social work helping models and approaches

Social Social Work Work

Helping Helping Models and Models and ApproacheApproache

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Florence Flores-Pasos, RSW, MSWFlorence Flores-Pasos, RSW, MSWMay 16-17, 2015May 16-17, 2015

USI, Naga City, PhilippinesUSI, Naga City, PhilippinesReference: Social Welfare and Social Work by: Reference: Social Welfare and Social Work by:

Thelma Lee-MendozaThelma Lee-Mendoza

FrameworkSocial Work

Social Work Practice (How)

Philosophical Base (What)

Knowledge Base (Why)

PhilosophyValuesBelief about manPrinciplesEthics

Goal Helping Process/Problem-Solving Functions process

Helping Models and ApproachesTools, etc.

Casework. Groupwork. Community Organizing

Social Admin Social Action/ Social ReformSocial Research

Tappeiner/Pasos, 2010

HistorySocial welfare policies, programs and servicesHuman behavior and the social environment Theories

Assessment

Planning

Intervention

Evaluation

TerminationSocial Work Helping Process

Helping models and approaches

When do we use them?

Note:Note: The social worker can The social worker can choose one or more of these choose one or more of these models and approaches as her models and approaches as her helping helping “strategy”“strategy”

for individuals, groups and communities

Direct Provision Model

Intercession-Mediation Model

Mobilizing the Resources of Client Systems

Crisis Intervention Approach

Problem-Solving Model

DPM

PSM CIA

MRCS

IMM

for individuals and groups

Task-Centered Model

Psychosocial Approach

Functional Approach

Behavioral Modification Family

Intervention

TCM

FI BM

FA

PA

for groups

Developmental Approach

Interactionist Approach

Remedial Approach

DA

RA

IA

for communities

Community Development

Model

Social Planning Model

Social Action Model

CDM

SAM

SPM

indirect models for intervention

Working with the Elite

Documentation/Social Criticism

Advocacy WE

ADV

DSC

The goal of this model is the enhancement of client social functioning through the direct provision of material aid useful in eliminating or reducing situational deficiencies. (Schneiderman)


Others refer to this as “resource provision”, where resources may be mobilized, created, directly furnished; the client may be advised and counseled in making optimal use of them.


Schneiderman states that this model involves the direct administration of existing programs of material aid which, in turn, involves any one or all of the following activities:


1. Case-by-case involvement of the client in the study and evaluation process;

1. Determination of eligibility within the administering agency’s terms of reference;


3. Judgment that the provision of the service or benefit will promote the client’s best interest; and

4. Recruiting, selecting, training, supporting, collaborating with personnel offering direct care.


Examples of material aid:

Temporary financial assistanceEmploymentShelterMedical careSkills trainingOthers


This involves the process of negotiating the “ service jungle” for clients, whether singly or in groups.


This involves the process of negotiating the “service jungle” for clients, whether singly or in groups.

The worker here “CONNECTS” the client to needed services in the system until he has availed of them


Worker plays a variety of roles in the client’s behalf – helper, interpreter, facilitator, escort, negotiator, broker, etc. to ensure rapid service delivery.


Schneiderman adds to this the utilization of non-consensual strategies like direct confrontation, administrative appeal and the use of judicial and political systems as appropriate. Here, the social worker becomes an intercessor/advocate.


Examples:

Working women who are denied labor benefits by their employersJuvenile offenders who are arrestedNeglected prisoners who should already qualify for parole privilegesSlum dwellers who are illegally evictedFarmers who are exploited by their landlordsChildren who are not accepted in school due to lack of documents


In this situations, the “advocate” may have to argue, debate, bargain, negotiate and manipulate the environment in behalf of the client.

Advocacy efforts are frequently directed towards securing benefits to which the client is legally entitled.


