Social Case Work-Working with Individuals

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Social Case Work

Celebrating the dignity & worth

of every individual

Compiled by Compiled by

S.Rengasamy

Madurai Institute of Social Sciences Madurai Institute of Social Sciences

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

http://christcollegemsw.blogspot.com/

http://Indian Social Study.com http://Indian Social Study.com http://www.scribd.com/vinitha_sukumar

http://www.scribd.com/vinitha_sukumar

Grace Mathew

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Syllabus

UGC

UGC / NET / NET /JRF Syll/JRF Syllabusabus

Case work - Concept, Objectives and Principles. Social Case Work Process - Intake, Study, Social Case work - Concept, Objectives and Principles. Social Case Work Process - Intake, Study, Social Diagnosis, Treatment, Termination and Evaluation. Approaches in Case Work - Psychoanalytical, Diagnosis, Treatment, Termination and Evaluation. Approaches in Case Work - Psychoanalytical, Psycho-social, Problem Solving, Behaviour Modification, Crisis Intervention and Eclectic Approach. Psycho-social, Problem Solving, Behaviour Modification, Crisis Intervention and Eclectic Approach. Techniques and skills in Social Case Work - Interviews, Home visit, Resource Mobilization, Referral, Techniques and skills in Social Case Work - Interviews, Home visit, Resource Mobilization, Referral, Environmental Modification, Case Work Relationship, Communication - Types of Recording in Case Environmental Modification, Case Work Relationship, Communication - Types of Recording in Case Work. Role of Social Case Worker in Various Settings

Work. Role of Social Case Worker in Various Settings

Social Case Work

Social Case Work – – _Syllabus_Syllabus

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Social Case Work- Definition, Meaning, Concept, Objectives, Principles and history of SocialSocial Case Work- Definition, Meaning, Concept, Objectives, Principles and history of Social Case work in India and abroad

Case work in India and abroad

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Basic components of social casework.Basic components of social casework. – – Problem, Person, Place, Process. Relationship in caseProblem, Person, Place, Process. Relationship in case work

work – –nature, establishment, maintenance, termination, transference and counter transferencenature, establishment, maintenance, termination, transference and counter transference

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Case Work processCase Work process – – Study (Case recording, Interview, Collateral contact etc), Diagnosis,Study (Case recording, Interview, Collateral contact etc), Diagnosis, Treatment, (methods & techniques), Follow

Treatment, (methods & techniques), Follow – –up and Terminationup and Termination

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Approaches in social case work Approaches in social case work – –Functional, Diagnostic, Directive, Non-directive and Eclectic.Functional, Diagnostic, Directive, Non-directive and Eclectic. Recording in case work

Recording in case work – –Importance and MethodsImportance and Methods

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Application of social case work in family, educational institutions, community, industries and inApplication of social case work in family, educational institutions, community, industries and in hospitals hospitals

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Opportunity

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Mary Richmond Mary Richmond Pearlman Pearlman SOCIAL CASEWORK SOCIAL CASEWORK

Social casework, representing that part of social work which focused more on the individual, had a Social casework, representing that part of social work which focused more on the individual, had a vital non-poverty populations. Social work's prestige was raised through work in war-related activities vital non-poverty populations. Social work's prestige was raised through work in war-related activities such as the Red C

such as the Red Cross's Home Service. ross's Home Service. Caseworkers with the home Caseworkers with the home service, led by Mary service, led by Mary Richmond,Richmond, applied their

applied their skills to skills to problems faced problems faced by service by service men and men and their families. their families. Physicians, psychiatrists Physicians, psychiatrists andand psychologists working with emotionally disturbed soldiers saw the social worker as a natural ally. psychologists working with emotionally disturbed soldiers saw the social worker as a natural ally. They began using casew

They began using caseworkers as specialists in social orkers as specialists in social adjustment. adjustment. Such vital activities were outsideSuch vital activities were outside the profession's traditional constituency of the poor and indigent and opened up new opportunities the profession's traditional constituency of the poor and indigent and opened up new opportunities for social work.

for social work.

The second major event that marked social casework‟s ascendancy within social work was the The second major event that marked social casework‟s ascendancy within social work was the publication of Mary Richmond's

publication of Mary Richmond's Social Diagnosis.Social Diagnosis. For several decades, Ms. Richmond had beenFor several decades, Ms. Richmond had been attempting to turn the practical but rough-hewn techniques and skills commonly known as casework attempting to turn the practical but rough-hewn techniques and skills commonly known as casework into a

into a more systemamore systematic approach. tic approach. After honing After honing her ideas her ideas through workshops, through workshops, lectures and lectures and articles,articles, Ms. Richmond put her ideas into a book which was the first definitive text on casework. Ms. Richmond put her ideas into a book which was the first definitive text on casework. Much more than just another book,

Much more than just another book, Social Diagnosis,Social Diagnosis, gave to the new field of social work an anchorgave to the new field of social work an anchor in its quest for professionalism. In 1915, noted authority of professional education, Abraham Flexner, in its quest for professionalism. In 1915, noted authority of professional education, Abraham Flexner, had delivered a paper at the National Conference on Charities and Corrections declaring that social had delivered a paper at the National Conference on Charities and Corrections declaring that social work was not yet a profession. In his paper, Dr. Flexner was particularly critical of the new field's lack work was not yet a profession. In his paper, Dr. Flexner was particularly critical of the new field's lack of a technique which was "communicable through the educational process". Mary Richmond, through of a technique which was "communicable through the educational process". Mary Richmond, through Social Diagnosis,

Social Diagnosis, gave social work what Dr. Flexner said it was lacking and propelled casework gave social work what Dr. Flexner said it was lacking and propelled casework from one of a number of approaches used by charity workers into a major form of practice.

from one of a number of approaches used by charity workers into a major form of practice.

