THE HELPING

PROCESS
Presented by:
DR. SINDYPEARL P. MELENCIO, RSW, MPA, MSSW (C.)
 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
PROBLEM SOLVING SOCIAL WORK
PROCESS HELPING PROCESS
It is primarily concerned with identifying It involves relationship between a client and a worker.
and resolving specific problems.
(cognitive (pag-iisipan); rational (aalamin) 1. To understand the problem (interviews, profiling, intake, ocular
visits, transect walk. (Data-gathering / Fact-finding).

2. To gather comprehensive information about a person or

situation. (Assessment)

3. To determine the underlying cause or nature of the problem,

and identify the specific issue or condition. (Diagnosis)

4. To provide and facilitate therapeutic interventions and

strategies to address the problem. (Planning and Treatment)
 FRAMEWORK FOR PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
CASEWORK
Defining the general nature of
the problem presented
Psychological study
Diagnosis and formulation of
treatment plans
Treatment
Evaluation
COMMUNITY
GROUPWORK ORGZANIZATION
Intake Recognition of the problem
Diagnosis and treatment planning Analysis of the problem or
assessment
Group composition and formation
Planning or consideration of the
action to be taken
Group development and Action - is the execution of
treatment the plans and initiation of the
service of project
Evaluation Evaluation
Termination
 By Helen Harris Perlman —as the “process used by human
welfare agencies to help individuals to cope more effectively
with their problems of social functioning.”

THE CASEWORK
METHOD By Esther C. Viloria —as the "helping process which consists
of a variety of activities that may include the giving of material
assistance, referrals to other community facilities, rendering
emotional and psychological support".
 HISTORY 3

SOCIAL CASEWORK, also known as social work

SOCIAL GROUP WORK was introduced in the
practice, was introduced in the Philippines
Philippines during the post-World War II period,
during the American colonial period in the
specifically in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
early 20th century. The formal establishment
of social casework can be traced back to the
Social workers saw the potential of groups to provide
early 1920s when American social workers
support, facilitate learning, and promote collective
began to implement social work principles and
action for social change.
methods in the country.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZING,

was better known in the Philippines in 1960s.

During the American colonial period, community organization efforts were initiated by social
workers and educators who aimed to uplift marginalized communities and empower local
residents. These efforts focused on enhancing community participation, promoting self-reliance,
and addressing socio-economic disparities.
CASEWORK PRACTICE IN
THE PHILIPPINES

1917 1951
Social Welfare Administration expanded by
Associated Charities of Manila
employing social workers in every
started a family welfare agency.
provinces and major cities to engage in
1941 disaster and emergency relief.

The Associated Charities of Manila 1954

was absorbed by the Bureau of DOH issued a circular requiring the
Public Welfare to carry out its national, provincial, city and emergency
public assistance program and it hospitals which is called Medical Social
employed social workers who Service Unit (MSSU) to employ social
functioned as caseworkers. workers.
5
CASEWORK PRACTICE IN
THE PHILIPPINES

1970s
1950s The increase number of out-of-school
Social work started in few schools (UST, youth, with behavioral and social
PWU, UP) problems, disabled and disadvantaged
persons brought social group work to
the fore.

1960s
The government pushed for community 1980s
development. Casework practice was strengthened when
observed that more and more clients were
exhibiting graver emotional and psychological
problems.
5
 FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
SOCIAL CASE WORK METHODS

ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCIAL
INFLUENCES SOCIAL REFORMS
ASSISTANCE

Distress was not a character defect but the social Non-enforcement or Difficulties in:
conditions under which these people lived. lack of implementation meeting basic needs;
of laws, ordinances, sending children to
The environment refers to: regulations, policies, school;
social (discrimination, lack of opportunies, legislations. seeking professional
societal expectations, injustices) help like counseling,
cultural (practices - child marriages, gender
Lack of access to social psychological and
inequalities, gender mutilation, witchcraft
services, and social behavioral therapy,
accusations, ritualistic forms of punishment)
safety nets. mental health
economic (low income/wages, unemployment,
support;
low education), and
developmental
physical (illness, unsanitation, overcrowded
housing, lack of health facilities, safe spaces) therapy
factors that surround and impact individuals'
daily lives.
Process includes...
Improvement in the person's social
functioning by bringing about change in his
economic and social living or environment.
The social worker engages in a working
relationship and together they embark on a
Bringing the client through the problem- scientific or problem-solving process. .
solving process so that he will benefit from the
experience and will be able to apply it in the
future as he encounters other problems of daily
living when the caseworker is no longer there to
help him.
 COMPONENTS OF CASEWORK
(4Ps)

