Social case work, I sem, MSW

Bhavadharani,MSW
UNIT – II TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES IN CASE WORK:
OBSERVATION
Observation in case work is a systematic and structured process where social workers watch and record
clients' behavior, interactions, and environment to gather information and assess their needs.
There are two main types of observation: participant observation, where the social worker actively
participates in the client's environment, and non-participant observation, where the social worker passively
observes.
The purpose of observation in case work is to:
1. Assess client needs and strengths.
2. Identify patterns and behaviors.
3. Gather information for diagnosis.
4. Monitor progress and evaluate interventions.
5. Enhance understanding of the client's environment.
Effective observation requires specific skills, including:
1. Attention to detail.
2. Objectivity.
3. Accurate recording of observations.
4. Cultural sensitivity.
5. Awareness of personal biases.
Social workers use various methods to conduct observations, such as:
1. Field notes.
2. Observation checklists.
3. Rating scales.
4. Audio or video recordings (with consent).
5. Case records.
During observation, social workers focus on:
1. Client behavior (verbal and nonverbal).
2. Interactions with others.
3. Environmental factors (home, work, school).
4. Physical and emotional well-being.
5. Coping mechanisms and stressors.
Observation has several benefits in case work, including:
1. Accurate assessment.
2. Informed intervention planning.
3. Enhanced client engagement.
4. Improved outcomes.
5. Reduced errors.
However, observation also has challenges and limitations, such as:
1. Bias and subjectivity.
2. Limited perspective.
3. Client reactivity (changed behavior).
4. Time-consuming.
5. Ethical considerations (informed consent).
To ensure effective observation, social workers should:
1. Obtain informed consent.
2. Be aware of cultural differences.
3. Use multiple observation methods.
4. Record observations systematically.
5. Analyze observations objectively.
By following these guidelines, social workers can utilize observation as a valuable tool in case work to
better understand clients' needs and develop targeted interventions.
INTERVIEW
Definition
An interview in case work is a purposeful conversation between a social worker and a client (or their family
members/significant others) to gather information, assess needs, and develop a plan to address those needs.
Types of Interviews
1. Structured Interview: Standardized questions, often used for assessments and evaluations.
2. Unstructured Interview: Flexible conversation, allowing for exploration of client concerns.
3. Semi-structured Interview: Combination of structured and unstructured, balancing standardization and
flexibility.
Purpose
1. Assess client needs and strengths.
2. Gather information for diagnosis.
3. Develop intervention plans.
4. Monitor progress.
5. Evaluate outcomes.
Skills Required
1. Active listening: Attentive and engaged listening.
2. Empathy: Understanding and sharing client feelings.
3. Non-judgmental attitude: Avoiding bias and prejudice.
4. Open-ended questions: Encouraging discussion.
5. Cultural sensitivity: Awareness of diverse backgrounds.
Interview Techniques
1. Reflective listening: Paraphrasing and summarizing.
2. Clarifying questions: Ensuring understanding.
3. Probing questions: Seeking additional information.
4. Summarizing: Reviewing key points.
5. Non-verbal cues: Attending to body language.
Stages of an Interview
1. Introduction (establishing rapport).
2. Exploration (gathering information).
3. Clarification (ensuring understanding).
4. Summarization (reviewing key points).
5. Closure (concluding the interview).
Types of Questions
1. Open-ended questions (encourage discussion).
2. Closed-ended questions (gather specific information).
3. Leading questions (influence response).
4. Probing questions (seek additional information).
Interview Settings
1. Office.
2. Home visits.
3. Phone or video calls.
4. Group settings.
Challenges
1. Building rapport.
2. Overcoming resistance.
3. Managing emotional reactions.
4. Maintaining objectivity.
Best Practices
1. Prepare beforehand.
2. Establish clear goals.
3. Use active listening.
4. Maintain confidentiality.
5. Document accurately.
Case Work Applications
1. Assessment and diagnosis.
2. Intervention planning.
3. Progress monitoring.
4. Evaluation.
5. Research.
Effective interviewing in case work enables social workers to:
1. Understand client needs.
2. Develop targeted interventions.
3. Enhance client engagement.
4. Improve outcomes.
5. Reduce errors.
Key Principles
1. Client-centered approach.
2. Empowerment.
3. Self-determination.
4. Cultural competence.
5. Confidentiality.
Interview Tools
1. Interview guides.
2. Assessment forms.
3. Recording devices.
4. Note-taking materials.
5. Observation checklists.
Ethical Considerations
1. Informed consent.
2. Confidentiality.
3. Avoidance of harm.
4. Respect for autonomy.
5. Cultural sensitivity.