Objectives of Social Case Work: Objectives of Social Case Work:

“Social Case work may be defined as the art of doing different things for and with “Social Case work may be defined as the art of doing different things for and with different people by cooperating with them to achieve at one and the same time their different people by cooperating with them to achieve at one and the same time their own a

own and society‟s betterment.”nd society‟s betterment.” Mary Richmond (1915)Mary Richmond (1915)

D D e e f f i i n n i i t t i i o o n n

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Case Work Case Work

Making Adjustment Meaningful Making Adjustment Meaningful

Social Case Work: Social Case Work:

Social Case Work, a primary method of social work, is Social Case Work, a primary method of social work, is concerned with the adjustment and

concerned with the adjustment and developmendevelopment of t of individualindividual towards more satisfying human relations. Better family life, towards more satisfying human relations. Better family life, improved schools, better housing, more

improved schools, better housing, more hospitals and medicalhospitals and medical care facilities, protected economic conditions and better care facilities, protected economic conditions and better relations between religious groups help the individual in his relations between religious groups help the individual in his adjustment and development. But his adjustment and adjustment and development. But his adjustment and development depend on the use of these resources by him. development depend on the use of these resources by him. Sometimes due to certain factors, internal or external,

Sometimes due to certain factors, internal or external, he failshe fails to avail existing facilities. In such situations, social to avail existing facilities. In such situations, social caseworker helps him. Thus, social casework is one to one caseworker helps him. Thus, social casework is one to one relationship, which works in helping the individual for his relationship, which works in helping the individual for his adjustment and

adjustment and development.development.

Every individual reacts differently to

Every individual reacts differently to his social, economic andhis social, economic and physical environments and as such problems of one physical environments and as such problems of one individual are different from those of another. The practice of individual are different from those of another. The practice of casework is a humanistic attempt for helping people who casework is a humanistic attempt for helping people who have difficulty in coping with the problems of daily living. It have difficulty in coping with the problems of daily living. It is one of the direct

is one of the direct methods of social work methods of social work which uses the case-by-case approach for dealing with which uses the case-by-case approach for dealing with individuals or families as regards their problems of social individuals or families as regards their problems of social functioning. Case work, aims at individualized services functioning. Case work, aims at individualized services in the field

in the field of of social work social work in order to in order to help the help the client toclient to adjust with the environments.

adjust with the environments. Origin of Case work

Origin of Case work

By working with the poor Social Workers radically realized that forces within the By working with the poor Social Workers radically realized that forces within the individual and forces external to him contributed for human suffering.

individual and forces external to him contributed for human suffering. Though casework as a mode of helping people on the basis of a

Though casework as a mode of helping people on the basis of a person-to-person relationshipperson-to-person relationship was present in every society from ancient times, the professional was present in every society from ancient times, the professional method of casework originated in U.S.A. in

method of casework originated in U.S.A. in the second decade of the second decade of this century.

this century. One of the One of the earliest organiseearliest organised efforts d efforts in U.S.A. toin U.S.A. to help the poor was the establishment of the

help the poor was the establishment of the American CharityAmerican Charity

Organization Society

Organization Society (1)(1) in 1877 on the pattern of the Charityin 1877 on the pattern of the Charity Organization of London, which was started seven years earlier. Organization of London, which was started seven years earlier. One of the aims of the

One of the aims of the society was to find out ways and means of society was to find out ways and means of helping the poor and needy and thus to organise individualised helping the poor and needy and thus to organise individualised services geared to this purpose. The society used volunteers, who services geared to this purpose. The society used volunteers, who were called friendly visitors, to visit the homes of the poor for were called friendly visitors, to visit the homes of the poor for purposes of assessing their need, for rendering material purposes of assessing their need, for rendering material assistance and for giving them guidance and advice. The friendly assistance and for giving them guidance and advice. The friendly visitors were subsequently supplemented by 'paid agents'. These paid helpers gradually visitors were subsequently supplemented by 'paid agents'. These paid helpers gradually developed, systematic procedures in performing their tasks. They collected data about the developed, systematic procedures in performing their tasks. They collected data about the needy individuals and families, and helped them after assessing their need. They also needy individuals and families, and helped them after assessing their need. They also maintained records in which they kept all the information including personal data, as well as maintained records in which they kept all the information including personal data, as well as the type of help rendered. It was out of the practice of these early workers that casework the type of help rendered. It was out of the practice of these early workers that casework

Josephine Shaw Lowell Josephine Shaw Lowell

Founder of Founder of New York's Charity

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Century before, even before the declaration of human rights Mary Richmond Century before, even before the declaration of human rights Mary Richmond asserted that poor have their own individuality and they have a right for self asserted that poor have their own individuality and they have a right for self determination

determination

developed gradually to a professional method in subsequent years. Their collective developed gradually to a professional method in subsequent years. Their collective experience of knowing the poor families and their problems and the concurrent studies of experience of knowing the poor families and their problems and the concurrent studies of poverty by social scientists broadened the understanding of human behaviour. There was the poverty by social scientists broadened the understanding of human behaviour. There was the growing recognition that there were forces within the individual and forces external to him growing recognition that there were forces within the individual and forces external to him which influenced his behaviour and the nature of his existence in society. In course of time which influenced his behaviour and the nature of his existence in society. In course of time the terms 'paid agents'

the terms 'paid agents' and 'the poor' were and 'the poor' were supplanted by caseworkers and clients respectivelysupplanted by caseworkers and clients respectively in the terminology of the help giving organisation and the office of the organisation came to in the terminology of the help giving organisation and the office of the organisation came to be known as the agency.

be known as the agency.

