SOCIAL CASEWORK

(Working with Individuals)

Desiree B. Anonat,RSW,PhD
 Social Work
Casework. Groupwork. Community Organizing
Social Administration
Social Research
Philosophica Social Action/ Social
Knowledge Base
l Base Reform (What)
(Why)
•Philosophy •History/
•Values Foundation
•Human Behavior
•Belief about
and the Social
man Environment
•Principles •Social Welfare
•Ethics Policies,
Programs and
Services
Social Work Practice (How)

Goal  Helping Process/Problem-Solving Process

Functions  Helping Models and Approaches, Tools, etc.
CONTENT
I. Review of Key/Relevant
Concepts
II. History of Casework
III. Component of Casework
IV. Problem Solving Process
V. Helping Process
VI. Tools in Casework
VII. Models/Methods/Approaches in
Casework
REVIEW OF KEY
CONCEPTS
Social Work Method:
Working with
Individuals
Casework
•A helping process consists of variety of activities
– giving of material assistance
– referral to other community facilities
– rendering emotional and psychological
support
(Esther
Villoria)
 A method of engaging a client through
relationship process, essentially one on one ,
in the use of social service towards his/her
own and the general social welfare
(Smalley, 1967)
 Casework
 Method of social work intervention used to
address problems of social functioning for which a
person experiences discomfort and needs
professional help so as to be able to cope.
(de Guzman,
1983)
• Process used by human welfare agencies to help
individuals to cope more effectively with their
problems of social functioning. It encompasses 4
components of social work practice: person (client),
problem, place (agency), and process
(helping/problem solving process)
(Helen Harris
 Casework
Generic Definition
• A method of helping people solve their
own problems (personal, as well as
external and environmental problems)
• It is individualized, scientific and artistic;
• A method of helping through a
relationship that taps personal and other
resources for coping with problems
• it is bio-psycho-social
 Case Work
Relationship
 Dynamic interaction of attitudes and emotions
between the case worker and the client to
achieve a better adjustment between himself
and his environment (Biestek, 1957)
 Client worker relationship is established with
the purpose of attaining the objectives of
helping
◦ Relationship is guided towards:
 Therapeutically positive communication
 Maintaining/promoting clients inner security and self
esteem
 Mobilizing inner and outer resources and realistic level of
relationship to promote individual growth and development
and to achieve better adjustment between the clients self
and the environment
 Case Work
Relationship
 The relationship is the dynamic interaction and
psychological interplay both between the worker
and the client with their particular attitudes and
feelings in a particular situation
 The relationship is a professional one which
requires the following principles (Biestek, 1957):
◦ Individualization
◦ purposeful expression of feelings
◦ controlled emotional involvement
◦ Acceptance
◦ Non-judgemental attitude
◦ Client’s self determination
◦ Confidentiality
 Social
Functioning
 The relation between coping activity of people and
the demand from the environment (Bartlett,
1970)
 The interaction between the individual and his
situation or environment (Mendoza,
2003:73)
 Relates to fulfilling one's role in society in general,
to those in the immediate environment, and to
oneself. (These functions include meeting one's
basic needs and those of one's dependents and
making positive contributions to society )(Dubois
and Miley: Social Work, An Empowering Profession,
Social
Environment
A network of overlapping
social systems and social
institutions, including
ecological systems,
cultures and institutions
Social
Situation
A smaller, more immediate
environment that has “meaning
for the individual and that is
uniquely perceived and
interpreted by him/her, in which
he/she has one or more status-
roles and identities; or he/she is
a group member or role
performer
 Case
 ItManagement
is a way of delivering services where a social
workers assumes responsibility for assessing with a
client what services he/she needs, and helps
obtain those services for the client (Mendoza,
2008)
 A service delivery system that organize,
coordinates, and sustains a network of formal and
informal supports and activities designed to
optimize the functioning and well-being of people
with multiple needs (Moxley, 1989)
 A procedure to plan, seek, and monitor services
from different social agencies and staff in behalf of a
client (Barker)
 Case
Study
An in-depth analysis of a subject
or entity
 The product of gathering a substantial
amount of information concerning
the person-problem-situation
(assessment process)
 Its goal is to describe as accurately as
possible the fullest, most complete
description of the case
History of Casework (Philippines)
1917
 First professional method of social work
intervention practiced in the Philippines
introduced by the Associated Charities
of Manila
 Associated Charities of Manila was
a family welfare agency, that
employed
―home visitors.
History of Casework
1920
Psychiatric social work was
introduced in Welfareville, then
the seat of government child-
rearing institutions
History of Casework
1941
 Dr. Jose Vergara, then Superintendent of
Associated Charities of Manila (ACM)
appreciated the value of psychiatric social
work in the USA, thus, he employed
social workers to work with children
and youth
 First social workers employed functioned as
caseworkers for children and youth
 Later on ACM was absorbed by the Bureau
of Public Welfare to carry out its public
assistance program
History of Casework

