An I-Diagram can be used during a home visit or staffing to identify the behavioral sequences that are positive and negative in the family.
Use the I-Diagram to assess:
1. Individual physical/intellectual/emotional abilities (UFNA- CFS349)
2. Parenting skills (UFNA- CFS349)
3. Methods of discipline and punishment (UFNA- CFS349)
4. Child’s mental health (UFNA- CFS349)
5. Child’s behavior (UFNA- CFS349)
Drawing the I-Diagram
Ask the parent to think about a problem that is a key issue related to the investigation finding. These steps describe the process for analyzing a problem with the child’s behavior. They can be adapted to address an individual problem of the parent, such as poor anger control, inappropriate discipline, substance abuse, etc.
| Step 1: | Ask the parent to think about when the problem does not occur. What is the child saying, what feelings does he show, what is he doing? Write these down at the top left of the paper. |
| Step 2: | Ask the parent what is going on around the child when the problem does not occur. What are the parents saying or doing, who else is around and what are they saying and doing, what time of day is it, where is the child, etc.? Write these down at the top right of the paper. |
| Step 3: | Now, look at the problem. Ask the parent what the child appears to be feeling and what he is doing when a problem, such as conflict with a parent, running away, disobedience, or punishment by the parent, occurs. Write these down at the bottom left of the paper. |
| Step 4: | Ask the parent what is going on around the child when the specific problem you have identified occurs. Your goal is to help the parent identify the environmental or contributing factors that occur before, during, and after a problem with a child. Write these on the bottom right of the paper. |
As you complete the I-diagram assessment tool, consider these key questions.
1. When _________________ happens, how do ______________ and ______________ react?
2. What sequences of behaviors can you see when the problem does not occur that can be reinforced and increased?
3. What problems can you identify with the I-diagram?
4. What skills do family members need to learn?
5. Who is the most able and willing to make changes in their own role in the repeating sequence of behaviors that lead the problem? What agreement or contract can the family make to stop the cycle of behaviors that lead to the problem?