Mary Richmond's Contribution to Social Case Work Mary Richmond's Contribution to Social Case Work Mary Richmond's book,

Mary Richmond's book, Social Diagnosis,Social Diagnosis, which was published in 1917 may be consideredwhich was published in 1917 may be considered

as the first book in casework. It set forth a methodology of as the first book in casework. It set forth a methodology of helping clients through systematic ways of assessing their helping clients through systematic ways of assessing their problems and handling them. Besides, the book introduced problems and handling them. Besides, the book introduced the principle of individualization and also acknowledged the principle of individualization and also acknowledged the client's right of self-determination. The first training the client's right of self-determination. The first training programme for caseworkers was in the form of summer programme for caseworkers was in the form of summer courses. Then the need for more substantial training was courses. Then the need for more substantial training was found

found necessary necessary and and schools schools of of social social work, work, attached attached toto agencies, came into existence. When these schools attained agencies, came into existence. When these schools attained a certain standing in the community, they were recognized as professional schools under the a certain standing in the community, they were recognized as professional schools under the administrative authority of universities.

administrative authority of universities.

What Social Workers learned from Freudian psychology & Economic depression What Social Workers learned from Freudian psychology & Economic depression Freudian psychology which emerged in the 1920s had

Freudian psychology which emerged in the 1920s had a strong impacta strong impact on casework. The new psychoanalytical knowledge pertaining to on casework. The new psychoanalytical knowledge pertaining to human behaviour was eagerly absorbed by caseworkers which was human behaviour was eagerly absorbed by caseworkers which was found useful in understanding clients and their problems. During this found useful in understanding clients and their problems. During this period of development, caseworkers focused their attention on period of development, caseworkers focused their attention on psychic forces within the individual. During the

psychic forces within the individual. During the economic depressioneconomic depression of the 1930s casework had to consider the economic factors which of the 1930s casework had to consider the economic factors which were causing distress to clients. There was also the realization that were causing distress to clients. There was also the realization that economic distress could lead to emotional distress and breakdown. economic distress could lead to emotional distress and breakdown. One major outcome of the depression was the establishment of One major outcome of the depression was the establishment of governmental public assistance programs

governmental public assistance programs. It . It relieved the voluntary agencies from the tasks of relieved the voluntary agencies from the tasks of providing economic help which enabled the caseworkers to devote providing economic help which enabled the caseworkers to devote more time in

more time in dealing with clients' interpersonal problems.dealing with clients' interpersonal problems. Broadening the understanding

Broadening the understanding – – From self to interaction with othersFrom self to interaction with others During the 1940s, caseworkers were exposed to the formulations on During the 1940s, caseworkers were exposed to the formulations on ego psychology based on the observations of human beings as regard's ego psychology based on the observations of human beings as regard's their differential coping and adapting abilities in times of stress. The their differential coping and adapting abilities in times of stress. The new studies on human behaviour brought to light the potentialities of new studies on human behaviour brought to light the potentialities of the human personality for healthy adaptation to life's stresses. During the human personality for healthy adaptation to life's stresses. During the next two decades, some casework theoreticians began to examine the next two decades, some casework theoreticians began to examine sociological concepts like social role, social system, social class, etc., sociological concepts like social role, social system, social class, etc., with reference to their applicability to casework situations. The result was the shifting of the with reference to their applicability to casework situations. The result was the shifting of the

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focus from the self of the individual to his continuous interactions with his significant others focus from the self of the individual to his continuous interactions with his significant others in social settings.

in social settings.

American casework did influence the use of casework in India as the first professional social American casework did influence the use of casework in India as the first professional social workers who did casework in the Indian setting were trained in the American schools of workers who did casework in the Indian setting were trained in the American schools of

social work. Casework was one of

social work. Casework was one of the courses taughtthe courses taught when the

when the Sir Dorabji TataSir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Graduate School of Social Work,

Social Work, currently known as thecurrently known as the TataTata Institute of Social Sciences

Institute of Social Sciences, was started in Bombay, was started in Bombay in 1936, and it became a method of practice in in 1936, and it became a method of practice in helping people with their problems of social helping people with their problems of social functioning. Some social welfare agencies employed functioning. Some social welfare agencies employed caseworkers particularly with the purpose of helping caseworkers particularly with the purpose of helping

their clients in a one-to-one relationship. Currently, the so-called their clients in a one-to-one relationship. Currently, the so-called caseworkers attached to some welfare services are not trained social workers, and those caseworkers attached to some welfare services are not trained social workers, and those professionally trained social workers who use the method of casework considerably in their professionally trained social workers who use the method of casework considerably in their work are not given the designation of caseworkers as they are likely to use other methods as work are not given the designation of caseworkers as they are likely to use other methods as well.

well.

Causes of Human Problems as conceived by Social Case Workers Causes of Human Problems as conceived by Social Case Workers

Problems of social functioning cause distress to the individuals who come voluntarily or Problems of social functioning cause distress to the individuals who come voluntarily or involuntarily to a social work agency for help. What is important to note here is that these involuntarily to a social work agency for help. What is important to note here is that these individuals are not to be considered as one of a mass of people or a unit of a category, but as individuals are not to be considered as one of a mass of people or a unit of a category, but as unique persons. Casework method in social work is an indication of the high value placed on unique persons. Casework method in social work is an indication of the high value placed on the individual by the

the individual by the profession.profession.