Techniques in case work practice -

1. Ventilation:
Allows clients to express emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a safe environment.
Purpose: Release tension, reduce stress, promote emotional release.
Example: Active listening, encouraging client expression.
2. Emotional Support:
Provides reassurance, comfort, and validation.
Purpose: Enhance self-esteem, reduce anxiety, foster trust.
Example: Empathetic statements, physical comfort (e.g., touch).
3. Advocacy:
Supports clients' rights, interests, and needs.
Purpose: Empower clients, promote self-advocacy, address injustices.
Example: Connecting clients with resources, mediating conflicts.
4. Environment Modification:
Changes the client's environment to improve well-being.
Purpose: Reduce stress, increase safety, promote stability.
Example: Helping clients find housing, accessing community resources.
5. Modeling:
Demonstrates positive behaviors, attitudes, or coping strategies.
Purpose: Teach new skills, promote positive change.
Example: Role-modeling healthy communication, problem-solving.
6. Role-Playing:
Practices social skills, scenarios, or situations in a simulated environment.
Purpose: Enhance social skills, build confidence, prepare for challenges.
Example: Practicing job interviews, assertiveness training.
7. Confrontation:
Addressing and challenging client's harmful or dysfunctional behaviors.
Purpose: Promote self-awareness, encourage positive change.
Example: Addressing substance abuse, unhealthy relationships.

CASE HISTORY TAKING AND RECORDING

Uses of Case History Taking and Recording
1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Gather information to understand client's situation, identify problems, and
develop a diagnosis.
2. Treatment Planning: Create a tailored plan based on client's needs, goals, and circumstances.
3. Monitoring Progress: Track client's progress, adjust treatment plans, and evaluate effectiveness.
4. Evaluation of Effectiveness: Assess treatment outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and refine
interventions.
5. Communication among Professionals: Share relevant information with colleagues, healthcare providers,
or other stakeholders.
6. Research and Education: Utilize case records for research, training, and professional development.
7. Accountability and Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to standards, policies, and procedures.
8. Client Empowerment and Self-Awareness: Involve clients in the recording process, promoting self-
awareness and autonomy.

Principles of Case History Taking and Recording

1. Accuracy and Objectivity: Record facts accurately, avoiding personal biases.
2. Completeness and Comprehensiveness: Ensure all relevant information is captured.
3. Confidentiality and Security: Protect client information, adhering to privacy laws.
4. Organization and Accessibility: Maintain well-organized, easily accessible records.
5. Respect for Client Autonomy: Involve clients in the recording process, respecting their rights.
6. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: Consider cultural factors when gathering and recording information.
7. Empathy and Non-Judgmental Attitude: Approach clients with empathy, avoiding judgment.
8. Continuous Updating and Review: Regularly review and update records to reflect changing
circumstances.

Types of Case Records

1. Initial Assessment Record: Documents initial client contact, assessment findings, and treatment plans.
2. Progress Notes: Records client progress, sessions, and updates.
3. Treatment Plans: Outlines goals, objectives, and interventions.
4. Session Notes: Details sessions, including client statements, actions, and interventions.
5. Termination Summary: Summarizes client progress, outcomes, and follow-up plans.

