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Social Work Theory

Social Work Theory. Outline. Overview of Relevant Social Work Theory Ecosystems perspective Human systems theory Strengths perspective Empowerment 2. How to use these theories to engage in empowering practice. Ecosystems.

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Social Work Theory

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  1. Social Work Theory

  2. Outline • Overview of Relevant Social Work Theory • Ecosystems perspective • Human systems theory • Strengths perspective • Empowerment 2. How to use these theories to engage in empowering practice

  3. Ecosystems Balance or equilibrium between living beings with their environment (adaptation) *Introduction of new elements throws off this balance

  4. Ecosystems Perspective • Person in environment (physical, social, etc.) • Behaviors are adaptations to the environment • No such thing as “dysfunction”; all behavior can be understood in context *Introduction of new elements throws off this balance

  5. Ecosystems Perspective • Haitian example of adaptation (person with physical disability?) Fiona – skip this slide

  6. Human Systems KOMINOTE FANMI SOSYETE

  7. Individuals as “systems” Religious beliefs Biology Culture Social environment Psychology

  8. Systems theory • All social systems are part of a larger system while composed of smaller systems • Systems interact with one another at different levels

  9. Assumptions about human systems • All behavior makes sense in context • All behavior is motivated • Challenges emerge between people and their physical and social environments (rather than within the client)

  10. Assumptions about change • A small change in one part of the ecosystem may initiate a chain of beneficial changes • Challenges are likely to have many solutions • You don’t have to solve a problem to find a solution • People have strengths and the potential for growth • Lasting change builds on strengths • Given resources and opportunities, people cultivate competencies • Collaborative relationships stimulate feelings of power and lead to actions

  11. Ecosystems approach KEY STEPS: • Identify the focal system • What’s happening inside the system? • What’s happening outside the system? • How do the inside and outside connect? • How does the system move through time? (illustrate with an example)

  12. Strengths Perspective • All individuals have mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual abilities • Identifying and enhancing existing strengths helps empower families, promoting their competence and self-sufficiency. • Three conceptual transitions: problems  challenges pathology  strengths past  future • Strengths are diverse including personal feelings of worth, cultural pride, successful relationships etc.

  13. Key Concepts Personal Empowerment: feelings of competency and a sense of control Competence: When one’s abilities, skills, and resources match the demands of the environment

  14. Charity vs. Empowerment Charity: • Decisions made by givers of charity • Clients are passive recipients of aid • Outcome: Fosters dependence Empowerment: • Decisions are shared by clients • Clients are given the resources and support to play an active role in helping themselves • Promotes competence, self-reliance, and autonomy • Outcome: Fosters independence

  15. How do we establish relationships that foster empowerment? • Recognize clients as experts • Recognize that clients have strengths and potential • Recognize social worker’s role as enabler and agent of change, not as provider of charity • Emphasize mutual participation and responsibility (working with not for clients) • Encourage client participation in decision making • Ensure that responses match client’s stated goals

  16. Avoid blaming the victim • Victim blaming:When people unjustly blame those who experience the effects of social problems, rather than recognizing that these difficulties result from oppression, discrimination, and injustice • People who experience blame, shame and stigma often assimilate this negativity into their self-image

  17. Phases of Empowering Practice: 1: Forming partnerships • Establishing relationships, practicing empathy, reflective listening 2: Assessment • Identifying challenges, examining context, recognizing clients’ strengths, assessing resource capabilities 3: Planning and Implementing interventions • Identifying short and long term goals, addressing obstacles, contracting with client, activating resources, strengthening alliances, expanding opportunities 4: Evaluation and follow-up • Recognizing successes, modifying interventions as needed

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