Collecting Data - Belinda Begay

Collecting Data - Belinda Begay

BSHS-405

July 20, 2015

Jim Reeves

Collecting Data - Belinda Begay

Once an individual reaches out for help from a stranger, whom which is a professional, there are many steps that need to occur to ensure accurate delivery of service. These steps are documented in detail by the human services professional. This detailed information usually consists of an assessment form provided by an agency and a list of notes taken during the assessment. The information collected here should cover the clients age, sex, religion and, date of birth; giving the helper basic information. The assessment form may also cover the client's social history, medical history, past issues, whether the client has ever reached out for help before as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The conversation that gathers this information gives the helper a sense of who the client is as well as the opportunity to gain the clients trust. There shouldn't be any facts about any of this information left out, the helper should be taking side notes on facts and interesting points the client brings to the conversation. This information can be reviewed at a later time or clarified at assessment.

Confidentiality during this interview is something the helper should ensure the client of without them asking. With the helper, reassuring confidentiality, this offers the client the comfort to speak freely while providing as much information as necessary. This can avoid held back information, or even false information. False information can be provided by a client for many reasons, embarrassment, and lack of trust, seclusion or financial reasons. It is vital that the helper identifies when there is potential false information or information left out. With phony information, the service of delivery is null, and there are no goals created as well as expectations set for both helper and client. Even though the list of reasons why a client would offer false information; it is the responsibility of the helper to ask the proper open-ended questions, utilize communication skills and offer comfort to avoid falsehoods.