Structure and Content of Case Records

I. Identifying Information
- Client name and contact details
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and occupation
- Referral source and purpose
II. Presenting Problem
- Description of the problem
- Duration and severity
- Impact on daily life
III. Biopsychosocial History
- Family history
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Social relationships
- Coping mechanisms
IV. Assessment and Diagnosis
- Summary of assessment findings
- Diagnosis (if applicable)
- Treatment recommendations
V. Treatment Plan
- Goals and objectives
- Intervention strategies
- Outcome measures
VI. Progress Notes
- Session summaries
- Progress updates
- Changes to treatment plan
VII. Termination Summary
- Summary of progress
- Outcome evaluation
- Follow-up plans
Recording Formats
1. Narrative Recording: Descriptive, storytelling-style recording.
2. SOAP Recording: Structured format using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
3. Problem-Oriented Recording: Focuses on specific problems, goals, and interventions.
Best Practices
1. Clear, Concise Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms.
2. Avoid Jargon and Abbreviations: Ensure clarity for readers.
3. Document Client's Words and Actions: Record verbatim quotes.
4. Record Sessions Immediately: Enhance accuracy.
5. Review and Update Records Regularly: Ensure currency.

USES OF GENOGRAMS AND ECO-MAPS

Genograms
Definition: A genogram is a visual representation of a family's structure, relationships, and dynamics across
multiple generations.
Purpose:
1. Identify family patterns and relationships.
2. Understand family dynamics and communication.
3. Recognize potential conflict areas.
4. Develop effective intervention strategies.
Components:
1. Family members (names, ages, relationships).
2. Relationships (lines connecting family members).
3. Family dynamics (notations for conflict, distance, or closeness).
Types of Genograms:
1. Basic Genogram: Simple diagram showing family structure.
2. Extended Genogram: Includes additional information (e.g., medical history).
3. Dynamic Genogram: Highlights relationships and interactions.
Construction:
1. Start with the client/family in the center.
2. Add family members, including siblings, parents, grandparents, etc.
3. Draw lines to represent relationships (solid for biological, dashed for non-biological).
4. Use symbols to indicate family dynamics (e.g.,,, for conflict).
Interpretation:
1. Identify patterns of communication, conflict, or support.
2. Analyze relationships between family members.
3. Recognize potential areas for intervention.

Eco-Maps
Definition: An eco-map is a visual representation of an individual's or family's connections with their
environment.
Purpose:
1. Identify social supports and networks.
2. Assess environmental stressors and resources.
3. Develop strategies to enhance environmental support.
Components:
1. Client/family in the center.
2. Environmental systems (e.g., family, friends, community).
3. Connections (lines representing relationships).
Types of Eco-Maps:
1. Personal Eco-Map: Focuses on individual's environment.
2. Family Eco-Map: Examines family's environmental connections.
Construction:
1. Start with the client/family in the center.
2. Add environmental systems (e.g., school, work, community).
3. Draw lines to represent connections (solid for strong, dashed for weak).
Interpretation:
1. Identify areas of support and stress.
2. Analyze connections between environmental systems.
3. Recognize potential areas for intervention.
Benefits:
1. Visual representation of complex relationships.
2. Identifies strengths and challenges.
3. Enhances client self-awareness.
4. Informs intervention planning.
Software and Tools:
1. Genogram software (e.g., GenoPro, FamilyTree).
2. Online templates (e.g., Lucidchart, SmartDraw).
3. Hand-drawn diagrams.
Best Practices:
1. Ensure client consent.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Use culturally sensitive symbols.
4. Regularly review and update.
Case Example:
Using a genogram and eco-map with a single mother struggling with parenting:
Genogram:
- Reveals complex family dynamics.
- Identifies lack of support from father.
Eco-Map:
- Highlights limited social connections.
- Shows reliance on community resources.
Intervention:
- Family therapy to address dynamics.
- Connect client with parenting support groups.
- Enhance community resource utilization.