The The The Place The

Person Problem (Agency) Process
COMPONENTS OF CASEWORK

PERSON - a man, woman, or child who finds himself or is found to be in need of help.

some need which has not been met and has caused some disequilibrium in the
PROBLEM - individual's social functionning.

a social welfare agency which provides or links the client with the resources
PLACE - that he needs

a systematic and structured approach in helping clients develop their

PROCESS - capacities in coping with his problem.
 CASEWORK APPROACHES

PROBLEM- FAMILY-
FUNCTIONAL SOLVING
TASK-CENTERED CRISIS
CENTERED
PSYCHOSOCIAL
APPROACH APPROACH INTERVENTION APPROACH
APPROACH APPROACH

Conceptualized by According to According to Gordon According to Reid Explained by According to

Smalley. Perlman. Hamilton. and Epstein. Golan, Hartman and Laird.

- aims to improve the focuses in focuses an

individual's overall time-limited immediate and focuses on the
identifying and individual's
functioning (one-on- intervention short-term support needs and strengths
addressing specific mental health,
one); direct / personal to individuals or
problems emotional well- of the family as a
services focuses on groups facing a
being, and social whole.
therapy
collaboratively crisis situation.
(psychological/ a systematic and relationships
behavioral,
identifying and
structured process
connecting to addressing specific
to understand,
support groups, tasks or goals
analyze, and
employment
develop solutions
opportunity,
The Client Person
In order to help the client, the social worker
must understand the person's behavior in
relation to the problem he is presently
encountering. To do this, the worker must
possess some basic knowledge of human
behavior, of stress, and the human being's
response to it.
THREE COMPONENTS OF SIGMUND FREUD'S
STRUCTURAL MODEL OF PERSONALITY
A person's instinctual drive of
which he is not aware. It is
concerted only with the
attainment of pleasure and
the avoidance of pain, seeking
immediate gratification of
basic needs and desires.
the id
serves as a mediator between
acts as the internalized
the conflicting demands of the
conscience; control and
id and the superego.
regulate the impulses of the id;
strives for perfection,
It employs defense
adherence to moral principles,
mechanisms, such as
and the suppression of socially
repression, denial, and
unacceptable desires.
rationalization
the superego ego
IMPLICATIONS FOR CASEWORK TREATMENT
refer to the potential consequences or effects that result from a particular action, decision, or situation. It
involves understanding the significance or importance of something and considering the broader impact it
may have on individuals, groups, systems, or society as a whole.

NATURE AND NURTURE STRESS MOTIVATI ON

SOCIAL ROLES MODES OF ADAPTATION CAPACITY

CLIENT AND THE FAMILY

 NATURE AND NURTURE STRESS
Nature refers to the innate biological and genetic factors.
Stress is any kind of pressure that affects a person in his daily life,
In social casework, acknowledging the role of nature helps
most especially when he is facing a problem which he cannot
professionals understand and address issues such as
handle by himself. According to Anthony Yeo, there are three
genetic disorders, mental health conditions with a
major sources of stress: 1) Stress factor which threatens the
biological basis, or physical disabilities that may require
specific interventions or accommodations. person's well-being; 2) the value which is being threatened, 3) and
the person's reaction to the threat.
Nurture emphasizes the impact of environmental
factors, experiences, and social influences on an
individual's development and well-being.

SOCIAL ROLES MODES OF ADAPTATION

- societal expectations. In social casework, understanding an individual's A person's present behavior is a manifestation of his own
identity, behavior, and interactions within their social environment. mode of adaptation to his present situation, one which is
causing him discomfort or stress. Modes of adaptation are
Three aspects in the performance of a role: fight, flight or pairing.
1) prescribed role - a parent is expected to provide the needs of their children.
a husband as the provider, an eldest child is to send younger children to
school.
2) subjective role - may view differently the expected roles;
3) enacted role - depends on the performance whether satisfying or there's a
gap on the role performance.
 Social Intelligence Capacity - This person has the capacity
MOTIVATION STRESS
to think constructively and consistently, and has the
Motivation refers to a person's taking action capability to distinguish or discern, to know and understand
based on his thoughts and feelings. The client is the reality of his/her situation.
said to be motivated when he manifests interest
and willingness to be involved in the casework
Physical Capacity - A physical disability or handicap can be
process, the series of activities that are
seen and examined with the naked eye.
undertaken to help him/her solve his/her
problem.

