What is the strengths perspective model
The strengths perspective The authors contributors responsible for the development this perspective are: The Strengths Model of Social Work is not accredited to one researcher, but to many contributors. ... It was in 1989 that Weick, Rapp, Sullivan, and Kisthardt first wrote about the model. This article discussed the prior emphasis of social work’s focus on client problems rather than on client strengths. ... Several major texts explain this model- they include: · The strengths perspective in social work practice. (1992) Saleebey, D · The strengths perspective in social work practice (1997) (2nd ed) Saleebey,D · The strengths model: Case management with people suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. (1998) Rapp, C The purpose of the model & the authors understanding of social work practice The models purpose is to empower clients to discover their own strengths and resources from within their own environments. The ‘strengths perspective’ offers a different practice model- one that discards the ‘deficit/disease/pathology model’ in favour of empowerment, social well-being and collaborative dialogue. The underlying assumptions & values Saleebey (1992) argued that there are five basic assumptions within the strengths perspective. · All people and environments, possess strengths · Client defined strengths are fostered and emphasised by workers. · A strengths analysis and co-operative exploration will assist clients to become empowered. ... The Strengths Model values clients and their ‘stories’ - and the meanings they make of their stories. Specific values include: · Ecological values- interconnectedness with client and environment (respect the clients capacity to discover strengths within their own environment).