FAMILY SCHEMA IN RECORDS

A family schema, also known as a family diagram or family structure, is a visual representation of a family's
relationships, dynamics, and structure. It's an essential tool in social work, counseling, and family therapy.
Components of a Family Schema:
1. Family members (names, ages, relationships)
2. Relationships (lines connecting family members)
3. Family dynamics (notations for conflict, distance, or closeness)
4. Household structure (who lives together)
5. Family roles (e.g., caregiver, breadwinner)
Types of Family Schemas:
1. Nuclear Family Schema: Represents a traditional nuclear family.
2. Extended Family Schema: Includes extended family members (e.g., grandparents, aunts).
3. Blended Family Schema: Depicts step-families or blended families.
4. Single-Parent Family Schema: Represents single-parent households.
Recording Family Schema in Records:
1. Include a visual diagram or chart.
2. Document family members' names, ages, and relationships.
3. Note significant events, conflicts, or changes.
4. Update the schema as changes occur.
Benefits of Family Schemas in Records:
1. Quick visual reference for family dynamics.
2. Identifies potential conflict areas.
3. Enhances understanding of family relationships.
4. Informs intervention planning.
5. Facilitates communication among professionals.
Standard Symbols for Family Schemas:
1. Circle: Female
2. Square: Male
3. Line: Relationship
4. Dashed line: Non-biological relationship
5. Double line: Conflict
6. Wavy line: Distance or estrangement
Digital Tools for Creating Family Schemas:
1. Geno Pro
2. Family Tree
3. Lucid chart
4. Smart Draw
5. Microsoft Visio
Best Practices:
1. Ensure client consent.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Use culturally sensitive symbols.
4. Regularly review and update.
5. Involve clients in the process.
Example of Family schema

UNIT III – CASE WORK COMPONENTS AND PROCESS

Components of case work
The nucleus of social case work is given by H.H. Perlman which is, ‘a person with a problem comes to a
place where a professional representative helps him by a given process’. This entire phenomenon is also
known as the 4P’s and is used in most of the situations where a person seeks professional help.
There are four components of casework known as the 4 P’s:
1. The person.
2. The problem.
3. The place.
4. The process
The Person

The person is any individual who is under stress or is facing problem in his/her life. The person can be a
man, woman or a child. The person in social work terminology is called the ‘client’. The person may have
problem due to his/her inability of adjusting to the existing situation which is created by forces which are
beyond his/her control. This problem can be social, economic or psychological in nature. When confronted
by a problem, an individual usually tries to solve the problem by employing solutions from his/her previous
experiences. However, when the problem does not seem to resolve, an external support is needed and then
the individual seeks for professional help. A person becomes a ‘client’ as soon as he starts getting
professional help.

Felix Biestik (1957) has identified seven needs of clients as they come to the helping situation:
1) To be dealt with as an individual rather than a type or category.
2) To express feelings both positive and negative.
3) To be accepted as a person of worth, a person with innate dignity.
4) Sympathetic understanding of and response to feelings expressed.
5) To be neither judged nor condemned for the difficulty in which the clients find themselves.
6) To make own choices and decisions concerning one’s own life.
7) To help keep information confidential about self as secret as possible.

To understand a person, it is essential to understand the personality of the person. The personality structure
plays an important role in determining how the behaviour of the person is affecting the social functioning of
the person. According to Freud, a person’s behaviour is governed by three forces of personality structure,
viz. id (life forces of the individual), ego (which is conscious and drives our personality forces) and super
ego (which is unconscious and consists of ethical values and principles).

