Washburn
Phase 2

Assess the Client System

In the Assess phase, the social worker's goals are:

Assess the strengths that a person possesses as well as the problems.

A client’s strengths are ultimately called into play to remove barriers to achieving the goal.

Assess the environmental context of the client:

Research the environmental context of the client, including the formal and informal resources. Leave room for modification, in recognition that situations change, and assessments must be fluid.

Strive for transparency.

Both the client and the worker should be “on the same page” when it comes to the purpose of the social work encounter, the goals toward which the client wants to work, and the methods for getting there.

Develop a plan for changing that which the social worker and client system agree needs changing

Intervention planning should develop personalized short-and long-term goals that can motivate the client to collaborate with the worker for change.

My Assess Tasks

Task 1

Begin your assessment by viewing the available case information, including the town map, ecomap, and case notes about Carla Washburn’s strengths and needs. Make a list of the additional questions you have and the sources of information that could ground your assessment and center Mrs. Washburn’s own perspectives and priorities.

Task 2

Open the biopsychosocial perspectives tool. Note that the case is informed through each "lens." Answer the questions, using both the information in the case and what you have learned in your theory and practice classes. This will help you immensely in understanding not only this case, but how the contribution of this perspective can help you in your future practice.

Task 3

Reflect on the NASW Code of Ethics, particularly any value conflicts you foresee in your work with Mrs. Washburn (such as autonomy, self-determination, and service). How will you prepare for effective and ethical practice with Mrs. Washburn?

Mapping the Social Problem

Review and make note of the relationship between crime and unemployment.

Go to diagram