According to the DSWD, the Filipino client /family that they found eligible for assistance has an average of five problems/needs:Material aidProblems of being joblessOr with irregular or occasional workWith meager income or no source of supportUnskilled or with limited skills/education and no schoolingIll members of the familyFamily member with disabilityEtc.



client Social worker

Service jungle

Alienated by cultural traits such as “hiya”, “pakikisama”, “utang na loob”Lack of accessLack of awarenes

Alienates clients by its beaurucratic structuresprograms are not accessible to the client

Interprets client’s problems and difficulties towards more responsive policies and service deliveryWorks for the immediate solution of client’s problems

A method of intervention in which the worker helps, guides or enables the client, with the use of the client’s own resources, to change or modify his social reality.

Mobilizing the Resources of Client Systems to Change their Social Reality

This model of intervention is premised on the belief that problems are not always due to personal inadequacies but often, to deficiencies in the social reality and that if people are to be helped, the target of attack should be the latter.


Some realities:

Lack of basic amenities like waterLow cost housingInadequate material assistanceEmployment opportunitiesFacilities for medical care


“people empowerment” – people rely on their own resources

Applicable to individuals, groups and communities

Group efforts, self-helpOrganizingCapacity-building


CRISIS - “upset in a steady state”; an emotional reaction on the part of an individual, family or group to a threatening life event.

To be in a state of crisis means that there is a temporary disturbance in one’s equilibrium characterized by immobilization of problem-solving abilities and other aspects of daily functioning


Emotional reactions can result in a high level of anxiety, feelings of depression and mourning, shame, guilt, anger, hostility and confusion


CRISIS THEORY- is known to have developed out of work in a public health setting and orientation with a truly interdisciplinary approach involving medicine, social work, psychology and psychiatry.


The theory is based on the idea that there is no such thing as a “PROBLEM FREE” state and life is a series of recurring developmental crisis


Crisis Intervention: for actively influencing the psycho-social functioning of individuals and groups, during a period of acute disequilibrium.

It involves crisis-oriented, time-limited work, usually two to six weeks in duration.To be really effective, crisis intervention should be available within 24 to 72 hours after application or referral for assistance.


Intake procedures, waiting lists and the separation of the processes of study, diagnosis and treatment are not necessarily observed in this intervention.

This involves a warm, emphatic reaching-out and what is called a “search and find approach”


Participation is always voluntary and the client should be committed to the change process.


Crisis intervention is being used in:

Admission and emergency wards of hospitalsTelephone/hotlinesWalk in centersChildren and women’s desks crisis centers for women and childrenDrug rehabilitation centersEmergency services of public welfare agencies (for victims of natural and manmade disasters)


Goals in dooing crisis intervention:

Relief of symptomsRestoration to the optimal pre-crisis level of functioningUnderstanding of the relevant precipitating events that contributed to the state of disequilibriumIdentification of remedial measures that can be taken by the client and the family or that are available trhough community resources


Goals in doing crisis intervention:

Recognition of the connection between the current stress and past life experiences and conflicts

Initiation of new models of perceiving, thinking and feeling and development of new adaptive and coping responses that can be useful beyond the immediate crisis situation


Main proponent is – HELEN HARRIS PERLMAN

This is moving from “diagnostic” to “ Social Casework”


The components of Casework

• The Person• The Problem• The Place• The Process• The worker – client relationship• The Problem solving work

Person

The person who comes as a client to a social agency is always under stress.

Person

seen as a “ PRODUCT-IN-PROCESS’ OF BECOMING.

The problem-solving model views personality as an open system continuously responsive to “input” and “feedback” from outside itself.

To understand human behavior and individual difference, Grace Mathew has given the following propositions: •An individual’s behavior is conditioned by his/her environment and his/her experiences.

•Behavior refers to reacting, feeling, thinking, etc. the conditions and influences surrounding the person constitutes the environment.

•For human growth and development it is essential that certain basic needs should be met (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs)

•Emotional needs are real and they cannot be met or removed through intellectual reasoning

•Behavior is purposeful and is in response to the individual’s physical and emotional needs

Problem

Casework addresses itself to the solution of problems that block or minimize the effectiveness of the individual in various roles.

The multifaceted and dynamic nature of the client’s problem makes necessary the selection by caseworker and client some part of it as the unit for work.

