consequences
The maltreatment Maria and her children endured had profound,
long-reaching effects warranting nuanced consideration. Trauma literature
establishes disrupted attachments and instability severely impede cognitive,
emotional, and identity development shaping life course trajectories (Putnam,
2006). Witnessing domestic violence and experiencing serial abuse lowered their
sense of safety fundamentally impacting perceptions of relationships and
decision-making. Their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) heightened
vulnerability to future revictimization and negative health/social outcomes
demonstrating intergenerational impacts (
How The Children Were Impacted
Maltreatment, such as witnessing domestic violence or experiencing
emotional abuse, can have long-lasting psychological and emotional consequences
for children. Samaya and Sylar may have developed feelings of fear, anxiety,
and low self-esteem as a result of the traumatic experiences they endured.
These negative emotions can manifest in their relationships, decision-making,
and overall well-being. They may struggle with trust issues and have difficulty
forming healthy attachments, which can impact their future relationships and
life choices.
The impact of maltreatment on academic and cognitive development
cannot be overlooked. Children who experience maltreatment often face
disruptions in their education, either due to frequent changes in living
arrangements or emotional distress. This can result in poor academic
performance and limited opportunities for future success. Samaya and Sylar may
have struggled academically, hindering their ability to pursue higher education
or secure stable employment. The lack of educational support and resources may
have influenced their life choices, limiting their options and perpetuating a
cycle of disadvantage.
Maltreatment can lead to behavioral challenges in children,
including aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty regulating emotions. Samaya and
Sylar may exhibit these behaviors as a coping mechanism or a result of the
trauma they experienced. These challenges can impact their relationships with
others, making it difficult for them to form healthy connections and maintain
stable social networks. In turn, these difficulties can affect their ability to
seek support, engage in positive social activities, and make positive life
choices.
Two cultural practices that could potentially influence such
behaviors are the normalization of violence and the patriarchal family
structure. In some families, there may be a normalization of violence or
aggression as a means of resolving conflicts or exerting power. This
normalization can create an environment where abusive behaviors, both physical
and emotional, are more likely to occur. In the case of Maria's father, his use
of violence and abusive behavior towards his family members, including Maria, could
be a result of cultural beliefs that condone or even encourage such actions.
Growing up in an environment where violence is normalized can perpetuate a
cycle of abuse, making it more difficult for individuals to recognize and break
the pattern.
Another cultural practice that might have influenced unsafe
parenting practices is the patriarchal family structure, where Maria is
considered the head of the household and has ultimate authority, yet is always absent or unreliable. Power
dynamics are often deeply ingrained, with a father figure being seen as
dominant and women and children expected to be submissive. The absence of a
Father figure, and an unreliable Mother figure, has created this power
imbalance that leads to abusive situations.
Culturally-Centered Practice Recommendations
To comprehensively remedy this family's multidimensional
challenges, sensitive, culturally-informed practice anchored in social work
ethics remains imperative. Current research reinforces that culturally attuned
interventions prove most effective by building on client strengths, values and
communities (Barker, 2007). While respecting cultural traditions important to
clients, practitioners must challenge customs harming well-being (NASW, 2021).
Comprehensive services spanning medical/behavioral health integrated with
substance abuse treatment, parenting/life skills education, and domestic
violence advocacy aim to empower Maria in stabilizing dysfunctional patterns
fueling intergenerational abuse. Equally important interventions geared towards
children's restoration include therapeutic and educational enrichment
strategies supporting healthy development following trauma exposure. Further
bolstering systemic capacity through proper training, workforce development,
and adequate resource allocation assists clients most vulnerable to falling
through the cracks.