Those people who seek social work help for their problems of living do so because their Those people who seek social work help for their problems of living do so because their normal coping methods are not effective in dealing with the particular problems. There are normal coping methods are not effective in dealing with the particular problems. There are reasons why individuals find their normal coping patterns ineffective in the face of some reasons why individuals find their normal coping patterns ineffective in the face of some problems. These reasons may be broadly divided into five

problems. These reasons may be broadly divided into five categories.categories. 1.

1. Lack of material resources:Lack of material resources: Social work agencies do not have financial resources to giveSocial work agencies do not have financial resources to give assistance to people who seek material help. But, when, lack of money makes it difficult for assistance to people who seek material help. But, when, lack of money makes it difficult for an individual to deal with a particular situation effectively, it is likely that he can obtain an individual to deal with a particular situation effectively, it is likely that he can obtain financial help through the services of a caseworker, depending upon the nature of the financial help through the services of a caseworker, depending upon the nature of the situation and the policy of the agency. For example, it is possible for an amputee who is poor situation and the policy of the agency. For example, it is possible for an amputee who is poor and who is a patient in a general hospital to get monetary help through the social work and who is a patient in a general hospital to get monetary help through the social work department of the hospital for buying artificial limbs.

department of the hospital for buying artificial limbs. 2.

2. Misconceptions about situations and relationships and lack of appropriateMisconceptions about situations and relationships and lack of appropriate information:

information: Wrong notions about things prevent people from handling difficult situationsWrong notions about things prevent people from handling difficult situations effectively. Many people have superstitious beliefs about diseases which prevent them from effectively. Many people have superstitious beliefs about diseases which prevent them from taking prompt medical treatment which can cure the disease. For example, if a man believes taking prompt medical treatment which can cure the disease. For example, if a man believes that his child's epileptic fits are caused by the possession of a devil, he is likely to try that his child's epileptic fits are caused by the possession of a devil, he is likely to try remedies which will worsen the condition. Sometimes it is ignorance of existing services and remedies which will worsen the condition. Sometimes it is ignorance of existing services and resources which delays action. Help is required to correct distorted perceptions and for resources which delays action. Help is required to correct distorted perceptions and for obtaining essential information.

obtaining essential information. 3.

3. Illness or health related handicapsIllness or health related handicaps:: Tata Trust

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Physical and mental illness and health related handicaps of various types make people Physical and mental illness and health related handicaps of various types make people helpless or irrational in the face of difficulties. For instance, when in a family the father is ill, helpless or irrational in the face of difficulties. For instance, when in a family the father is ill, the mother will have to bear extra burden and face problems alone for which she may require the mother will have to bear extra burden and face problems alone for which she may require outside help. The patient and his family

outside help. The patient and his family may need help to accept the ilmay need help to accept the illness of the former andlness of the former and to make realistic plans for the present and future.

to make realistic plans for the present and future. 4.

4. Emotional distress resulting from stressful situations:Emotional distress resulting from stressful situations: In certain situations strongIn certain situations strong feelings are aroused which make a person incapable of acting sensibly. For instance, when a feelings are aroused which make a person incapable of acting sensibly. For instance, when a father comes to know of his adolescent son's delinquent activities he may feel so upset and father comes to know of his adolescent son's delinquent activities he may feel so upset and ashamed that he may want to throw the boy out of the house and to sever all his connections ashamed that he may want to throw the boy out of the house and to sever all his connections with him. In such situations the emotionally upset person needs someone to whom he can with him. In such situations the emotionally upset person needs someone to whom he can verbalize his feelings freely. Verbalization will reduce the need to act out irrationally and set verbalize his feelings freely. Verbalization will reduce the need to act out irrationally and set the mind clear for objective thinking.

the mind clear for objective thinking. 5.

5. Personality features or deficiencies:Personality features or deficiencies:

Defective features of one's personality not only create problematic situations for oneself and Defective features of one's personality not only create problematic situations for oneself and others but also make one incapable of solving problems of life. If a little girl is brought up by others but also make one incapable of solving problems of life. If a little girl is brought up by her mother in the strong belief

her mother in the strong belief that her father who deserted the family that her father who deserted the family was a bad man and thatwas a bad man and that all men are likewise bad, it is probable that the girl will have a difficult relationship with her all men are likewise bad, it is probable that the girl will have a difficult relationship with her husband when she later marries. The generalized wrong idea may get deeply implanted in husband when she later marries. The generalized wrong idea may get deeply implanted in thethe daughter's personality during childhood and she may not be even aware of it as she grows daughter's personality during childhood and she may not be even aware of it as she grows into adulthood. There are innumerable problems of this type effecting human relationships, into adulthood. There are innumerable problems of this type effecting human relationships, caused by unhealthy attitudes and reactions which are deeply embedded in the personality. caused by unhealthy attitudes and reactions which are deeply embedded in the personality. Here, the remedy lies in helping the persons concerned to develop insight about their own Here, the remedy lies in helping the persons concerned to develop insight about their own reactions and learn to act consciously and appropriately rather than react automatically to reactions and learn to act consciously and appropriately rather than react automatically to situations.

situations.

