New to Poverty - Hannah and Liam (#218)

This simulation was developed with a grant from the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Fund (LTEF) and support from the Learning and Teaching Office, Toronto Metropolitan University.

Due to a series of events and personal issues Hannah, Liam and their two children, Owen and Grace, now live in reduced circumstances. Learners, meeting either the whole family or individuals of the family, face the challenge of understanding the physical, mental and psychological blocks which impede this family from changing their situation.

Note: This simulation deals with the struggles associated with living in poverty. It is very malleable and can be used in many settings and class rooms. Several scenarios are offered as options.

• Active listening
• Empathy
• Building rapport
• Various questioning styles
• Collaborative solution making
• Collaborative goal setting

Scenario 1

Hannah and Liam live on assistance in a basement apartment with their two year old daughter, Grace and Owen, Hannah’s seventeen year old son. Their upstairs neighbour heard Hannah and Liam fighting; they were shouting and it sounded like some items were being thrown.  The neighbour was concerned for Grace and called the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Hannah and Liam were mortified and petrified that their behaviour put them at risk for losing Grace to foster care. You, the Social Worker, Child Youth Care Worker or Early Childhood Education Specialist, agreed to meet Liam and Hannah in your office when they called and asked for help.

Scenario 2

Hannah and Liam live on assistance in a basement apartment with their two year old daughter, Grace and Owen, Hannah’s seventeen year old son. As the Nurse on duty, at the local Community Health Centre, you agreed to meet Liam in your office to discuss how to look after bedbug bites.