Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection

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Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College *

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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Running head:Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 1 Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection Aluet Mawien Yaak Clarissa Hitchcock

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 2 Introduction Reflective practice is an essential process in professional development and growth as it involves critically examining one's actions, thoughts, and feelings, to identify areas for improvement and enhancing self-awareness. In this reflection, I will use the "Steps in Reflective Practice" proposed by Fisher (2009) to analyze my experience of viewing and reflecting on the film "Polly and Me." The film raises important issues related to child protection, including neglect, abuse, and addiction, which are prevalent in our society. By reflecting on the film and my reactions to it, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues and identify ways to address them in my personal and professional life. In this reflection, I will describe the situation depicted in the film, analyze my emotional and cognitive reactions to it, confront any biases I may have, and reconstruct my understanding of the issues outlined in the film. Description The film "Polly and Me" depicts the life of a young girl living with her mother, who is struggling with drug addiction. The film presents an unambiguous contrast between the world of the mother and that of her daughter as the mother is shown engaging in prostitution, using drugs, and being subjected to domestic violence. In contrast, the daughter is isolated and neglected, living in a small and dingy apartment with her mother and relying on her doll, Polly, for companionship. Throughout the film, the young girl is shown trying to connect with her mother, seeking attention and affection, but she is met with disappointment and neglect as the mother is shown sleeping during the day and working at night, leaving her Polly alone for extended periods. Moreover, Polly is exposed to the dangerous and destructive elements of her mother's

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 3 life, such as drug use, prostitution as well as domestic violence. Despite this, Polly continues to hope for a better life, dreaming of going to the park and spending time with her mother. The film shows the devastating impact of addiction on families, particularly children who are repeatedly the most vulnerable. It portrays the heart-wrenching reality of children who are neglected, abused, and exposed to traumatic experiences. The film is a powerful reminder that just because we may not see or hear about these children, it does not mean they are not there, living in silence and isolation hence highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to address these issues. Personal experience Before watching the video, I had different expectations and emotions that were based on my past experiences and personal values. I was anxious about watching a film that deals with heavy and confronting subjects such as addiction and child abuse. Also, I had a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn more about these issues. On the other hand, during the film, I felt a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and helplessness, as I witnessed the harsh realities of a young girl's life. I also had a sense of frustration towards the mother in the film, questioning why she could not prioritize her child's needs over her addiction. However, it is essential to acknowledge that addiction is a complex and challenging issue that can impact individuals and families in various ways (Font & Maguire-Jack, 2020). Moreover, as I was watching the film, I had a sense of empathy and compassion toward the child and a desire to help in some way. In addition, after watching the film, I experienced a range of reactions and responses as I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the content and I needed time to process my emotions and thoughts. Also, I

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Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 4 developed a sense of motivation to take action and make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families affected by addiction and abuse. Evaluation One positive aspect of this film was its ability to elicit an emotional response and raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug addiction and neglect on children. Fisher's (2009) reflective practice can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and reactions, which can facilitate personal growth and improved practice. Through my reflection on the film, I was able to identify my emotional responses and biases, which can inform my practice when working with vulnerable children and families. However, a challenging aspect of the film was its portrayal of the mother as a helpless victim of addiction, which can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigmatize those struggling with addiction. While drug addiction is a complex issue that can impact individuals and families in various ways, it is important to approach the issue with compassion and empathy, recognizing the systemic factors that contribute to addiction and the need for access to support and resources (Kirby, 2019). In addition, from a theoretical perspective, the film aligns with ecological systems theory, which highlights the interconnectedness of individual, family, and community factors in shaping development and well-being (Brown et al., 2021). The film depicts the negative impact of addiction on the mother-child relationship, as well as the broader systemic issues that contribute to neglect and abuse, such as poverty and limited access to resources and support. Analysis

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 5 In reflecting on my personal experience from the film, I identified that my values, beliefs, and assumptions influenced my emotional response to the film. As a social worker, I hold values of social justice, human rights, and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, including children. Therefore, I was deeply affected by the portrayal of neglect and abuse in the film. Growing up, I witnessed family members struggle with addiction and mental health issues, which made the film's portrayal of a mother in the grip of drug addiction particularly poignant for me. Additionally, my theoretical background in child development and trauma-informed care contributed to my understanding of the potential long-term impacts of neglect and abuse on children. The literature on child neglect and abuse highlights the importance of recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of each child (Toth & Manly, 2019). In the case of "Polly and Me," the young girl's perspective is often overlooked or ignored by the adults in her life. This reflects a common theme in child welfare systems, where the perspectives of children are often overlooked in favor of those of adults. Furthermore, the film highlights the pervasive impact of trauma on children, which can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including behavioral problems, emotional dysregulation, and impaired cognitive development. Research on trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced trauma, as well as recognizing the impact of trauma on their behaviors and emotions. Confrontation