Definitions of Social Case Work Definitions of Social Case Work

Mary Richmond (1915) Mary Richmond (1915)

“Social Case Work may be defined as the Art of doing different things with different “Social Case Work may be defined as the Art of doing different things with different people, co-operating with them to achieve some of

people, co-operating with them to achieve some of their own & society‟s betterment.”their own & society‟s betterment.” Mary Richmond (1917)

Mary Richmond (1917)

Social case work is the art of bringing about better adjustments in the social Social case work is the art of bringing about better adjustments in the social relationship of individual men or women or children

relationship of individual men or women or children Mary Richmond (1922)

Mary Richmond (1922)

Social case work means, „those processes which

Social case work means, „those processes which develop personality throughdevelop personality through adjustment consciously affected, individual by individual, between men and their adjustment consciously affected, individual by individual, between men and their social environment‟

social environment‟ Jarrett (1919) Jarrett (1919)

Social case work is “the art of bringing an individual who is in a condition of social Social case work is “the art of bringing an individual who is in a condition of social disorder into the best

disorder into the best possible relation with all parts of his environment‟. possible relation with all parts of his environment‟. Taft (1920)

Taft (1920)

Social case work means “social treatment of a maladjusted individual involving an Social case work means “social treatment of a maladjusted individual involving an attempt to understand his personality, behaviour and social relationships and to assist attempt to understand his personality, behaviour and social relationships and to assist him in working out

him in working out better social and personal adjustment”. better social and personal adjustment”. Watson (1922)

Watson (1922)

Social Case Work is the art of untangling and restructuring the twisted personality in Social Case Work is the art of untangling and restructuring the twisted personality in such a manner that the

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Queen (1932) Queen (1932)

Social case work is the art “of adjusting personal relationship”. Social case work is the art “of adjusting personal relationship”. Lee (1923)

Lee (1923)

Social case work is the art of changing human attitudes” Social case work is the art of changing human attitudes” Taylor (1926)

Taylor (1926)

Social case work is a process concerned with the understanding of individuals as Social case work is a process concerned with the understanding of individuals as whole personalities and with the adjustments of

whole personalities and with the adjustments of these to socially healthy lithese to socially healthy livesves Raynolds (1935)

Raynolds (1935)

Social case work is the processes of counseling with a client on a problemwhich are Social case work is the processes of counseling with a client on a problemwhich are essentially his own, involving some difficulty in

essentially his own, involving some difficulty in his social relationship.his social relationship. Raynods (1935)

Raynods (1935)

Social case work is that form of social work which assists the individual which he Social case work is that form of social work which assists the individual which he suggests to relate himself to his family, his natural group , his

suggests to relate himself to his family, his natural group , his communitycommunity Klein (1938)

Klein (1938)

Social case work is a technical method in social work…. A way of adjusting to the Social case work is a technical method in social work…. A way of adjusting to the client to his

client to his personal problems.personal problems. Swift (1939)

Swift (1939)

Social case work is the art of assisting the individual in developing and making use of Social case work is the art of assisting the individual in developing and making use of his personal capacity to deal with problems which he faces in his life.

his personal capacity to deal with problems which he faces in his life. DeSchweiinitz (1939)

DeSchweiinitz (1939)

Case work means those processes involved in giving service, financial assistance, or Case work means those processes involved in giving service, financial assistance, or personal counsel to individuals by the representatives of social agencies, according to personal counsel to individuals by the representatives of social agencies, according to polices established and with consideration of individual need.

polices established and with consideration of individual need. Strode (1948)

Strode (1948)

Social case work is the process of assisting the individual to best possible social Social case work is the process of assisting the individual to best possible social adjustment through the use of social case study, social resources and knowledge from adjustment through the use of social case study, social resources and knowledge from relative fields of learning.

relative fields of learning. Towle (1947)

Towle (1947)

Social case work is one method ….by which certain social services are made available Social case work is one method ….by which certain social services are made available in areas of

in areas of unmet needs.unmet needs. Bowers (1949)

Bowers (1949)

Social case work is an art in which knowledge of the sciences of human relations and Social case work is an art in which knowledge of the sciences of human relations and skill

skill in relationship are used to min relationship are used to mobilize capacities in the indobilize capacities in the individual and resources ividual and resources inin the community appropriate for better adjustment between the client and all or any part the community appropriate for better adjustment between the client and all or any part of his total environment.

of his total environment. Hollis (1954)

Hollis (1954)

“Social Case work is a method employed by social worker to help individuals find “Social Case work is a method employed by social worker to help individuals find solution to problems of social adjustment which they are unable to handle in solution to problems of social adjustment which they are unable to handle in satisfactory way by their own efforts.”

satisfactory way by their own efforts.” Gordon Hamilton (1956)

Gordon Hamilton (1956)

“Social case work (which is both a tool and area of work) consists of those processes “Social case work (which is both a tool and area of work) consists of those processes which develop personality through adjustment consciously affected, individual by which develop personality through adjustment consciously affected, individual by individual between man and his social

individual between man and his social environment.”environment.” Gordon Hamilton

Gordon Hamilton

In social case work the client is sti

In social case work the client is stimulated to participate in the study of his mulated to participate in the study of his situation, tosituation, to share plans, to make an effective effort to solve his problems, using his own resources share plans, to make an effective effort to solve his problems, using his own resources and whatever community resources are

and whatever community resources are available and appropriate.available and appropriate. Perlman (1957)

Perlman (1957)

“Social Case work is a process used by certain human welfare agencies to help “Social Case work is a process used by certain human welfare agencies to help individuals to cope more effectively with their problems in social functioning.”

