Strength based practice

Strength-based practice is a concept that attempts to enable people to seek and give alternative solutions to issues, as well as to make people resilient to the crises they face, while emphasizing on the contributions of individuals and the future outcomes of their work.
This theory is related to Laura and Peter's case study in that it enables individuals to address their difficulties with hope for a better future. In the example of Peter and Laura, who are having difficulties raising their own children,and are facing mounting pressure from Laura’s mother-in-law to exercise good parenting skills to the young infant. (Saleebey, 1997) argues that this theory’s approach is simple in nature in that it mobilizes the individual’s strengths and helps them realize the goals they have set out to achieve and they will thereafter live a quality life. This theory though demands of the user to be optimistic in nature regarding the situation they are in. (Saleebey, 1996) further states that all human beings have the ability to heal.

Empowerment model dictates that empowerment is achieved when there is a synergy of effort from different people and their relationships in a particular environment. Empowerment based practice always present a perspective of strength and limits any idea of stigmatization and deficit reduction. Empowerment is not static but a process which is dynamic and cyclic in nature. An individual seeking empowerment will interact with the process with the hope of success. When the expectations of the individual are met, he/she develops a sense of self-esteem. Laura and Peter can adopt this model to help improve their state of mind and hence live a quality life as a result.



Part Two: Assessment

Client history

Laura

Laura is a 23 year old woman who has two children who were both born prematurely and has only been married for three years.

Laura is the youngest of three siblings, with two brothers.

Laura’s mother suffered depression after the birth of each child.

She moved to another unfamiliar city when she was 7 months pregnant and delivered a premature baby boy the next day after moving out.

Peter

Peter is a 29 year old man who is married for three years with two children.

Peter’s company transferred him to another city just before his son was born.

Peter has no living sibling since his only brother died at 16 years old.

Peter’s mother and father are not close but he is close to his mother.

Presenting Issues.

Laura and Peter’s children were both born prematurely.

Laura delivered in a hospital where she felt isolated and strange about the hospital and the staff.

Laura felt physically exhausted and fearful in her ability to care for their new born baby.

Peter’s role at work has been affected.

Areas that can be fully assessed.

Peter’s transfer to another unfamiliar city

Laura’s inability to take care of her new born baby.

Peter’s role at work being affected.

Part Three

Presenting Issue

Goal

Strategy

Timeline/Responsibility

Laura and Peter’s children were both born prematurely.

To give the children proper medical attention.

To take the children to hospital for treatment.

Both parents to take the children to the hospital.

Laura delivered in a hospital where she felt isolated and strange about the hospital and the staff.



To familiarize Laura to the new hospital facilities in the new town.

Take the children for regular check-ups in the local hospitals to familiarize Laura and the children to the hospital staff.

Laura and the children should visit the hospitals for familiarization with the hospital staff.

Laura felt physically exhausted and fearful in her ability to care for their new born baby.



To enable Laura to take care of her new born baby.

To take Laura for counselling and post maternal care and support.

Peter to take his wife for medical attention and post maternal care.

Peter’s role at work has been affected.



To enable Peter cope with work.

To sort out family issues between Laura and Peter’s mother.

Peter to talk to his mother and bring harmony between Laura and her.



Part 4 and 5

Eco map is a graphic system for viewing the relevant connected case elements together within a boundary. On the other hand genograms is a visual and pictorial representation of family generation.

Peter’s father Peter’s mom











Peter Laura

















Eco Map

Parenting Social Family

Support



























Finace Health Housing







































References

Green, G. a. H. A., 2002. Asset Building and Community Deveelopment. In: london: Sage.

Karen, H., 2005. Social Work Theories. Hampshire: McMillan.

Saleebey, 2002. The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. In: Toronto: Allyn and Bacon.