Problem

The choice of problem depends on: whether the problem is the client’s problem leadership given by case worker depends upon her professional knowledge and judgmentagency’s function e.g.hospital, etc.

Partialization – becomes necessary for purposes of action (centering of attention on relevant and selected parts of what is presented to view).

Problems can be categorized as follows (Grace Mathew): •Problems related to illness and disabilities•Problems due to lack of material resources•School related problems•Problems related to institutionalization•Behavior problems•Problems of marital discord•Problem situations needing a follow-up service•Needs related to rehabilitation of people

Place •The social agency is an organization fashioned to express the will of a society or of some group in that society as to social welfare

•Each social agency develops a program by which to meet the particular areas of need with which it sets out to deal. It depends on factors like money, knowledge and competence of the agency staff, the interest, resources available and support of the community.

• The social agency has a structure by which it organizes and delegates its responsibilities and tasks, and governing policies and procedures Hierarchy–roles and responsibilities clear, designated and delegated–collaboration procedures and policies, understand the usefulness by which it stabilizes and systematizes its operations–among workers

Agency functions: •child welfare•family welfare•education•specialization-based, etc. Agencies also differ based on: •Source of support•Professional authority•Clientele they serve•Services they offer•Goals of the agency, etc.

Every staff member in an agency speaks and acts for some part of the agency’s function, and the case worker represents the agency in its individualized problem solving help. •caseworker not an independent professional practitioner•caseworker speaks and acts for the agency•psychologically identified with its purpose and policies•case worker while representing his agency is first and foremost a representative of his profession. He/she must know and be committed with feeling to the philosophy that guides the practice of the social work profession.

Process

In order to understand what casework must include in its problem-solving process, it is necessary to consider first the kinds of challenges and blockings which occur in people’s normal problem-solving efforts.

•If necessary tangible means and resources are not available to the person.

•Out of ignorance or misapprehension about the facts of the problem or the facts of existing ways of meeting it.

•If the person is depleted or drained of emotional or physical energy.

•Some problems arouse high feelings in a person–emotions so strong that they overpower his reason and defy his conscious controls.

•Problem may lie within the person; he may have become subject to, or victim of, emotions that chronically, over a long time, have governed his thinking and action.

•Have not developed systematic habits or orderly method of things and planning.

• The purpose of the casework process is to

engage the person himself both in working on and coping with the one or several problems that confront him and to do so in such a way that he emerges as a functional being as he goes on living.

Purpose of casework

PROCESS – consists of the following operations:

1.The problem must be identified by the person (i.e. be recognized, named and placed in the center of attention)

2.Person’s subjective experience of the problem must be identified (how it is felt, seen, interpreted, what it does, and what it is being done with)


4. The search for possible means and modes of solution must be initiated and considered, and alternatives must be weighed and tried out in the exchange of ideas and reactions that precede action.

5. Some choice or decision must be made as a result of thinking and feeling through, what means seem most likely to affect the problem or the person’s relation to it


Two factors are important in the problem-solving approach:

RelationshipInvolvement and effect of “significant others” (persons and circumstances within the client’s problematic network)

These two determine the nature and outcome of the caseworker’s problem-solving efforts


Relationship – means all relationships between caseworker and client. Perlman points out that whatever the problem, the helping relationship should combine caring, concern, acceptance and expectation of the client with understanding, know how and social sanction


Client-Worker relationship

“Relationship” in Case Work

•Relationship is the professional meeting of two persons for the purpose of assisting one of them, the client, to make a better, a more acceptable adjustment to a personal problem.

•Relationship is the channel through which the mobilization of the capacities of the client is made possible.

“Relationship” in Case Work

•Successful treatment depends heavily on the quality of relationship between client and worker.

How do we promote Positive Relationship? •Positive therapeutic relationship stems from the worker’s demonstration of non-possessive warmth and concern, genuineness, accurate empathy, and non judgmental acceptance, along with his capacity to communicate optimism and professional competence.

How do we promote Positive Relationship?

•For client: he must mobilize some courage, hope and motivation to join the worker, and to trust in his ability to help.