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Going Beyond Prejudice and Fear to

Understanding

Safrad Safrad

““Social Case Work is a method employed by a social worker to help individual, find aSocial Case Work is a method employed by a social worker to help individual, find a solution of their problem of social adjustment which they are unable to handle in a solution of their problem of social adjustment which they are unable to handle in a satisfactory way by their own effort.”

satisfactory way by their own effort.” Objectives of Social Case Work

Objectives of Social Case Work

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 To make good rapport with To make good rapport with the common peoplethe common people 

 To find-out, understand & solve the To find-out, understand & solve the internal problems of an internal problems of an individualindividual 

 To strengthen ones ego powerTo strengthen ones ego power 

 To prevent problemTo prevent problem 

 To develop internal To develop internal resourcesresources

Nature & Characteristics of Case Work Nature & Characteristics of Case Work



 Relationship arise out of shared & Relationship arise out of shared & emotionally charged situationemotionally charged situation 

 Relationship contains elements of acceptance, expectation, support & Relationship contains elements of acceptance, expectation, support & stimulationstimulation 

 Client & case worker Client & case worker are interdependentare interdependent 

 Case work relationship may have several therapeutic valuesCase work relationship may have several therapeutic values 

 Improvement of conditionImprovement of condition 

 More adjustment within the societyMore adjustment within the society 

 Development of personalityDevelopment of personality 

 Capacity buildingCapacity building 

 Relationship needs outside helpRelationship needs outside help 

 Case worker too has relationship reactions and part of and part of Case worker too has relationship reactions and part of and part of one‟sone‟s professional skillsprofessional skills

in their

in their managemenmanagementt

Components/elements of case work: Components/elements of case work:



 Purpose & concern for the client systemPurpose & concern for the client system

A purpose to find-out internal problems & try to

A purpose to find-out internal problems & try to solve it and a concern to make goodsolve it and a concern to make good rapport, feel ones feelings and aims

rapport, feel ones feelings and aims at individualized serviceat individualized service



 Expectation at three levelExpectation at three level

-Expectation of the case worker from the client, how the case worker feels about the -Expectation of the case worker from the client, how the case worker feels about the clients ability &

clients ability & what extend client support anybodywhat extend client support anybody -Expectation of the client from the Case worker -Expectation of the client from the Case worker -Positive result in the period of interaction -Positive result in the period of interaction



 Accuracy of Empathy and clear Accuracy of Empathy and clear communicationcommunication

- Think positively in others point of view - Think positively in others point of view - What extent you are sympathetic

- What extent you are sympathetic

- Ability to perceive & communicate accurately & feel - Ability to perceive & communicate accurately & feel - Case worker should be

- Case worker should be sensitive to express feelings towards client by voice, posture sensitive to express feelings towards client by voice, posture andand good communication

good communication



 Non Possessive warmthNon Possessive warmth

Give respect,

Give respect, acceptanceacceptance,, liking, caring and concern liking, caring and concern for the client in a for the client in a non-dominating way. dominating way.



 Genuineness andGenuineness and

acceptance acceptance

Case worker mist be Case worker mist be

practical in nature. He must practical in nature. He must

(11)

11 11

Solving problems by Solving problems by Drawing inner strength Drawing inner strength

Case Work

Principles and Techniques of Casework Principles and Techniques of Casework The foundation of the practice of

The foundation of the practice of casework is a conceptualcasework is a conceptual framework cons

framework consisting of certain isting of certain values or philosvalues or philosophicalophical assumptions. The mos

assumptions. The most basic value is that of t basic value is that of the worth andthe worth and dignity of every human being. The next is the

dignity of every human being. The next is the

commitment to the goal of human betterment, in terms of commitment to the goal of human betterment, in terms of both material and emotional wellbeing. Then, there is both material and emotional wellbeing. Then, there is thethe value related to the development of human potential to the value related to the development of human potential to the highest level possible. Since each individual is considered highest level possible. Since each individual is considered to be important, there is the corollary of the need for

to be important, there is the corollary of the need for everyevery person to participate fully in the direction of his own l person to participate fully in the direction of his own l ife.ife. These value orientations are the result of

These value orientations are the result of philosophicphilosophic thought over years of human existence and are

thought over years of human existence and are to beto be differentiated from scientific theories which can be

differentiated from scientific theories which can be tested andtested and proved. Nevertheless, belief in these values is a

proved. Nevertheless, belief in these values is a necessarynecessary pre-requisite in order that

pre-requisite in order that casework may be effective. There is another set of casework may be effective. There is another set of commitmentscommitments emerging from these philosophical assumptions and the idea of individualised help. They emerging from these philosophical assumptions and the idea of individualised help. They are concepts of acceptance, non-condemning attitudes, confidentiality and controlled are concepts of acceptance, non-condemning attitudes, confidentiality and controlled emotional involvement. Though these concepts originally developed from the values emotional involvement. Though these concepts originally developed from the values mentioned earlier, they were reinforced later by the experience of social workers with the mentioned earlier, they were reinforced later by the experience of social workers with the result that they subsequently became casework principles or rules of action. Closely linked result that they subsequently became casework principles or rules of action. Closely linked with these values and principles is the postulate that

with these values and principles is the postulate that human behaviour can change. Humanhuman behaviour can change. Human history indicates that sages, philosophers, priests and teachers, since times immemorial, history indicates that sages, philosophers, priests and teachers, since times immemorial, had tried to explain human behaviour and to change it. They were only partially had tried to explain human behaviour and to change it. They were only partially successful. It will be presumptuous to think that by application of behavioural sciences successful. It will be presumptuous to think that by application of behavioural sciences one can change human behaviour easily. One has to be rather modest as regards one's one can change human behaviour easily. One has to be rather modest as regards one's expectations expectations Human dignity Human dignity Human Potential Human Potential Human participation Human participation Acceptance Acceptance

Non condemning attitude

Confidentiality

Controlled emotions

Human Behaviour can change

be a person of

be a person of genuineness being real, honest in their approach and never genuineness being real, honest in their approach and never go beyondgo beyond her/his limit.

her/his limit.