1951
 The Social Welfare Administration had
expanded and social workers were
assigned in every province and major
city
 It was oftentimes engaged in disasters
and emergency relief which left little time
for actual casework process
History of Casework
1954
 The Department of Health issued a circular
requiring national, provincial, city, and
emergency hospitals to employ social
workers
 The Medical Social Service Unit was installed
in the Bureau of Hospitals
- this development promoted the practice
of casework in the medical and psychiatric
settings in public and private hospitals and
clinic
History of Casework
1980
 Like the American counterparts, local
practitioners recognized that material assistance
did not automatically solve individual problems
 This period gave rise to problems that bear on
the emotional and psychological functioning of
individuals as a result of modernization –
addition, marital conflict, broken homes, growing
number of mentally ill patients, and many other
signs of psychological dysfunctioning
 Thus, casework practice was renewed in
earnest, enriched and strengthened
 Casework is set in motion when:
 An individual P E R S O N (or
client)..
 With a P R O B L E M (or
need)....
Components Go to a P L A C E (or
of Casework agency)..who employs a
(also called components of the
problem solving process in
SW) professional representative (social
worker)
 Engages the client, as they embark
together in a scientific, working
relationship (PROCESS):
◦ Problem Solving Process
 Nature of the client (PERSON)
CLIENT
 It refers to a person, family, group or
community as the focus of worker’s helping
activity.
 The person who comes to a helping situation
to seek help as voluntary client or require
to use help as involuntary client.
 S/he comes with concerns, unmet needs, and
problems of social functioning, comes from a
societal or cultural milieu (set of life
experiences and set of patterns of transactions
with other people)
 A client brings in also his/her total SELF,
biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual being (
a unique person in a unique situation)
 Elements of Change for Clients
A. Person’s motivation to change
 Client’s willingness to be involved in the helping
relationship and participate in the helping
process
B. Person’s opportunity for change
 It refers to the conditions of the environment; the
availability of recourses and services needed to
effect change
C. Person’s capacity to change
 Refers to the qualities and personality make-up
of intellectual and physical endowment.The
internal resource the client – physical,
emotional, psychological or intellectual fitness
Person’s capacities to change:
1. Relationship – (emotional capacity)- the ability to
relate satisfactorily with self, with family, with
others; ability to communicate with other’s positive
feelings, attitudes, and thinking, perceives and
reacts to realistic situations with consideration for
others.
2. Problem-Solving – relates to cognitive
development (social intelligence,
perceptiveness, ability to communicate,
capacity to think constructively and
consistently; reality testing)
3. Biophysical – one’s biological constitution or
handicapping condition, physical characteristics,
health and genetic factors (physical appearance
and characteristics) physical health
 The Problem………
 Is an unmet need, which hampers or undermine a person’s
adequate living.
 The composite of internal and external factors (i.e.,
economic, physical, psychological, and social factors) which
affects the person’s social functioning.
 May be a deficiency or lack of material means of personal
capacity ( temporary / permanent ) or of the knowledge
or preparation needed to carry out social roles
 It may be due to a disturbance between expectations of
a person and demands of various segments of the
person’s environment
 Usually resulting to stress (psychological, social, and
physical) that causes the person to be ineffective or
disturbed in carrying out his/her social roles.
Nature of the Problem
Social work is concerned
with problems in social
functioning which rests
mainly on interpersonal
relationships, in negotiating
with systems in the
environment, or in role
performance.
Case Study
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner.
Being the social worker, which of the following
statement of the potential client would you
assess and consider as her immediate problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and has nowhere to
go
 b.―she has not yet eaten for the entire day
 c.―she is a battered woman
 d.―she is worried about her 2 children who is
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

In the case presented above, which statement

of the potential client depicts her
presenting problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and
has nowhere to go
 b.―she has not yet eaten for a day
 c.―she is a battered woman
 d.―she is worried for her children who is still
with her partner
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