The Best, The Worst, And Real Talk
Multigenerational family structure and support started with
Maria’s life as a lie, Tina was her Mom, not her Aunt. Her Father was actually
her Grandfather, and her Mother was actually her Grandmother. Tina, the
Aunt/Mom was unable to provide a stable family structure, and there was also
sexual abuse, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
The dysfunctional family network lead to resilience and
adaptability in the face of adversity, the family's ability to cope with
Grandfather/Father's abusive behavior and alcohol use suggests a level of
resilience that may be rooted in cultural coping mechanisms. The way Tina
shields Maria from the conflict and provides a safe space in her room shows the
family's ability to adapt and protect the more vulnerable members during
challenging situations. This resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity
is often cultivated in cultures that have experienced historical hardships,
such as marginalization, poverty, or political instability and have developed
strategies for survival and mutual support. These resilient traits were
behaviors that Maria learned and passed along through similar survival traits
that were learned by Sylar and Samya.
Maria’s children would witness and experience domestic violence,
substance abuse, and sexual abuse. Where I think there was failure, across the
chapters, was that these issues fell between the cracks of Maria’s life
narrative, and so because of this, her children suffered a tremendous amount of
neglect and also needed therapy.
Maria's father is neglectful, as evidenced by his lack of concern
for Maria's bedtime and school the next day when she is allowed to stay up late
playing with her new toy. Her mother also seems to be neglectful in not
intervening when her husband becomes abusive. Maria and Tina directly witness
verbal altercations and potential physical abuse between their parents, which
can be extremely traumatic for children.
Child Maltreatment And Family Violence
Maria's father is described as becoming aggressive and violent
when he comes home intoxicated, with the text stating "Whenever he smells
like this, things get nasty” (
The text depicts an unstable home environment, with Maria and her
sister Tina having to hide in Tina's room to avoid shouting matches between
their parents. This ongoing exposure to conflict and tension is a form of
emotional abuse.
Maria, in her adult life, was abused and had a recurring substance
abuse issue. She also surrounded herself with questionable people, which led to
her children being sexually abused, which then caused her children to
self-medicate and practice questionable sexual activities with other children.
Conclusion
This family's tribulations shed light on the multifactorial issues
compromising the well-being of at-risk populations navigating complex systems.
Their illustrative case study reinforces social work values of cultural
humility, advocacy, and empowerment-based partnership. By expanding
comprehension of cultural dynamics, maltreatment consequences, and
developmental impacts, practitioners obtain tools for responsive,
trauma-informed approaches upholding safety, permanency, and healing. Continued
research informing policy through an anti-oppressive lens remains crucial to
remedy inequities limiting disadvantaged communities' optimal functioning and
intergenerational wellness.
The conclusions that can be drawn from their story are the impact
of trauma: Samaya and Sylar have both experienced traumatic events, such as
witnessing domestic violence and enduring emotional and physical abuse. These
experiences have undoubtedly affected their well-being and development, leading
to emotional and psychological distress. Also, the normalization of violence
and the patriarchal family structure, have influenced the unsafe parenting
practices within their family. These cultural factors need to be acknowledged
and addressed in order to provide effective support and intervention.
To practice culturally competent social work with this family, it
is essential to approach their situation with sensitivity, respect, and an
understanding of their cultural background. The following steps can be taken if
I was their social worker. Establish a trusting relationship with Samaya and
Sylar by creating a safe and non-judgmental space for them to share their
experiences and concerns. This can be achieved through active listening,
empathy, and validation of their feelings and experiences. Involve the family
in the decision-making process and respect their perspectives and preferences.
Collaboratively develop a plan of action that integrates their cultural beliefs
and values, while ensuring the safety and well-being of Samaya and Sylar. Seek
to understand the cultural practices and norms that have influenced their
family dynamics. Tailor interventions and support services to align with their
cultural background, while also addressing any harmful or unsafe practices.
Recognize the impact of trauma on Samaya and Sylar's lives and provide
trauma-informed interventions. This includes creating a sense of safety,
empowering them to regain control, promoting resilience, and connecting them to
appropriate resources for healing and recovery.
This book broke my heart but made me want to do my part to help children like Maria, Sylar, and Samya. I want to do all that I can, and not fail them. Upon analyzing Samaya and Sylar's story, it is clear that they have experienced significant challenges and adversity within their family dynamics.
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