 AuthorityAuthority

Case worker must have a

Case worker must have a capacity to handle any situation, being resourceful and helpfulcapacity to handle any situation, being resourceful and helpful Having knowledge, attitude, experience and a position to identify

Having knowledge, attitude, experience and a position to identify and solve internaland solve internal problem of client

problem of client

Principles of Case work Principles of Case work Individualization

Individualization

Purposeful expression of feelings Purposeful expression of feelings Control of Emotion Control of Emotion Self determination Self determination Acceptance Acceptance

Principle of non-judgmental attitude Principle of non-judgmental attitude Principle of Confidentiality

Principle of Confidentiality I. Individualization

I. Individualization

Individualization means analyze an individual not from a single Individualization means analyze an individual not from a single aspect but from

aspect but from various aspects. various aspects. Every IndividuaEvery Individual is different froml is different from others & unique in itself. Problem of every individual is different

(12)

upon her/his intelligence, so the mode of

upon her/his intelligence, so the mode of helping (Technique) must be according to thehelping (Technique) must be according to the Intellectual level, socio-economic situation and ego strength, ones capacity and resource. Intellectual level, socio-economic situation and ego strength, ones capacity and resource. II. Purposeful expression of feelings

II. Purposeful expression of feelings Case worker must give the

Case worker must give the chance to the client to chance to the client to express her/his feelings freely, especiallyexpress her/his feelings freely, especially her/his negative feelings because maximum time feelings are negative in nature.

her/his negative feelings because maximum time feelings are negative in nature. The caseThe case worker listen purposefully clients feelings neither praising nor

worker listen purposefully clients feelings neither praising nor condemcondemning. Don‟t point outning. Don‟t point out any one as good or bad because of

any one as good or bad because of one‟sone‟s psycho-sociapsycho-social l problems.problems. III. Control emotional involvement

III. Control emotional involvement Without feeling any one

Without feeling any one‟‟s emotion with sensitivity,s emotion with sensitivity, it‟s impossible to findit‟s impossible to find-out her/his-out her/his problem & get a solution of that problem.

problem & get a solution of that problem. Emotion comes from 3 ways as

Emotion comes from 3 ways as - Sensitivity - Sensitivity -Understanding -Understanding -Response -Response

IV. Self determination IV. Self determination

Self determination we means let the client to take her/his own decision in own way, give Self determination we means let the client to take her/his own decision in own way, give chance her/him to decide, what is right or wrong for them.

chance her/him to decide, what is right or wrong for them. V. Acceptance

V. Acceptance A case w

A case worker must be accept an individual as a person of “worth & dignity”, not treat as aorker must be accept an individual as a person of “worth & dignity”, not treat as a problem and always accept ones positive feelings and negative feelings

problem and always accept ones positive feelings and negative feelings VI. Non-Judgmental attitude

VI. Non-Judgmental attitude A case worker mustn

A case worker mustn‟t have the right to judge any one as guilty or innoce‟t have the right to judge any one as guilty or innocent.nt. VII. Principle of Confidentiality

VII. Principle of Confidentiality

Case work relationship has a principle to take the problems of the client in confidence and Case work relationship has a principle to take the problems of the client in confidence and keep it as secret.

keep it as secret.

More Explanations on the Principles of

More Explanations on the Principles of Social Casework Social Casework 1.

1. A worker shA worker should believe ould believe in social reality.in social reality.



 Every individual has his own different Every individual has his own different problems because every personality is uniqueproblems because every personality is unique 

 Problems do exit and there is no stigma attached to a problem and or any maladjustedProblems do exit and there is no stigma attached to a problem and or any maladjusted

person and a social worker does not believe in social isolation for the physically, person and a social worker does not believe in social isolation for the physically, mentally, emotionally and socially sick person.

mentally, emotionally and socially sick person.



 Every problem can, therefore, be solved provided we create conditions for an individualEvery problem can, therefore, be solved provided we create conditions for an individual

who help to make an

who help to make an adjustment with his social environment.adjustment with his social environment. 2.

2. The personality of the client is to be respected.The personality of the client is to be respected. 3.

3. Worker should build up purposeful relationship with Worker should build up purposeful relationship with the client.the client. 4.

4. Worker should always have belief in tWorker should always have belief in the ability of the ability of the human beings to change and grow.he human beings to change and grow. 5.

5. Worker should not involve himself emotionally with the client. There should not be anyWorker should not involve himself emotionally with the client. There should not be any over-identification with the client.

over-identification with the client. 6.

6. Worker has to accept and appreciate the individual differences and prejudices of theWorker has to accept and appreciate the individual differences and prejudices of the client.

client. 7.

7. In the process of helping, it should be observed that the client is as active as the worker,In the process of helping, it should be observed that the client is as active as the worker, since the formers‟ participation in the treatment is very nece

since the formers‟ participation in the treatment is very necessary. The client should bessary. The client should be helped to help himself.

helped to help himself. 8.

8. Worker has also to look to the interest of the family, community and the agency and asWorker has also to look to the interest of the family, community and the agency and as such he has to help the client to adjust with the family and the community by releasing such he has to help the client to adjust with the family and the community by releasing the immediate resources available in the community, taking family as a primary the immediate resources available in the community, taking family as a primary institution. The worker has to consider the client as part of the family, community and institution. The worker has to consider the client as part of the family, community and society with mutual responsibility.

society with mutual responsibility. 9.

(13)

13 13

Case Study

Case Study …… All the relevant information All the relevant information or material gathered about an

or material gathered about an individual,individual, family, group, etc., and arranged so as family, group, etc., and arranged so as toto serve as an organized record and have serve as an organized record and have analytic value for a social worker, student, or analytic value for a social worker, student, or the like: used especially in social

the like: used especially in social work,work, sociology, psychiatry, and medicine. sociology, psychiatry, and medicine. Case Study

Case Study …… A record that shows a A record that shows a person's past illnesses, treatments, and person's past illnesses, treatments, and other information for use by

other information for use by doctors, socialdoctors, social workers, etc

workers, etc

Content of the Case History Content of the Case History 1.