Recommended worker interventions to engage the client’s own problem-solving capacities

•Help client acknowledge difficulty

•Assist client in understanding the meaning of the situation

•Aid client in making decision to change

•Show sympathetic approach with client

•Establish rapport

• Present and discuss facts of the case

• Stimulate the client to action

• Demonstrate to the client your ability to observe and listen

• Begin where the client is

• Ask only necessary questions

• Take leadership only when needed, otherwise use client’s own resourcefulness

• Offer interpretations of client’s situation, as well as resources and direction only as needed

• Demonstrate acceptance of client

• Discuss client request

• Gather facts about request

for individuals and groups

Task-Centered Model


Functional Approach

Behavioral Modification Family

Intervention

TCM

FI BM

FA

PA

The task-centered model is a “ technology for alleviating specific target problems perceived by clients, that is, particular problems that clients recognize, understand, acknowledge and want to attend to.

TASK – is what the client is to do to alleviate the problem which makes the task both an immediate goal and at the same time the means of achieving the goal of alleviating the problem.

Task-Centered Model

Characteristics:

1.It is brief and time-limited;2.Its interventions are concentrated on alleviating specific problems which the client and practitioner expressly contract to work on;3.Work on the client’s problem is organized around tasks or problem-solving actions the client agrees to carry out.

Task-Centered Model

TARGET

1. Family and interpersonal relations;2. Social role performance;3. Effecting social transitions;4. Securing resources; and5. Emotional distress reactive to situation

factors.

Task-Centered Model

Features of the model:

ASSESSMENT – this consists of finding out the problem. The practitioner also identifies the influential conditions in the environment, the problem context and takes note of the client’s special traits, talents, abilities and problem behaviors.

Task-Centered Model


CASE PLANNING – general strategy for case plan consists of assessment and a problem-reduction program of action. The focus is on client target problems. The practitioner constructs a program by making judgments about what can be expected to reduce the problem

Task-Centered Model

Task-Centered Model


IMPLEMENTATION – a contract is made to shape and organize the problem-solving work. Tasks state exactly what the client and practitioner are to do.

TASKS – state what the client is to do. A task may state a general direction for the clients action, but general tasks are broken down into more specific tasks.

Task-Centered Model

Task-Centered Model with Groups

Task-centered group work is different because the worker uses group processes in helping members formulate and attain tasks.

Task-Centered Model

STEPSSTEPS

1. Preliminary Interview- problems are elicited, explored and clarified in the interview. Workers and client agree on the problem which will be addressed and if the social worker thinks the client can be helped to attain tasks through group processes, the idea is presented to the client who may accept or reject group membership.

Task-Centered Model

STEPSSTEPS

2. Group Composition -practitioner decides who should be in a particular group, and the size of the group.

3. Group Formation – members share the problems that they will seek to reduce or eliminate by formulating and accomplishing agreed-on tasks.

Task-Centered Model

Group Processes for Task Accomplishment – once the task have been agreed upon among the members, the practitioner works with them so that they can help each other to accomplish the tasks within the time frame agreed upon.


This is associated with the Freudian theory of personalityand was often referred to as the “ organismic approach” and the “ diagnostic school of thought”.


This is essentially a SYSTEM THEORY APPROACH in social work which can be applied to individuals and groups with actual or potential problems in their psychosocial functioning.


SYSTEM THEORY APPROACH concerned with both the inner realities of human beings and the social context in which they live.


Treatment must be differentiated according to the client’s need, hence, the term “Differential treatment approach” – this requires the worker to understand the client’s need and to respond accordingly.


Help provided is a process which will enable change to occur in the person or in the situation, or both.


INITIAL PHASE 1. Understanding the reasons for the contract;2. Establishing a relationship which will enable

the client to use the worker's help;3. Engaging the client in the treatment4. Beginning treatment itself5. Psychosocial study


Assessment of the client in his situationAssessment of the client in his situation

1.1.Dynamic Dynamic – an examination of how different aspects of the client’s personality interact to produce his total functioning; the interplay between the client and other systems.2.2.EtiologicalEtiological – the cause or origin of the difficulty. Whether preceding or current events.


