Tip Sheet for Genogram/Family Tree (R.
5/04)
What is a Genogram/Family Tree? A Genogram/Family Tree is a method of showing relationships between people using a drawing.
Why do we create Genogram/Family Trees? Change is a difficult within a family system. Family patterns are often passed from generation to generation. First, our clients must
become aware of the patterns themselves. Genograms are a useful tool in exploring a family system and identifying patterned ways of relating. The time devoted to completing the
Genogram/Family Tree is helpful in engaging the client to speak openly with the SSW.
Special Considerations for Protection and Permanency Cases: For Protection and Permanency purposes it is also useful in obtaining names and information about both maternal
and paternal relatives. Workers may want to include contact information on the Genogram/Family Tree or take separate notes. If a Genogram is prepared early in a case and it later
results in OOHC, it will provide valuable information in seeking absent parent and potential Relative Placement opportunities. Genograms are a required part of the Initial (5-day) Case
Plan. They should at least display the immediate family of the identified client(s) and ideally show as much of the extended family as possible.
How to create a Genogram/Family Tree:
1. Introduce the Genogram/Family Tree to your client or family
2. Use Squares for Males, Circles for Females, Triangles for Unborn Children, Miscarriages & Abortions. Connect with lines for relationships.
3. You can begin at the bottom with the client family or the top with the Great Grandparents or oldest know relatives.
4. Ask for as much information as client can provide: birthdays, dates of marriages, divorces or death.
5. For living relatives ask if there was ever a reason I would need to contact him/her how could I reach them (address, phone #)
6. Inquire about themes and family patterns: serial relationships, drug/alcohol dependency, violence, etc.
7. Also look for strengths: lasting marriages, education and cultural ties.
8. Put age inside the symbol and date of birth to the side or off to the side.
9. Use exact dates of marriage, divorce, and separation if available.
10. Put children in order of birth—oldest to the left.
There are several examples attached. These are just examples to assist you. What is provided here is just the basics, there are additional ways to note relationships and use these tools. A
definitive resource is the book titled Family-Centered Social Work Practice (copyright September 1983, ISBN: 0029141001) by Ann Hartman and John Laird pioneers in the use of
Genograms in family assessment. For thoughts on the use of Genograms please turn to a KY Social Worker’s testimonial and the following web sites:
http://sfhelp.org/pop/geno-full.htm
http://faculty-web.at.northwestern.edu/commstud/galvin/genograms/Basic Genogram Components.htm
http://www.cop.ufl.edu/SAFEZONE/DOTY/kfh/Genogram.pdf
http://www.interpersonaluniverse.net/
http://hhd.csun.edu/williams/340/Genogram Construction on Excel or Word.doc
Key:
Males Female Person deceased Unborn Child Relationship Solid line for Dashed Line for
Ended a Marriage Non-Marital Partner
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Tip Sheet for Genogram/Family Tree (R. 5/04)
Example: two spouses each previously married; wife had two children, husband had none; current couple cohabiting without marriage and has jointly one child (all female
children).
Another example of how a Genogram/Family Tree can constructed uses straight lines rather than the traditional angles.
In this example color can be used to show who is currently residing in the household.
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Tip Sheet for Genogram/Family Tree (R. 5/04)
This is an example of how a Genogram/Family Tree could look in showing an extended family system.
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