CLIENT AND THE FAMILY

CAPACITY In casework, the principal client is the individual but he/she
must be seen and helped within the context of the family of
Emotional Capacity - when a person able to relate which he is a part.
or have a social connection with another person.
 The problems within the purview of casework are
The Problem those which vitally affect or are affected by a

person's social functioning. It may be:

1. some unmet needs - economic, medical,
educational, etc.
2. one type of stress - physical, psychological,
social, which causes the person to be
ineffective or disturbed in carrying out his
social roles;
3. a combination of the two.
 PROBLEM TYPOLOGY
Casework is a method of social work intervention which address problems of social functioning which a
person experiences discomfort and needs professional help so as to be able to cope

01 04 07
IMPACT OF NATURAL CALAMITIES AND
PROBLEMS OF LIVELIHOOD PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL TRANSITIONS
SOCIAL UNREST
02 05 08
DIFFICULTY OF ROLE PERFORMANCE DISSATISFACTION IN SOCIAL RELATIONS REACTIVE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

03 06 09
DIFFICULTY IN INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM OF BORDERLINE PATHOLOGY
PROBLEM WITH FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS
RELATIONSHIPS
 PROBLEM TYPOLOGY
01
PROBLEMS OF
LIVELIHOOD
Inadequate means of livelihood,
hardly enough to buy the basic
necessities of life and its
concomitant problems.
02
DIFFICULTY OF
ROLE
PERFORMANCE
This problem refers to the inability
to perform or difficulty experience
by a person in achieving a social
role (e.g. eldest as breadwinner,
husband-wife roles in the
households, family planning)
03
DIFFICULTY IN INTERPERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
Limit their ability to form supportive
social networks, experience emotional
intimacy, and receive the social support
necessary for personal growth and
fulfillment. (e.g. trust issues, overly
cautious interacting with others, fear to
ask for help)
 PROBLEM TYPOLOGY
04
PROBLEMS OF
SOCIAL
TRANSITION
This problem arises when there is
an impending or abrupt change
in the individual's social field (e.g.
death, marriage of a
son/daughter whose parents are
dependent for support,
displacement / relocation).
05
DISSATISFACTION
IN SOCIAL
RELATIONS
A person who feels consistently
unsatisfied or unfulfilled in their
friendships or romantic relationships.
(e.g. single son/daughter live away
from their families, husband and wife
separated to escape from troublesome
or difficult family relations)
06
PROBLEM WITH FORMAL
ORGANIZATIONS
An employee experiencing difficulties
within their workplace. An employee
may find it challenging to navigate the
hierarchical structure of their
organization.
 PROBLEM TYPOLOGY
07 08 09
IMPACT OF REACTIVE
NATURAL EMOTIONAL PROBLEM OF BORDERLINE
CALAMITIES AND DISTRESS PATHOLOGY
SOCIAL UNREST
A person experiencing a sudden and
The presenting problem A psychological condition - the difficulties
intense emotional reaction to a
encountered here may partake experienced by the client in this situation
triggering event or situation.
of the nature of an emergency may include hysterical, phobic, obsessive,
but the longer periods of neurosis, character disorder, bipolar, and
The person may struggle to regulate their other ego disturbances characterized by
restoration and rehabilitation
emotions, leading to reactive distress. They recurrent overt depressions and inability of
could be accelerated and
might feel overwhelmed by the emotions the client to handle the realities of living
facilitated (natural and man-
and have difficulty thinking clearly or (complex mental health concerns)
made disasters).
managing their behaviors in that moment.
The Agency
The place which assists a person with his/her
social problem is called a social agency. It is this
organization which employs social workers to

help the client.

 PUBLIC AGENCIES
Supported from taxes, created by
law like DSWD.

TYPES OF
AGENCIES

PRIVATE AGENCIES
Derive their means of support from
donations and contributions of private
individuals or groups like Save The
Children, World Vision, UNICEF, and other
foundations that have set up special
funds to operate their own development
programs.
 PHASE 1 PHASE 2

Identification of Diagnostic
01 03
the Problem Assessment
THE CASE WORK
PROCESS Treatment
02 Data-gathering 04
Planning
 PHASE 3

05 Plan Implementation Evaluation 07

THE CASE WORK

PROCESS Termination or
06 Monitoring 08
Continuation
 DEFINING THE PROBLEM
PRESENTING
PROBLEM
issue or concern that brings an
individual or group to seek
assistance or support as stated or
identified by the client(s)
themselves.
IMMEDIATE / PROBLEM-FOR-WORK
SURVIVAL PROBLEM
pressing and urgent issue that
specific challenges / difficulties the
requires immediate attention and
individual is facing. These issues
intervention often involve critical
directly impact their ability to
needs such as homelessness,
overcome challenges.
domestic violence, substance
(Problem Typology)
abuse, severe mental health crises,
or immediate threats to physical
health or safety.
 DATA GATHERING
Primary Source Secondary Source
the client significant others
(loved ones,
parents, relatives,
close friends)