In the same case, which statement of

the potential client implies her
underlying problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and
has nowhere to go
 b.―she has not yet eaten for a day
 c.―she is a battered woman
 d.―she is worried for her children who is still
with her partner
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

As the social worker on duty at that time,

how would you go about the case
presented above?
 a. Refer the client to appropriate
agency who may help her.
 b. Provide temporary shelter to the
client.
 c. Address the immediate need of the
The Problem in 3 Frames of
Reference
a. Immediate Problem
The problem about which the client is most concerned
about.
This causes the current difficulty and in term, the clients
perceives the need for help (usually the presenting
problem, but not all the time)
b. Underlying Problem
The overall situation created and tends to perpetuate the
immediate problem.
c.Working problem
These are contributory factors that stand in the way of
both remedy and prevention and must be dealt with if
change isProblem
Presenting to take place.
- It is a problem that is a threat to the
client’s or others’ welfare, and usually stated or presented
as it is being perceived or experienced by the client.
Case Study
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.
Being the social worker, which of the following
statement of the potential client would you
assess and consider as her immediate problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and has nowhere to
go‖
 b.―she has not yet eaten for the entire day‖
 c.―she is a battered woman‖
 d.―she is worried about her 2 children who is
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

In the case presented above, which statement

of the potential client depicts her
presenting problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and
has nowhere to go
 b.―she has not yet eaten for a day
 c.―she is a battered woman
 d.―she is worried for her children who is still
with her partner
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

In the same case, which statement of

the potential client implies her
underlying problem?
 a.―she ran away from home and
has nowhere to go
 b.―she has not yet eaten for a day
 c.―she is a battered woman
 d.―she is worried for her children who is still
with her partner
A 30 year-old battered woman approached your
agency to seek help. According to her, ―she ran
away from her home and has nowhere to go, has not
yet eaten for the entire day, and is worried about her 2
children who is still with her abusive partner‖.

As the social worker on duty at that time,

how would you go about the case
presented above?
 a. Refer the client to appropriate
agency who may help her.
 b. Provide temporary shelter to the
client.
 c. Address the immediate need of the
A. Nature of agency
&
resources(PLACE
The Agency
)
A structure by which it organizes and
delegates its responsibility and tasks and
governing policies and procedures that
stabilizes and systematizes its
operations
 Established as a result of community’s
concern to meet certain needs of
people.
 It’s mission, goals, vision, programs and
services are set up to address these
needs
Nature of the Client-Worker Relationship
(PROCESS)
 Problem solving process as a helping,
analytical, and therapeutic process involved
in the dynamic client-worker relationship.
 It is to help client use and mobilize his /
her inner and outer resources with his/her
maximum participation for effective social
functioning
 It is to equip client with a way of coping
with problems in the future
 The goal is to help client cope effectively as
possible with problems in carrying out social
tasks and relationships which are perceived
and felt stressful.
Social Work
Problem
Solving
Process
The S W Problem – Solving Process
 a series of planned activity in
sequential stages , with the goal of
achieving an effective solution to a
problem
 Each phase or stage of the process
requires the application and use of
necessary social knowledge and skills
to effectively assist the client/s in
their respective difficulty or
problems.
 O R I G I N OF T H E
PSP
essentially an adaptation of the classic scientific
method
PSP is based on reflective thought that begins
with a feeling of doubt or confusion. In order
to solve a problem, a person follows a rational
procedure consisting of steps in an orderly
sequence, referred to as the “five phases of
reflective thinking”(source: ―How We
Think, John Dewey, 1933)
In 1940s, George Polya, a mathematics
professor, developed a model which he intended
to be used as a guide by any one engaged in
problem-solving.
 Comparison of Problem Solving
Models
John Dewey (1933)
1 Recognize the difficulty
2 Define/specify
the difficulty
3 Raising
suggestion/pos
sible solutions
4 Selecting solution
5 Carry out the solution.
George Polya (1940)
Understanding the
problem situation, goal
and conditions
Devise a plan
Carry out the plan
Evaluate the plan
(implementation &
results)
A S O C I A L W O R K PROBLEM-
SOLVING
F R A M E W O R K (Helen Harris
Perlman )