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 6 Confronting my analysis of the film, I recognize that my assumptions and values may have influenced my interpretation of the situation. My values around the importance of family and child welfare may have led me to feel deep sympathy for Polly and anger toward her mother. However, I must acknowledge that drug addiction is a complex issue and it is not always easy for individuals to break free from its grasp. Therefore, I need to challenge my initial assumptions and approach the issue with empathy and understanding. As a social worker, it is crucial to remain open-minded and objective when working with clients, even when the situation is challenging. I have also learned the importance of understanding the broader social, cultural, and political factors that contribute to situations such as those depicted in the film. Moreover, alternate perspectives and cultural influences also play a significant role in shaping our interpretation of situations. For instance, in some cultures, drug addiction is seen as a moral failing, while in others it is viewed as a medical issue that requires treatment. This highlights the importance of considering diverse cultural perspectives when working with clients from different backgrounds. Power dynamics are also crucial to consider when working with clients as in the case of "Polly and Me," the child is in a vulnerable position due to her age and dependency on her mother. In addition, from unit materials, I have learned the importance of adopting a person-centered approach when working with clients. This involves understanding the unique circumstances and needs of each individual and working collaboratively to develop solutions that meet their specific needs. Reconstruction

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Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 7 Now that I have reflected on my personal experience and analyzed the issues presented in the film, I realize the importance of remaining aware of my values, assumptions, and biases as a social worker. I need to ensure that these personal factors do not cloud my judgment or negatively impact my ability to provide support to clients. In the future, I will strive to remain open-minded and non-judgmental, recognizing that everyone has unique experiences and circumstances that have led them to their current situation. One key approach to promoting child protection is through a strengths-based perspective, which emphasizes the positive qualities and resources of individuals and communities, rather than focusing solely on deficits or challenges (Devaney et al., 2022). This perspective recognizes that families and communities have the potential to be powerful agents of change and can play a vital role in creating safe and supportive environments for children. As a social worker, it is crucial to advocate for policy changes that address these underlying factors and work towards creating a more equitable society. Moreover, in terms of my areas of strength, I believe that I possess strong communication and empathetic skills, which are essential in building trust and rapport with clients. However, I recognize that I have areas of growth and development, such as developing a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practice and building my knowledge of community resources and support networks. Conclusion Reflecting on the video "Polly and Me" using the Steps in Reflective Practice has allowed for a deeper understanding of the complex issues of neglect, drug addiction, and child protection. The description of the film highlighted the isolation and helplessness of the young girl living in a

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 8 difficult situation. The analysis showed how personal values and beliefs influenced the perception of the film, and how social and cultural factors contribute to child protection issues. The confrontation step allowed for a deeper analysis of the intersection between personal and professional values, ethical standards, and social responsibility. Finally, the reconstruction step suggested the importance of awareness, empathy, and advocacy in addressing child protection issues.

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 9 References Brown, C., Rueda, P. O., Batlle, I. C., & Sallán, J. G. (2021). Introduction to the special issue: a conceptual framework for researching the risks to early leaving. Journal of Education and Work , 34 (7-8), 723-739. https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2021.2003007 Devaney, C., Brady, B., Crosse, R., & Jackson, R. (2022). Realizing the potential of a strengths‐based approach in family support with young people and their parents. Child & Family Social Work . https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12978 Font, S. A., & Maguire-Jack, K. (2020). The scope, nature, and causes of child abuse and neglect. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science , 692 (1), 26-49. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716220969642 Kirby, J. N. (2019). Nurturing family environments for children: Compassion-focused parenting as a form of parenting intervention. Education Sciences , 10 (1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10010003 Toth, S. L., & Manly, J. T. (2019). Developmental consequences of child abuse and neglect: Implications for intervention. Child Development Perspectives , 13 (1), 59-64. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12317

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Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection 10

Assessment 1 Critical Self Reflection

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