The Exosystem refers to the indirect environment that the child may not interact with, but still influence the child's life. Such environments and people can include a parent's workplace or extended family members.
Maxine's mother is finally getting the help she needs to manage her mental health condition. Linda is learning useful skills she needs to cope with her Bipolar disorder and feels relieved to finally have a better understanding of what's been going on with her mood. The positive effects Linda's CBT has had for her has spilled over into her job causing Linda to be a little more organized and motivated to do well. Her boss noticed this and decided to mention Linda in the monthly departmental email she sends out. Along with important deadlines and the department's successes that month, Linda's boss added a paragraph at the end of the email that recognized her for her outstanding performance lately. The recognition from her boss boosted Linda's confidence and has left her feeling happy and energized. Capitalizing on this feeling, Linda decides to take a vacation with Maxine and Tony.
As Maxine's case worker, you know that straying from a routine and vacationing to unfamiliar places can oftentimes be challenging for both Linda and Maxine. You are worried that taking a vacation now just as things are looking up may not actually be a good idea. What would you suggest?
It isn't appropriate to intervene, so you don't say anything to Linda and they end up going on vacation.
You share your concerns with Linda and suggest that she do something special in town so she can stick to her normal routine with the kids.