Perlman is the author of the

problem-solving framework in
social work
She described the social work
process as a progressive transaction
between the professional helper
and the client, consisting of a series
of problem-solving operations
A S O C I A L W O R K PROBLEM-
SOLVING
FSTEPS
RAME I NWPROBLEM
O R K (Helen Harris Perlman)
SOLVING
1.ST UDY The facts that constitute and bear
upon the problem must be ascertained and
grasped
2.D I A G N O S I S The facts must be thought about,
turned over, probed into, and organized in the
mind, examined in their relationships to one
another, and searched for their significance
3.TREATMENT Some choice or decision must
be made asan end result of the consideration of
the particular facts with the intention of resolving
the problem
Generic Steps in the S W
Problem-solving Process
(1) Recognition or definition of the problem,
(engagement with the client system);
(2) Data-collection;
(3) Assessment of the situation;
(4) Goal-setting and the planning of an
action;
(5) Intervention or the carrying out of
the action;
(6) Evaluation;
(7) Termination
Generic Problem
Solving Process
 Is Problem Solving Process and
the Helping Process the same?
S W Problem Solving Process VS S W Helping
Process

•a cognitive process •Not just a cognitive process

•a rational procedure for it involves a relationship
•follows sequential between two parties, the
step worker and the client
system.

•Professional values and

ethical principles guide this
relationship
 FLO R EN C E ROBERT D.VINTER A RT H U R D U N H A M
H O L LIS Group work process Community
Casework Process Organization Process
1.Defining the 1.Intak 1.Recognition
nature
general e of the
presente
problem problem
d
2. Psychological 2. Diagnosis and 2. Analysis of the
study treatment planning problem or
3. Diagnosis 3. Group 3.Assessment
Planning or
formulation
and composition consideration of
treatment
plan the action to be
s taken
4.Treatment 4. Group development 4. Action — is the
and treatment execution of the plans
and initiation of the
service or project
5. 5. 5.
Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation
6.Terminatio
n
 The STEPS in the Social Work
Helping Process
Assessment
BEGINN ING
PHASE

Planning
MIDDLE/INTER-
VENTION PHASE
Intervention

ENDIN G
Evaluation PHASE

Termination
The Helping Process
“Relationship” / Working
Relationship / Helping relationship
—A basic concept in social work.
—specifies distinctly the element of
relationship as the moving force in
effective client-worker problem solving
effort
—Emphasis:on the client-worker
relationship, it is such a crucial factor it
can spell the difference between
successful or unsuccessful problem-
solving.
Components of the Helping
Relationship
a.Reality - Realistic and objective perception of existing
condition
b.Transference (unconscious & not-reality based)
— A type of reaction-clients displacement on the worker
of the particular feelings and attitudes originally
experienced toward the family members or people the
client is closed to;
— Operates through the mechanisms of
projection and identification;
c.Counter-transference (unconscious & not-
reality based)
— It is carrying over the worker’s
particular feelings and reactions to a person in the
worker’s past and applying them to the client.
Other Important Elements in the
Helping Process
Worker’s Values System
—
 The conscious use of one’s self; the
course of helping requires judgment and maturity.
—
 Many of these values, particularly the
worker’s personal, religious and cultural values have
usually been so internalized that the worker is often
not conscious that she is judging other people’s
behavior along these values.
—
 Self-awareness may be called for in
situations where worker’s values clash with the
client’s values.
—
 Self-awareness is also called for when
there is a difference between the problems and
priorities as the worker sees them and as her client
 Other Important Elements in the
Helping Process
Authority
• There are two sources of a
worker’s authority:
• SWr position and corresponding functions
in the agency
• Possession of knowledge and experience,
which is why she is presumed to be
capable of helping others.
• The important thing about authority and
power that goes with it is how it is used.
Authority, in itself, is neither good nor
Strengths-Based
Practice Principle
The following practice principles may be
helpful to keep in mind in helping
people:
— Focus on client strengths, resources,
coping abilities that make them capable of
change and active participants in the change
process.
— Put clients in charge of the helping
process.
— Worker and client continually evaluate
The Person-In-Environment
Interaction/ Transaction
(Underpinning Concept of the Helping
Process)
The Ecological or Life Model of
Practice espouses the view that
transactions take place between
people and the environment-
meaning there is a consistent
strivings in people to achieve
goodness-or-fit with their
environment.
 The STEPS in the Social Work
Helping Process
Assessment

