SOCIAL WORK

Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups, communities and society as a whole in an effort to meet basic needs and enhance social functioning, self-determination, collective responsibility, and overall well-being. Social functioning is defined as the ability of an individual to perform their social roles within their own self, their immediate social environment, and the society at large. Social work applies social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, political science, public health, community development, law, and economics, to engage with client systems, conduct assessments, and develop interventions to solve social problems, personal problems, and bring about social change. Social work practice is often divided into micro-work, which involves working directly with individuals or small groups; and macro-work, which involves working with communities, and fostering change on a larger scale through social policy.

The social work profession developed in the 19th century, with some of its roots in voluntary philanthropy and in grassroots organizing. However, responses to social needs had existed long before then, primarily from public almshouses, private charities and religious organizations. The effects of the Industrial Revolution and of the Great Depression of the 1930s placed pressure on social work to become a more defined discipline.

 

Social work is a broad profession that intersects with several disciplines. Social work organizations offer the following definitions:

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well-being."–International Federation of Social Workers

 

"Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. It aims to help people develop their skills and their ability to use their resources and those of the community to resolve problems. Social work is concerned with individual and personal problems but also with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence." –Canadian Association of Social Workers

 

Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services, and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social and economic, and cultural institutions; and the interaction of all these factors." –National Association of Social Workers

 

"Social workers work with individuals and families to help improve outcomes in their lives. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. Social workers support people, act as advocates and direct people to the services they may require. Social workers often work in multi-disciplinary teams alongside health and education professionals."–British Association of Social Workers

 

 

Social work is described as art merged with science. The science aspects of social work are comprehended by the evidence-based knowledge derived from researches and practice theories. The art of social work comes about as social work practitioners weave together this scientific knowledge with personal strengths, professional skills and experiences. In context of social work practice, it is adapted these to the unique and particular situations. Accordingly, social work practice should be applied distinctive approaches with different client groups in a range of fields. Upon reading the articles about family, family social work should be reflected the suitable method, encounters and core skills. It is included the way of approach, cultural competency and communications skills in working with family.

It is important to address the family-centred approach which is underpinnings the theory in working with families. It can be explained that family-centred practice involves a focus on working with families, not exclusively working with individual member of families. This approach is also congruent with ecological theory. According to Bronfenbrenner, human development and family functioning can be influenced mutually by a layer of environmental aspects like society and relationship. Accordingly, individual person is likely to be interlinked surroundings from the home as a micro system to wide society or culture as a macro system. Therefore, family-centred approach can be effective in dealing with family matters. Family Group Conference is a good illustration of this collaborative family-centred approach. Findings of international research showed that building on family strengths and working in partnership with families to support children turned out a positive effect of children’s well being.
However, the meaning of family has diverse depending on context and use. In New Zealand context, legal definitions of family relationships are changing in order to take into consideration of social and cultural norms. There are variety forms of family in NZ such as DE-facto relationship, extended families of Maori whanau and same sex family. Consequently, in terms of practice, it should be considered the boundaries of family. Further consideration should be given to economically, geographically, culturally and socially marginalized families. Cultural advisor, Choice and Partnership Approach and flexible location of appointments initiated by CAMHS can be encourage to better engagement in social work practice.
More importantly, social work practitioners should have cultural competency. Culture can be defined as a unique aspect of human being and a way of life. Upon the understanding of ecological theory, families could share and be influenced by culture as a macro system. Accordingly, it is clear that extensive knowledge about diverse cultures can be useful for understanding the client’s behaviors, reactions, and decisions in social work context. For example, the use of te reo Maori, karakia and whakapapa when working with Maori family can be formed by showing appreciation and respect for their backgrounds that can contribute to deeper engagement and rapport. Not only rapport is essential when working with Maori, but practical use of youth culture also can be beneficial implements for youth to enhance engagement.
Another, effective communication skills are core to good work with children and families. It is clear that the quality of relationship between practitioners and clients is a key determinant of successful outcomes in all social work areas. Accordingly, to establish close rapport with clients requires specific way of communication depending on individual’s circumstances. In particular, young children’s perspectives should be considered in their processes in social work context. According to The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC), ratified by New Zealand in 1993, provides us with a clear imperative to listen to children.

Article 12 says children have ‘the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child’ (UNICEF, 1989, Article 12). Winter found that young children are capable of express their opinions in their research. Therefore, working with children requires flexible methods of communication, excellent listening skills and imaginative ways of involving children in the process. Using specific ways of communication such as using a spider gram chart, drawing and role play can be effective way of drawing out their views. Most importantly, Social workers need to demonstrate the same high levels of empathy for an individual’s circumstances, respect for their wishes and desires and authenticity in responding to them.