Assessment of the client in his situationAssessment of the client in his situation

3. Classificatory-. Classificatory- an effort to classify various aspects of the client’s functioning and his place in the world including a clinical diagnosis.( classifying based on personality disturbance).


Goal and Planning – this is concerned with how improvement can be effected.

GOALS – are seen as composite of what the client sees and desires for himself and what he sees as possible and helpful.


TREATMENT PROCESS

1. Indirect Treatment – the worker intervenes directly in the environment of the client.

-Obtaining needed resources- Modifying the client’s situation when change in the client’s situation or environment is necessary.

2. Direct Treatment – this involves direct work with the client himself.

Functional Approach

First developed by the faculty of the Univ of Pennsylvania School of SW (JESSIE TAFT, et. al.). TAFT introduced the use of “AGENCY FUNCTION” as basic in SW helping- resulting to Pennsylvania School – being identified as the “functional school”.

Functional Approach

It has 3 characteristics:

1. Works from a “psychology of growth” and not from” psychology of illness”.

2. Purpose of the agency guides the social worker’s overall purpose, giving focus, direction & content to the worker’s practice; and

Functional Approach

It has 3 characteristics:

3. Social Work is viewed as a helping process through which an agency’s service is made available, with SW method, having to do with initiating, sustaining & terminating the relationships.

Behavioral Modification

An approach intended to improve the social functioning of individuals, families, groups and organizations by helping them learn new behaviors & eliminating problematic ways of behaving.

THIS IS BASED ON BEHAVIORAL THEORY – that people repeat behaviors that are rewarded and abandon those that are not rewarded.


The 3 elements of SOCIAL LEARNING are essential in the practice of BM:

a) TARGET BEHAVIOR – the focus of intervention

b) ANTECEDENT BEHAVIOR – behavior & events that occur prior to problem solving;

c) CONSEQUENT BEHAVIOR – behavior & events that occur after the problem behavior.


Social Worker’s Roles:

1. Direct Modifier (worker as agent of modification, using technique like positive reinforcement to increase a child’s behavior relating to observing rules, etc.)

1. Behavioral Instigator (worker arranges the situation to modify the behavior)

1. Teacher (worker teaches client with behavioral modification techniques, etc.)

Family Intervention

2 forms of family intervention:

a) Family Therapy – designed to change or modify elements of family relationship systems that interfere with the management of life tasks of the family and its members.

a) Family-focused work with an individual client – referred to as “family casework” is undertaken with focus on a family member, with the family members being involved in the helping process

Family Intervention

2 major phases of work w/ families:

1. Assessment2. Treatment

2 Tools for assessment & treatment:

1. Eco-map - diagram of a family within its social context & includes genogram.

2. Genogram – a diagram similar to a family tree.

for groups



Remedial Approach

DA

RA

IA

Developmental Approach by Emmanuel Tropp

DEVELOPMENT – causing something to unfold, grow, change for the better, to be realized, etc.

This approach explains that people are not seen as being sick or healthy, but on a scale ranging from socially functional (adequate) to dysfunctional (inadequate) to eufunctional (good functioning)…. continually able to move up this scale in a life-long developmental process of self-realization.


3 Characteristics:1.HUMANISTIC – view of one human being by another. Tropp explains this as worker respects the groups common purpose & integrity

1.PHENOMENOLOGICAL – its main concern is what is happening at present; reality oriented rather than on past personality diagnosis

1.DEVELOPMENTAL – it sees people as being able to move forward in a life-long process of self realization and fulfillment of potential of social functioning


A group work theory developed by William Schwarts

believes that the job assignment of social work in society for which it is being held accountable is to mediate the process through which the individual & society reach out to each other through a mutual need for self fulfillment. The MEDIATING FUNCTION of Social Work is the key concept in this approach.


Focus is on “PERSON-SITUATION INTERACTION” .The role of the worker is to mediate not only

on the person but on society (family, peers, agency, neighborhood, etc.).

In GROUPWORK, the IA has 4 major features: Group is collective in which people face &

interact; People need each other for certain specific

purposes; They come together to work on a common task;

and The work is embedded in a relevant agency

function.