Planning

Intervention

Evaluation

Termination
I. A S S E S S M E N T
—
 “a process and a product of
understanding on which action is based.” (Max
Siporin ).
— Purpose: to provide
understanding necessary for appropriate
planning.
— Process : involves the collection of
necessary information and its analysis and interpretation
in order to reach an understanding of the client, the
problem, and the social context in which it exists.
— The SWR's make a professional
judgment of the latter’s functioning(guided by
theoretical knowledge, observations and analytical
skill)
— P S Y C H O - S O C I A L A S S E S S M E N T – is used
to
I. A S S E S S M E N T
BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL A S S E S S M E N T
A.Biological Context – it includes current & past physical
conditions, genetic factors & health, physical functioning, state
of health, focus on the presence of illnesses, injuries, disability and
genetic abnormalities that produces stress on the body
B.Social Context – encompasses an understanding of
interpersonal relationships as part of the client’s life (family and
other significant relationships and the culture permeating client’s
life)
C.Psychological Dimension – better grasped through the use of
psychological theories as well as the dexterity in their application
to specific client problem situation
D.Other Social Support – other additional interpersonal
relationships that provide us with support
E. Social Environment Resources/Stressors –
environmental contexts that may either present opportunities
or limitations
ASSESSMENT
— The major tasks during this stage:
1.information or data-gathering, and
2.problem definition or simply, the
problem-
for-work;
These tasks culminate in the worker’s writing of an
Assessment Statement or a Problem
Definition.
In the past, the terms used were “diagnosis”
or “social diagnosis.”
However, Assessment Statement appears in most
social work literature and seems to also be the
 1. Information/Data Gathering
S O U RC E S OF D ES C R IPT I O N
INFO.
Primar •Client systems (the condition and behavior is the main
concern )
ysourc
e
Seconda •The “significant others” in the life of the client whom
he/she has personal relationship with Ex. parents, siblings,
ry
source
relatives and friends, people in school, employment, church, and
s organizations.
•In communities: may be the staff of community
agencies, consultants previously involved in the
Existing Data or information
•community, etc. previously collected by others
•Ex. records and reports from other professionals (physicians,
data
teachers, etc.) and social workers of other agencies, studies
(e.g., census data) and evaluations.
Worker’s •Direct observation of client, or his/her interaction with others.
•In community: physical condition, the presence or absence of
observatio
own
basic amenities, facilities and resources, the person-to-person
ns. and group-to-group interactions, etc.
Criteria in Deciding What Data or
Information to Record
I . Reliability-refers to the consistency of the data
2.Validity-concerns the effectiveness of the measure/s
used in getting the data
3.Sensitivity –answers the question:Will a measure reflect
changes that occur?
4.Utility-concerns the usefulness of the data for meeting
goals and objectives
5.Feasibility- factors in cost (time, effort, expense)
balanced against information provided
6.Relevance- answers “Is the information relevant to
desired outcomes? Do the clients and significant other
consider the data relevant?
7.Norms-information about the typical (or
average) performance of a group of individuals
Principles in Data Gathering
PARSIMONY
 gathering important information
—
that are useful for the client’s
case.
 SWr collects only those data/
—
information that has relevance to
the situation at hand and is
essential to the formulation of
valid working judgments.
Principles in Data Gathering
Other important principles include:
1. The client should be the main source of information
although, when appropriate and available, other sources
should be used.
2. Data to be gathered should directly relate to the
identified problems.
3. The client should be informed about the source being used
for data collection. In certain cases, his permission should
be sought before certain kinds of information are
obtained.
4. Data collection is a continuous process, but it is the
collection, organization and synthesis of such data that is
especially critical to the definition of the problem and
setting of goals.
5. The type of client and the general nature of the problem can
guide the worker on the type of data that should be
collected and how much.
The Initial Contact(s) with Client
1. The client initiates the contact.
Ex. A client seeks burial assistance from their
CSWDO
2.The client is referred to the worker or
agency by some interested or concerned
party — a relative, neighbor, teacher, etc.
Sometimes, persons referred by others are
merely forced to secure help.They are called
“involuntary clients.”
Ex. Drug dependents, children in conflict with the
law
3.The agency, through the social worker,
reaches out to the (potential) client and
offers help.
Useful Tools for Assessment
Ecological Map (Eco-map or eco-gram)
—
 developed in 1975 by Dr. Ann Hartman
who is also credited with creating the
genogram.
 a simple paper- and-pencil simulation that
—
presents the individual or family and the
major systems in the life space, as well as
the nature of the individual’s or family’s
relationships with these various systems
 It is a diagram that shows the social and
—
personal relationships of an individual
with his or her environment.
Useful Tools for Assessment
Genogram
— A graphical representation of a
person's family relationship and history.
I
— a unique type of family research
diagram.
It records family members and their
relationships to each other.
• It also shows many of their physical
and physiological attributes through an
The Intake Process
—
 Process by which a potential client achieves
the status of a client.
 Marks the official start of the helping
—
relationship and may be accomplished in one
or more session with client.
 The intake process (undertaken thru intake
—
interview) may end either with the worker
or the client deciding not to proceed, or the
client committing to have client status
(however reluctantly) and the worker
committing the agency to provide services
(however limited).
When the latter occurs, an initial engagement
may be said to have taken place.
The Presenting Problem
— It is a problem that is a threat to the
client’s or others’ welfare, and usually stated or
presented as it is being perceived or experienced by
the client. It can be:
a.Symptoms (anxiety, lack of motivation)
b.Behavioral configurations (marital discord,
poor school performance, unemployment)
c.Needs (housing, money, etc).
— The client’s problem may be such
that it requires immediate action.
— The client’s “presenting problem,” if it is the
problem or part of the problem that the client
system feels is most important, may serve as the
problem-for-work.
2. Problem Definition
Problem for work in specific terms, means any
or all of the following :
a.the problem or part of the problem that the
client system feels is most important or a
good beginning place;
b. the problem or part of the problem that in
the worker’s judgment is most critical;
c.the problem or part of the problem that in
the worker’s judgment can most readily yield
to help;
d.the problem or part of the problem that
falls within the action parameters of the
helping system.
(Compton and Galaway, 1994)
Steps in Defining the
“Problem”
1. Worker must recognize the client’s unmet
needs . (What the client lacks that is causing
the problem?)
2. Worker must identify the blocks to
fulfillment (What is it about the client and
the client’s situation that prevents the
client’s need being fulfilled?)
3. Worker must determine the strength,
limitations, motivation for change, and
resistance to change that are applicable to
the client and the systems involved
Techniques in Problem Definition
1. Partialization
• Refers to the process of separating from so
many problems identified by the client and/or
worker the specific problem or problems which
are to become the focus of the helping
relationship.
2. Prioritization
• Problem taking precedence over other problems
because of its importance
• Identification of which problems need to
be addresses first, and consideration of
the problems in order of importance
Case Study
—
 After the necessary relevant information
pertaining to the client and the problem
have been obtained/compiled, these
information are organized and synthesized
and the worker prepares a Case Study
(Social Case Study Report).
— Recommended content:
a.identifying information on the client
b.problem definition
c.background information
d.assessment (statement)
e.Recommendations/intervention plans.
Recommended Content of a Case Study