The Problem
A problem is an obstacle or a hindrance in the normal functioning of an individual. Problems usually arise
due to unmet needs, maladjustments and frustrations. When these unmet needs or frustrations prolong for a
longer period of time and start affecting the social functioning of an individual, they take shape of problems.
Thus, intrapersonal problems arise due to unmet needs and desires of the person, which affect the person’s
living situation or the effectiveness of his/her efforts to deal with it.
Dimensions of problems
There are several dimensions in which a problem may arise. Some of these are listed below:
1) Intrapersonal problem: When maladjustments and frustrations arise due to personal issues of an
individual and block their social functioning, these problems are intrapersonal in nature. These problems
only affect the concerned person and the surroundings of a person.
2) Interpersonal problem: When problems arise due to some external cause, situation or the surroundings
of an individual and make him/her uncomfortable, these problems are interpersonal in nature. Interpersonal
problems also affect the people who surround us like family, friends, etc.
3) Physiological problems: Physiological problems are caused due to ailments in certain body part or due to
physical illness. When a person experiences a prolonged disease, it starts to affect his/her mental health and
therefore it becomes important to be addressed.
4) Economic problems: Fulfillment of basic needs is imperative for every human being. Problems arising
due to poverty are one of the basic problems. People all over world are facing economic crisis. The society is
divided into various classes - upper, middle and lower. The upper class is capable of affording almost all the
luxuries, the middle class is capable to at least fulfilling all the basic requirements, while the lower class
faces a crisis in their daily life.
5) Psychological problems: Psychological issues are usually related to the mind and behaviour of a person.
Anxiety, depression, paranoia, etc., are the extreme results of a prolonged psychological problem.
‘The place’ is a social service agency or a social service department where the person comes for help with
his/her problem. Place may include a larger institution (e.g., the local authority), or the smaller social work
microcosm (e.g., the psychiatric social work department in a mental hospital). Place may also include the
institutions in which caseworkers’ practice (schools, child guidance clinics, children’s departments of the
hospitals and courts and so on).
Classification of Social casework agencies
Social casework agencies may be classified based on the following three factors:
1) Source of support- These are the agencies which are funded by public taxation (child welfare, physical
and mental health programmes, etc.) or voluntary contribution.
2) Source of professional authority – Some agencies are primary agencies which carry full authority and
responsibility for their social functions and some are secondary agencies which derive their authority and
responsibility from the host agency.
3) Special function and area of concern- Primary agencies may be both public and private. These agencies
choose to work in particular area in which they give services. Secondary agencies are associated with the
work of some other profession, such as medicine, education or law and cater to their specific knowledge and
purpose.
Characteristics of social agency
Some of the characteristics of social agency as given by Pearlman are described below:
1) Help the society: A social agency protects members of a society by helping individuals and groups
against social breakdowns, to prevent their maladjustments and to promote the development of better or
higher levels of humans functioning.
2) Develops a suitable programme: A social agency develops particular programmes and activities
depending on the needs of the people, availability of funds, the knowledge and competency of the agency
staff, the interest, resources and support of the community.
3) Has an organizational structure: The social agency has a structure and is made up of many members
with different purposes and powers, all dependent upon one another in the agency’s overall functioning.
Each member of the agency is assigned different tasks and responsibilities.
4) Consists of skilled personnel: The agency consists of trained caseworker who has specialised knowledge
and skill to deal with problems of people to assist them in better social functioning.
5) Meeting point for client and social worker: The agency brings the client and social worker together and
enables them to interact in a professional manner. In majority of the cases, it provides the meeting point for
the social worker and the client.
Social workers need to understand the agency in which they are employed. They also need to be able to
understand other social agencies working in the allied areas. The first task in understanding an agency is to
define its boundaries. The second task is to determine environmental factors that influence the structure and
functioning of the agency. The third task is to understand the structure and functioning of the agency system.
A process, is a number of stages or steps followed by the case worker to help the client. It is mandatory for a
professional worker to follow certain steps in order to help the client. The worker is required to maintain a
good rapport with the client throughout the process. The worker helps the client to strengthen his/her coping
mechanism in a problematic situation.