Schwartz describes 4 phases of work in a group using this approach:

1. The “Tuning In” (preparation for the pre-entry)

2. The Beginning (worker moves into the group and the agency)

3. The tasks4. Ending & Separation

Remedial Approach

focused on individual change through small groups; uses guided group processes in treating/rehabilitating individuals whose behavior is disapproved by society (e.g. physically & mentally handicapped; legal offenders, etc.)

Remedial Approach

In the RA, the group is conceived as a small social system whose influences can be guided in planned ways to modify client behavior; that small groups generate social forces which can be utilized to effect change in the interest of clients.

Remedial Approach

Strategy of Intervention – or means of influence (modes of interventions):

1. DIRECT MEANS OF INFLUENCE immediate interaction with a group

member. There are 4 types of direct means of influence

(a) worker as a central person-object of identification & drives;

b) worker as a symbol & spokesman – agent of legitimate norms and values;

Remedial Approach

c) worker as Motivator & stimulator – definer of individual goals & tasks; and

d) W as executive-controller of member’s roles).

2) INDIRECT MEANS OF INFLUENCE

Worker acts on and through the group, its processes and its program (purpose, selection of members, size, procedures and group development).

Remedial Approach

3. EXTRA GROUP MEANS OF INFLUENCE

modification of behavior or attitudes of persons in the client’s social environment: the staff, parents, teachers, neighborhood, etc. whose influence is important to the client’s social functioning.

for communities

Community Development

Model

Social Planning Model

Social Action Model

CDM

SAM

SPM

Community Development Model

Community change may be pursued optimally through the broad participation of a wide spectrum of people at the local community level in goal determination and action.

Themes emphasized in locality development include democratic procedures, voluntary cooperation, self-help, development of indigenous leadership and education

Social PlanningEmphasizes a technical process of problem-solving with regard to substantive social problems such as delinquency, housing and mental health. Rational, deliberately planned, and controlled change has a central place in this model.

The approach presupposes that change in a complex industrial environment requires expert planners, whothrough the exercise of technical abilities, including the ability to manipulate large bureaucratic organizations, can skillfully guide complex change processes

Social Planning

Planners, especially in social work, are concerned with establishing, arranging and delivering goods and services to people who need them.

Building community capacity or fostering radical or fundamental social change does not play a central part.

Social Action

Presupposes a disadvantaged segment of the population that needs to be organized , in alliance with others in order to make adequate demands on the larger community for increased resources or treatment more in accordance with justice or democracy.

Its practitioners aim at basic changes in major institutions or community practices. They seek retribution of power, resources, or decision maiing in the community or changes in basic policies in formal organizations.

indirect models for intervention



Advocacy WE

ADV

DSC

includes specific activities, i.e. info giver, interpreter, resource person, consultant, negotiator, coordinator, lobbyist, organizer & mobilizer.

“ELITE” – comprised of individuals & groups who are usually in a position to provide the resources the worker needs in her work with clients (.e.g policy makers, leaders, volunteers, business owners)


Worker is employed by the agency to translate policies into services to clients; study/analyze practice experience and share with others; understand agency policies/programs, analyze data, to be able to recommend new programs.


Advocacy

worker is involved in efforts to change/modify policies/programs on behalf of some sectors in the community (e.g. professional association can influence policy; worker writing an appeal or pronouncements for a cause)

Summary of the Social Work Models and Approaches

DIRECT PROVISION MODELINTERCESSION-MEDIATION MODELMOBILIZING RESOURCES OF CLIENT SYSTEMCRISIS INTERVENTION APPROACHTHE PROBLEM-SOLVING MODELTASK CENTERED MODELTHE PSYCHO SOCIAL APROACHTHE FUNCTIONAL APROACHBEHAVIORAL MODIFICATIONDEVELOPMENTAL APROACHTHE INTERACTIONIST APPROACHTHE 3 MODELS OF CO (CD/SOCIAL PLANNING/SOCIAL ACTION)INDIRECT MODELS OF INTERVENTION