1.Identifying Information
• Demographic information: age, sex, ethnic
group, current employment, household
roles,
marital status, etc.
• Referral information: referral source (self
or another), reason for referral
• Data sources: interviews with identified
persons (date and persons),
examinations and tests performed,
other data used.
Recommended Content of a Case Study

2. Problem Definition/Presenting Problem

. Detailed description: problem, situation, symptoms,
precipitating factor, current feelings and thoughts of the
client, how s/he has coped, to use the client’s words.
. People involved: manner of involvement, perceptions
of
the problem, reactions to the problem, how they
have contributed to the problem or solution
. Past experiences: experiences similar to the
current difficulty, manner they were handled and
their consequences then
. Other Recent Problems: stressful life events that have
happened in the last year, manner they were managed,
the meaning of these to the client.
Recommended Content of a Case Study

3.1 Background History

• Developmental History
• Health Issues
• Family Background
• Previous Mental Health
• Marital/intimate Relationship History
• Cultural Background
• Education and/or Vocational Training
• Employment History
• Use and Abuse of Alcohol or drugs by self
and family
Recommended Content of a Case Study

3. 2 Current Situation
. Describe family or household: identify the members of
the household (names, ages), and relationship (natural
child, stepparent, sister), quality of relationships,
distribution of roles.
. Social network: extended family, friends, peer groups, etc.
. Guardian information: if applicable
. Economic situation: identify those working, nature
of employment, adequacy of income.
Identify economic needs and money management
practices
. Physical environment/housing: nature of living
circumstance and the neighborhood
. Significant issues, roles or activities: i.e., student,
Recommended Content of a Case Study

4.Assessment/Analysis
— • Identify key issue or problem:
compare your perspective & client’s own perspective
of his problem; describe seriousness of the problem
• Describe client functioning effectiveness
• Identify contributing factor: thoughts behaviors,
personality issues and circumstances that seen to
contribute to the problem, determine where
factors reside
— Identify the strengths: sources of
meaning, coping ability and resources that can be
mobilized to help the client
• Identify stressors: obstacles, vulnerabilities, and needs
• Assess client’s motivation and potential to benefit from
Recommended Content of a Case Study