Existing Data Worker's Own

previous reports / Observation A variety of sources from which to obtain
records the information necessary in order to have
barangay after a couple of
an accurate definition of the client's
other professionals meetings
community immersion problem.
The Initial 1. THE CLIENT INITIATES.
The client seeks the help of an agency social worker
Contact with
Client
2. THE CLIENT IS REFERRED.
The client is referred by some interested or concerned citizen.

3. THE AGENCY THROUGH THE SOCIAL

WORKER REACHES OUT.
Through outreach programs - the "baranganic approach".
 INTAKE

- is the initial process of gathering information and conducting an assessment

when a client seeks services or support from a social worker or social service
agency.

- this process may end with the worker or the client deciding not to proceed with the
helping process, or the client committing to have client status.

- depending on the status during the interview, if the worker commits the agency to
provide services - that's an initial engagement.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

 DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a social worker to identify and diagnose a client's
specific psychological, emotional, or behavioral condition or disorder. The purpose of a diagnostic
assessment is to gather information and make an informed judgment about the client's mental
health status, which can guide treatment planning and intervention.

ASSESSMENT STATEMENT
OPENING CAUSAL
The social worker and client work
together to identify the underlying
causes or factors contributing to the
client's problem or challenge.
By listening to the client, the worker
understands and provides a starting
point for intervention and change.
JUDGEMENT ABOUT THE
CHANGE POTENTIAL
SERIOUSNESS OF THE
PROBLEM
assessing and identifying the client's assessing the severity, impact, and
strengths, resources, and abilities potential consequences of the
that can be mobilized to address the identified problem.
identified problem. The social worker
and client collaboratively identify and
acknowledge the positive aspects and
potential for growth and change
within the client's circumstances.
 TREATMENT PLANNING
- a collaborative process of developing a roadmap or blueprint for intervention and
support to address the identified needs, challenges and goals of a client or group.

COMPONENTS OF PLANNING

GOAL SETTING SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES

the social worker establishes specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and
time-bound (SMART) goals which the
client wants to achieve.
provide clarity and define the
specific actions or results that
need to be achieved to reach the
desired goal.
appropriate intervention strategies to
address the identified needs and
goals. These strategies can include
counseling, advocacy, skill-building,
psychoeducation, support groups,
referrals to community resources, or a
combination of approaches.
 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
- rendering of all the specific and interrelated services appropriate to the given problem
situation - the act of providing or delivering a service or intervention to a client. It
involves putting the planned interventions into action and actively working with the
client to address their needs and goals.

INPUTS OUTPUTS
refers to the resources, both tangible and intangible, immediate and direct results of the activities -
invested in a program or intervention (funding, staff, tangible deliverables or services provided
equipment, facilities, materials, and partnerships). (quantifiable)

ACTIVITIES OUTCOMES
actions and interventions undertaken - describe what is changes or effects that occur as a result of the program
being done, by whom, and how. or intervention - can include changes in knowledge,
attitudes, behavior, skills, conditions, or well-being.
 EVALUATION MODEL
- focuses on providing feedback and information during the
development or implementation of an intervention or
Formative program. It is conducted in real-time and is primarily
concerned with identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas
for improvement.

- focuses on assessing the overall effectiveness, impact, and

outcomes of an intervention or program after its completion. It
Summative aims to determine the extent to which the program achieved its
intended goals and objectives.
EVALUATION
refers to the systematic and objective assessment of the effectiveness, outcomes, and impact of social work
interventions, programs, or services. It involves gathering and analyzing data to determine whether the intended goals
and objectives have been achieved and to make informed judgments about the effectiveness of the interventions.

QUALITATIVE MEASURES
explore the subjective experiences, perspectives,
and meanings of individuals or groups.
QUANTITATIVE MEASURES
collecting and analyzing numerical data.
CONTINUATION
refers to the ongoing provision of services and
support to clients beyond the initial intervention
phase.

MONITORING
refers to the ongoing process of observing, assessing,
and evaluating the progress and outcomes of
interventions and services provided to clients.
TERMINATION
refers to the planned and intentional conclusion of the
professional relationship between a social worker and
a client. It is the final phase of the social work
intervention process and involves formally ending the
services provided to the client.
THANK YOU
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