Possibilities of Using Reflective Practice in Supporting Mothers with Mental Handicap

Martina Bakalikova, Milos Votoupal

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim is to identify the contextual, socially constructed influences that enter into providing support from social workers to mothers with mental disabilities. THEORETICAL BASE: The problem is viewed from the contextual framework of social work, with other points being reflective practice and critical reflection. METHODS: One specific method is contextual presentation whereby a professional can reflect, that is, to summarize the key contexts in supporting mothers and identify the influences that enter their construction, all with the help of the Dynamic Model. OUTCOMES: Some important areas for the use of reflective practice in the institutional context include Czech legislation, the insufficient accommodation situation and negative attitudes of society. Within the theoretical context, it is appropriate to reflect on the cooperation of the support network of professionals and the informal sector, as well as the interdisciplinary differences in viewing the living situation of mothers. Regarding the practical context, the subject of critical reflection should be aimed at the training of professional, as well as the possible communication barriers to supporting mothers and to providing support towards strengthening competencies. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The application goal is to suggest which areas a helping professional could use reflective practice in providing support to the mother. We have proposed the Critical Reflection Model as a way of using reflective practice.

Keyword
mental handicap, social work, critical reflection

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