5.Recommendations/Treatment/Intervention Plan
• Worker’s own perception of the client’s needs
and problem alongside the client’s own need and
priorities
• Values of self-determination as well as the
Client’s empowerment
• Description of problem areas and needs,
problem list (rank in priority order), strengths/
assets, obstacles, and goals usually presented in
a behaviorally specific language.
Note: Improving social work recording
and documentation is improving social
work.
Writing an Assessment Statement

C O M P O N E N T S OF A N
A S S E S S M E N T STATEMENT
(Mcmahon Maria,1990)
1.Opening causal statement.
2.“Change potential”
statement.
3.Judgment about the seriousness
or urgency of the problem.
Writing an Assessment Statement
C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S OF A S S E S S M E N T
1. It is ongoing.
2.It focuses on understanding the client in the situation
and in providing a base for planning and action.
3.It is a mutual process involving both client and worker.
4.There is movement within the assessment process.
5.Both horizontal and vertical explorations are
important.
6.Assessment identifies needs in life situations,
defines problems and explains their meanings and
patterns.
7.Assessment is individualized.
8.Judgment is important in assessment because
many decisions have to be made.
Other Tips for Writing a Case
Study
1. Follow agency protocols and standards.
2. Apply social work professional writing.
3. Use clear descriptive words, use
behavioral terms
4. Indicate notes based on your
observations.
5. Employ appropriate tools
6. Collect meaningful and relevant data
7. Cite the source of information.
8. Avoid making conclusive assessments
9. Organize data in a coherent structure
II. P L A N N I N G
 the link between Assessment &
Intervention.
 It translates the content of assessment into
a goal statement that describes the
desired results, and is also concerned with
identifying the means to reach the goals.

The end goal of planning is planned
change. Guided by social work values and
a body of knowledge, planning allows the
worker, with the client‘s participation to
move from problem definition to
problem solution.
II. P L A N N I N G
Two major tasks are involved in the
planning stage:
1.Goal setting - formulating
goals
that directly relate to the client‘s
need or problem, and
2.Planning interventions - defining
the specific actions or interventions
that are necessary in order to
achieve the goals.
Goals
 Goals or helping goals give direction to
the worker‘s relationship with his/her
clients.
 Goals are ends.They are the desired or expected
outcomes of an endeavor. In brief, goals are
concerned with solutions.
 Goals may relate, not just to the client, but to
the other persons or social systems that are
involved in the situation.

Goals should have the following characteristics:

1. Specific, concrete & measurable, feasible
The Helping Contract
 In social work parlance, the helping contract sets
the expectations and terms of the commitments
and obligations of both client and worker, which are
often clearly spelled out.
 A contract with a client is a simplified version of the Plan
of Action (which represents the worker‘s thinking and is
really more for her use). It includes a problem
statement, goals and objectives, a specification of
tasks to be carried our by worker and client and the
time frame required.
 Can be written or verbal agreements/contracts
 Contracts facilitate evaluation and provide tools
for accountability
PLANS
 Also referred to as Helping Plan,
Action Plan, or an Intervention Plan
 the means to achieve the goals (or ends).
 consist of specific actions or steps to be
undertaken in order to reach the
goals.
 Jointly made by the worker and the
client
 This is arrived at in the same way one
arrives at problem and goal definition, i.e., by
the worker considering not only her own
expectations but also, those of the client‘s
PLANS
U N I T S OF AT T E N T I O N
 Other systems that are the focus of the
change activity.
 Other persons who, in addition to
the client, have to be given attention
also because they are involved in the
situation, and work with them is
essential to goal attainment.
PLANS
STRATEGY
 Is defined as ―an overall approach to
change a situation.
 It implies orchestrated action that involves different
entities, each having a role to play in order to
achieve the defined goals.
 There‘s a variety of approaches to practice, called
theories of practice or models of practice.
These provide an overall approach to practice and
therefore may be considered as strategies.
 Note: The social worker can choose one or
more of these models and approaches as
his/her helping “strategy”
 Cognitiv
e
Tas Proble
centere
k- m-
d solving

