Single-Case Evaluation by Social Workers by Mansoor A.F. Kazi

Author:Mansoor A.F. Kazi [Kazi, Mansoor A.F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Sociology, General
ISBN: 9780429793578
Google: lTeDDwAAQBAJ
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 7138306
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 1998-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Some findings reported by the school social work studies

Evidence from the individual analyses of the 83 cases in the first study, as well as the cases from the subsequent truancy and behaviour projects, suggests that the use of single-case designs has encouraged a systematic approach in the definition and operationalisation of target problems and in the monitoring of outcomes. The designs are appropriate for evaluating particular casework, enabling continuous assessment of outcome data by both the clients and the practitioners, and providing a model of accountability for practitioners. The practitioners reported that the single-case evaluation methodology enabled collaborative working with the service users, providing regular feedback to the user on the progress made at each stage. For example, in a research meeting held to consider the report of the first study, the practitioners reported that where appropriate self-report measures were used, in most cases clients had felt empowered in the process of change.

In conclusion, the benefits from the studies have been of value to both the social workers and their clients. First, a methodology has been introduced which can be readily applied by practitioners in their daily practice and enable them to become practitioner evaluators. The fact that 21 practitioners applied the single-case evaluation methodology in 83 cases, as well as in the subsequent truancy and behaviour projects, are indications of their enthusiasm to become practitioner evaluators. Second, this methodology can address both the evaluative and experimental questions in varying degrees, depending upon the designs used and the trends in the data. Such information can be of benefit to both social workers and their clients. Third, the effectiveness of practitioners has been demonstrated in a large majority of the cases included in the studies, a high degree of effectiveness which otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Finally, this methodology is now part of the daily repertoire of Kirklees Education Social Work Service's social workers, and will remain with them indefinitely, to be used, refined, and further developed to suit the needs of both the clients and the practitioners in the foreseeable future. The changes in the agency’s recording practices to facilitate the application of single-case evaluation technology is an indication of the long-term benefits of these studies.

The few studies that have been published to date on the application of single-case evaluation technology have highlighted, amongst other things, the need for organisational support systems, the demonstration of the technology's utility and benefits, appropriate training for social worker practitioners and their involvement in the further development of this methodology (Robinson, Bronson and Blythe 1988; Mutschler 1984). These recommendations were implemented in Kirklees studies with positive results. These studies indicate, in particular, that success in any effort at agency-wide application of this technology depends upon the support and encouragement of social workers by the agency's management, the dissemination of initial experiences in the application of this methodology throughout the agency, a fairly intensive programme of training and consultancy provision for the practitioners, and the involvement of practitioners in the construction of measuring instruments and the development of the methodology itself in order to maintain its relevance to their practice.

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