The professional social worker accepts the client, develops a good relationship with client and tries to elicit
facts. The facts stated by the client are properly diagnosed and the worker helps the client to arrive at the
solution, ensuring full participation of the client in the process.
The first part of the casework process, is to ascertain and clarify the facts of the problem. The second phase
of casework process is thinking through the facts. The conclusive phase of each problem-solving effort in
casework is the making of some choice or decision.
Stages of Problem-Solving Process
The following stages explain the processes involved in the problem-solving in social case work:
1) Preliminary statement of the problem: This involves a clear, precise and accurate statement of the
problem. Often the problem statement is vague, global and lacking in precision.
2) Statement of preliminary assumptions about the nature of the problem: After clearly stating the
problem, assumptions are made regarding the nature and cause of the problem. This gives an indication
regarding the need to solve the problem and understanding the hurdles in fulfilling this need.
3) Selection and collection of information: Information may be collected from a variety of sources
including historical, social, psychological, biological, economic, political, religious, and ethical
understandings. The client is the primary source of information regarding the problem.
4) Analysis of information available: The information gathered regarding the problem is analysed in order
to determine feasible goals, possible outcomes, possible plans of action, interpretation of the meaning of the
information gathered, and evaluation.
5) Development of a plan: Gathering and analysing information leads to an understanding of what can be
done to remove obstacles which are blocking need fulfillment. A plan is developed regarding the possible
solutions considering various strategies and techniques.
6) Implementation of the plan: The plan is put into action in order to solve the problem of the person.
7) Continuous monitoring and evaluation: While the plan is in operation, it is constantly monitored and
reviewed. While implementing the plan, constant evaluation must include gathering of more information.
Once the goal is reached, evaluation of the plan is undertaken in order to understand the outcome of the
plan.
Steps of Problem-Solving Process
The following steps are given by Mary Richmond in 1917 to solve the problem of the client:
1) Intake: Whenever a person seeking help comes to an organisation, an administrative process of enrolling
the client is performed by the agency. Intake can also be explained as the acceptance of the client as he/she is
by the case worker. A case worker has to maintain a non- judgmental attitude towards the client. The
professional worker in this step establishes a relationship with client and tries to make the client
comfortable.
2) Study: Once a relationship is established, the worker tries to elicit various facts and information from the
client. Probing is a well-known technique performed by a skilled caseworker to understand the deep
aspirations and underlying issues, while dealing with the client. A preliminary analysis starts at this stage.
3) Diagnosis: In this stage, the worker tries to diagnose the problem of the client after studying the facts
provided by the client. Diagnosis is understanding the nature of the cause of problem. The worker
thoroughly assesses the already known information and tries to reach to the roots of the problem. Diagnosis
are of three types:
 Dynamic diagnosis: Dynamic refers to analysing the current problem. Dynamic diagnosis is assessing the
current issues, surroundings and feelings of the client.
 Clinical diagnosis: In this type of diagnosis, the worker gathers information related to the behaviour of
the client. Here the case worker analyses the behavioural patterns and personality traits of the client. This
type of diagnosis helps in understanding the nature of the problem and a particular behavior or trait related
to the problem. Clinical diagnosis helps in understanding various personality disorders.
 Etiological diagnosis: This type of diagnosis deals with the background and the life-history of the client.
It also studies the family history to understand certain personality patterns and helps in assessing the success
of the employed alternatives and coping mechanisms of the client.
4) Treatment: The last step in problem-solving process is the treatment which is the sum total of all the
activities implemented to provide immediate relieve to the client. A treatment is done to avoid breakdown of
an individual and restore his/her social functioning. It is to strengthen the psychology of the client.
Components of Problem-Solving Process
The components of the problem-solving process include assessment, planning, action and termination.
Although assessment precedes planning, planning precedes action and termination precedes action, the
process is cyclic in nature.
Planning for a solution of the problem involves understanding the situation of the person. This
understanding includes assessment. Action often leads to new information for use in understanding or
demonstrates the need for additional planning. Evaluation, the assessment of what has happened as a result
of action, is ongoing in the process and leads to new understanding and sometimes to new plans and action.
Thus, all four stages are always present, but at various points in the work one or more may be the focus and
receive the most attention.