1. The picture of the problemThe picture of the problem 2.

2. Client‟s feelings & ReactionsClient‟s feelings & Reactions 3.

3. Client‟s efforts to solve problemClient‟s efforts to solve problemss 4.

4. Social conditionsSocial conditions 5.

5. Psycho-social development of thePsycho-social development of the client

client

Tools /Techniques of case study Tools /Techniques of case study Interview and observation Interview and observation Interview

Interview means face to face conservation,means face to face conservation, or questioning, for the purpose

or questioning, for the purpose of elicitingof eliciting information to understand and analyze issues information to understand and analyze issues /problems in question

/problems in question

Format of interview schedule Format of interview schedule 1. History of the problem

1. History of the problem 2. Personal history 2. Personal history 3. Habits 3. Habits 4. Occupational history 4. Occupational history 5. Income 5. Income

6. Sex experience (if it is needed) 6. Sex experience (if it is needed) 5. Income

5. Income

6. Sex experience (if it is needed) 6. Sex experience (if it is needed) 7. Family details

7. Family details

Diagnosis is an explanation 1.Based on the facts Diagnosis is an explanation 1.Based on the facts (case study) collected, 2. Based on the theoretical (case study) collected, 2. Based on the theoretical knowledge base, 3. It is subject to change if new knowledge base, 3. It is subject to change if new facts are collected

facts are collected

Types of diagnosis Types of diagnosis Dynamic

Dynamic Diagnosis Diagnosis Clinical Clinical Diagnosis Diagnosis Etiological Etiological DiagnosisDiagnosis

Dynamic diagnosis gives an Dynamic diagnosis gives an understanding of the current understanding of the current problem of the client and the problem of the client and the forces currently operating forces currently operating within the client, within social within the client, within social environment and between environment and between him/his environment. The him/his environment. The nature of such diagnosis is nature of such diagnosis is changeable because it is the changeable because it is the beginning phase of the social beginning phase of the social case

case work work racticeractice

Clinical diagnosis is an attempt Clinical diagnosis is an attempt to classify the client by the to classify the client by the nature of his/her sickness / nature of his/her sickness / problem. It identifies the client‟s problem. It identifies the client‟s personality maladaptation & personality maladaptation & malfunctioning. It is useful only malfunctioning. It is useful only when it becomes apparent that when it becomes apparent that a disorder of personality

a disorder of personality

accompanies the social disorder, accompanies the social disorder, creating & complicating it

creating & complicating it

This diagnosis is concerned This diagnosis is concerned with the explanation of the life with the explanation of the life history of

history of the client‟s problem.the client‟s problem. When the client‟s responses When the client‟s responses are not in accordance with the are not in accordance with the problem, the past history and problem, the past history and its appraisal helps to

its appraisal helps to

understand the rigid reactions understand the rigid reactions of the client and make

of the client and make appropriate treatment plan appropriate treatment plan

towards him and sensitive to the

towards him and sensitive to the clients‟ feelings and problems.clients‟ feelings and problems. Stages in Case Work

Stages in Case Work

Different stages in case work process are: Different stages in case work process are:

Case study /Social Investigation / Psycho Social Study Case study /Social Investigation / Psycho Social Study Social Diagnosis and.

Social Diagnosis and. Social Treatment Social Treatment Social Case History: Social Case History:

The first step in the case work is to collect the social history of the client. This could be done The first step in the case work is to collect the social history of the client. This could be done in various ways. These are:

in various ways. These are: 1.

1. Interview with the clientInterview with the client 2.

2. Interview with the relatives, employer, teacherInterview with the relatives, employer, teacher and friends of the client.

and friends of the client. 3.

3. Visiting the neighborhood and environment inVisiting the neighborhood and environment in which the client lives.

which the client lives.

All these visits will help the worker to know the All these visits will help the worker to know the client in his environment and collect all the data in client in his environment and collect all the data in respect of the client and his environment i.e. his respect of the client and his environment i.e. his family, neighborhood, friendship circle, employer, family, neighborhood, friendship circle, employer, teacher, etc. as a matter of fact it is not possible to teacher, etc. as a matter of fact it is not possible to separate the three stages of case work service i.e. separate the three stages of case work service i.e. social history, diagnosis and treatment. During the social history, diagnosis and treatment. During the course of interview, the worker may be able to course of interview, the worker may be able to diagnose and even suggest treatment to the client diagnose and even suggest treatment to the client but where the problem is very acute; it is but where the problem is very acute; it is necessary to consider the diagnosis in relation to necessary to consider the diagnosis in relation to his own history.

his own history. Social Diagnosis Social Diagnosis

Social diagnosis is an attempt to arrive at an exact Social diagnosis is an attempt to arrive at an exact definition as possible of the social situation and definition as possible of the social situation and personality of a given client. It is a search for the personality of a given client. It is a search for the causes of the problem which brings the client to causes of the problem which brings the client to

the worker for help. Diagnosis, is therefore, is concerned with understanding both the the worker for help. Diagnosis, is therefore, is concerned with understanding both the psychological or personality factors which bear a casual relationship to the client‟s diffic psychological or personality factors which bear a casual relationship to the client‟s difficultyulty

and the social or environmental factors which tend to sustain it. and the social or environmental factors which tend to sustain it.

Social Case Work-Working with Individuals

Social Case Work

Social Case Work

Celebrating the dignity & worth

Celebrating the dignity & worth

of every individual

of every individual

S.Rengasamy

S.Rengasamy

Contents

Contents

Syllabus

Syllabus

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Opportunity

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Opportunity

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Choice

Case Work

Case Work