Psychodyna Crisis
Psychosocia mic- based
approaches Interventi
l on
 Psychodynamic-based Approaches
 Psychodynamic theory – interacting genetic, biological, and
socio-cultural factors explain the cognitive and emotional
processes,
 both
servedconscious andmany
as basis for unconscious
caseworkthat motivate human behaviour
interventions
Posits that there was a trauma of difficulty during a stage
 of
psychological development – emphasis is placed upon intra-
psychic
 factors
The source of most psychological problem lies within an
individual
Problems be alleviated or changed by changing some aspects
 personality
of e.g. by breaking through defences and resistances that
keep the conflicted problem at a subconscious level
 No way to treat many of the problems without knowing and
understanding the effects of early childhood influences within
some orderly consistent frame of reference
 Psychosocial Approach (Gordon
Hamilton) (Clinical Model)
• Also known as the diagnostic approach
• Concerned with the inner realities of the
individual, his emotional, mental, and social
processes and the social context in which he
lives
• Recognizes the interplay of both the internal
psychological and external social causes of
dysfunctioning to help individuals meet his/her
needs more fully and to function more
adequately in his social relationships
• Used mainly in psychiatric setting on clients
affected by traumatic incidents or who are
in especially difficult circumstances
 • Treatment is focused on:
• helping the individual to achieve specific
or limited goals within a brief and bounded
periods of service.
• Worker and client reach an agreement on the
particular problem to be worked, the service
TA SK- to be provided or the task to be done, and
CENTERED the duration or probable time of the helping
APPROACH process.
(REID A N D • Assumption: a short-term time-limited
EPSTEIN) approach to helping individuals with their
problem/s is equally effective as a long-term
approach.
• organized around problem-solving actions – the
task/s assigned states the general direction for the
client‘s actions, or a specific behavior the client
will follow.
  Process: focus on the presenting problem,
emphasis on identifying a problem,
identifying outcome or change, determining
tasks to overcome obstacles

 Worker and client jointly:

. Identify specific problems and tasks needed
TA SK-
to change these problems
CENTERED
. Develop a contract in which various
APPROACH
(REID A N D activities are to occur at specified times
EPSTEIN) . Establish incentives and a rationale for their
accomplishment
. Analyze and resolve obstacles as they
are identified

Significant contribution: move from

individualized therapeutic approaches to
practical problem- solving techniques
 Cognitive theory - based on the
belief that how and what a person
thinks determine how the person
feels and behaves
 Maladaptive behaviors can be
explained by irrational or distorted COGNITIVE
BEHAVIORA
thinking that results from L
misperceptions and misinterpretations APPROACH
of the environment (BASED ON
THE WORKS
 Cognitive—behavioral therapies/ OF
interventions: BANDURA,
PAVLOV,
◦ Analyze: thinking patterns i.e. WATSON,
distorted SKINNER)
and irrational beliefs
◦ Change: thoughts and behavior
patterns
 Crisis Intervention (Golan)
Crisis theory
•based on the idea that there is no problem-free state,
• life is a series of recurring development crises which must be dealt
with
(normal development, roles changesand accidental events in life)
•provision of brief psychological services to clients experiencing
temporary feelings of severe acute distress and faced with
overwhelming major stressful events (ex. serious illness, trauma, death
of love ones, natural/mam-made disasters and violence)
•Considers three interrelated factors that produce a state
of crisis:
 Stressful hazardous event/s that pose some threats;
 threatened, value or a threat to current or past instinctual
needs
 The inability of the person to respond with adequate coping
OTHER T E C H N I Q U E S
USED IN CASEWORK
 Casework Techniques
(Florence Hollis)

Environmental manipulation
A technique that involves the
ability of the worker to change
or make some improvement in
the environment of the client. It
requires direct action on the
part of the worker.
 Casework Techniques
(Florence Hollis)
Psychological support
•encouraging the client to talk
freely and to express feelings
–expressing understanding to
client's feelings and accepance
of behavior
 Casework
Techniques
(Florence Hollis)
Clarification
-usually accompanying psychological
support , directed towards increasing
the ego's ability to see external
realities more clearly and to
understand the client's own
emotion, attitudes and behavior
-efforts are directed at helping client
think more clearly and to react more
realistically and to plan more wisely
III. I N T E RV E N T I O N
 Also referred to as action/, plan
implementation or treatment, it is
concerned with action that would solve the
client‘s problems
 It involves the rendering of all the specific and
interrelated services appropriate to the given
problem situation in the light of the assessment
and planning‖
 It induces all the goal-related activities that the
worker will undertake following the agreement
forged with the client based on the problem to be
worked on and the plan of action to be pursued.
Helping/Intervention
Models

A “model” in social work is

a conceptual design
intending to solve a problem
that exists in reality
Thank You!!