Assignment is for WORD POWER

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Ecomap�Activity� Creating�an�ecomap�is�a�graphic�and�useful�way�of�assessing�families�in�which�the�families� themselves�can�participate.��The�assessment�process�depends�upon�the�mutual�engagement� and�participation�of�both�the�Adoption�Specialist�and�the�family�members.��This�method�of� diagramming�depicts�the�family�in�their�dynamic�ecological�system.��Other�important�systems� that�influence�the�family�are�included�in�the�ecomap.��The�ecomap�also�provides�a�picture�of�the� important�nurturing�or�conflictͲladen�connections�between�the�family�and�the�world;� demonstrates�the�flow�of�resources,�or�lacks�and�deprivations;�and�highlights�the�nature�of�the� interfaces�and�points�of�conflicts�to�be�mediated,�bridges�to�be�built,�and�resources�to�be� explored.��

The�ecomap�lends�itself�to�the�creativity�of�the�Adoption�Specialist�and�the�family.��An�individual� family�member�or�the�whole�family�can�be�invited�to�produce�the�map.��The�process�can�be� revisited�and�the�map�redrawn�at�various�intervals�throughout�the�assessment�and�matching� process�to�illustrate�how�the�“picture”�can�change�as�the�family�“changes”�and�at�the�possible� introduction�of�new�members�into�the�family.�

Instructions�for�Ecomapping:��

1.�Draw�a�large�circle�in�the�middle�of�the�map.��This�represents�the�members�of�household.���

2.�Inside�the�large�circle,�draw�a�genogram�that�describes�the�makeup�of�the�household.��It�is������������� often�useful�to�add�names�and�ages.��Limited�space�may�prevent�adding�additional�descriptive� information.��

3.�Inquire�into�what�outside�systems�influence�the�family�unit�and�its�members.��Examples�of� these�outside�systems�may�include�work,�extended�family,�church,�school,�health�care,�social� welfare,�recreation,�and�friends.����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� � � Ͳ�Draw�smaller�circles�around�the�large�household�circle�and�label�them�to�� � � ��represent�the�outside�systems.�

4.�The�next�step�is�to�begin�to�draw�the�connections�of�the�family�unit�and�its�individuals�to�the� various�systems�in�their�environment.��These�connections�are�indicated�by�drawing�lines� between�the�family�and�the�circles�representing�the�outside�systems.����������������������������������������������������� � � Ͳ�Some�of�the�connections�may�be�drawn�to�the�family�unit�as�a�whole�or�to�the�� � � ��individual�members.��This�differentiation�demonstrates�the�way�the�various�� � � ��family�members�are�connected�to�the�environment.�

5.�Next,�indicate�the�direction�of�the�flow�of�resources,�energy,�or�interest�by�drawing�arrows� along�the�connecting�lines.�� 6.�Finally,�write�a�word�or�two�beside�the�connecting�lines�or�smaller�circles�to�further�describe,� clarify�or�highlight�information�drawn�on�the�ecomap.��

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Below,�you�will�find�an�example�of�an�ecomap�and�a�key�to�the�symbols�most�commonly�used� on�ecomaps.��After�you�have�familiarized�yourself�with�these�items,�you�will�have�the� opportunity�to�complete�an�ecomap�of�your�own.���

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������������Relationship�Key� � ��Examples�of�systems�

Strong���� � � � � � Extended�Family����������Culture�

Stressful��� � � � � � Health�Care� �����������Church�

Tenuous���Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ��Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�������� � � Friends�� �����������Work�

Broken/ended��Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�//�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ�//�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ//�Ͳ�Ͳ�Ͳ� � � Social�Welfare��������������Recreation�

� � � � � � � School� � �����������Courts�

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Now�it�is�your�turn�to�create�an�ecomap.��Utilizing�the�information�above,�interview�a�coͲ worker,�friend�or�family�member�(or�work�with�another�Adoption�Specialist�to�interview�a� perspective�adoptive�family).�

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Family