Core Social Work by Willem Blok

Author:Willem Blok [Blok, Willem]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Social Work
ISBN: 9780857004017
Google: ear-uZHBq1YC
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2012-02-15T05:09:29+00:00

Drawing 2 The Stairway of Change (© Henny Feijer)

If sufficient information is gathered, the social worker and the client conduct an analysis of the client’s existing situation, evaluating the influence of other people and circumstances, the client’s role, and the client’s own assessment of the situation.

In the next stage of problem formulation, the client and social worker come to an agreement on the concrete problems that will be targeted and the order in which the client and social worker will address the issues.

By involving the client in the assessment of his situation and discussing possibilities for change, means of the client, and support available from others including the social worker and other professionals, it is possible to set a goal that can realistically be achieved.

Means in various forms (such as money, facilities, expertise, time, and abilities) are important for facilitating the client’s ability to take action. If means are insufficient, they may need to be supplemented, or assistance may be required to secure alternative resources.

Based on available information, analysis of the situation, problem formulation, goal setting, and means, the social worker and client have to agree on a strategy. In order for a strategy to be realistic and feasible, it should incorporate the client’s ideas, goals, abilities, and desire for change as well as the means of attaining his goal. The strategy should also be based on an estimation of cooperation and support from others, as well as a risk analysis and expected challenges and barriers throughout the process.

In the programming stage, the social worker and the client make a plan or programme, whereby it is determined in what way, with what means, involving whom, and at what time certain actions will be taken and/or activities executed to achieve the pre-established goal. This is done in stages and within a scheduled time-frame (planning). Programming must be carefully planned, and if appropriate should involve others. It is also important for social worker and client to agree on the plan of action, and to communicate clearly and in a straightforward manner.

Carrying out the programme requires the investment of time, means, energy, and attention. The client should report progress, stagnation, successes, and obstacles and discuss these with the social worker. If necessary, the original programme may need to be adjusted or revised to improve the client’s chances of succeeding.

Evaluation occurs through the change process, as well as at its conclusion. Throughout the process, progress is compared with the planning, and the actual end situation is measured next to the desired situation. Successes and failures are discussed, conclusions are made, the programme is revised, and the planning restructured based on the evaluations.

Social workers can make use of a variety of change models to structure their professional actions. I focus here on two, the so-called ‘Eight Steps Model of Reintegration in Society’ (used in the Netherlands for homeless clients receiving care, and in the Ukraine for women in social adaptation work) (Leeuwen-den Dekker et al. 2006), and the ‘Cycle of Change’ of Prochaska and DiClemente (1982), used to help clients with addiction issues.

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