Introduction
Applying theories and perspectives in social work is essential in understanding some of the most complex issues that afflict families and communities. The strengths perspective and the social systems theory are theories that guide social work. Specifically, the social systems theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems. At the same time, the strengths perspective focuses on harnessing a community of family internal and external strengths to ensure their growth and resilience.
This paper will examine the family preservation case example covered in chapter three of the e-book titled Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice. In particular, it will evaluate and give examples where necessary concepts, such as client/social worker boundaries, roles, suprasystems, interface, inputs, outputs, structures, and feedback, are discussed. Further, the paper will explore possible interventions from the strengths perspective that could be used to help the family.
Client/Social Worker Boundaries
The effective performance of social work requires clear boundaries between the social worker and the client. In this case, the parent aide should establish firm boundaries with the parents while building a professional, trusting, and supportive relationship. Such a relationship dictated by boundaries should help the aide navigate complex issues within the family and offer guidance and support (Mishna et al., 2021). An example of boundary maintenance in this case is the parent aide’s demeanor during home visits (Langer & Lietz, 2015). Specifically, he is respectful and non-judgmental towards Luisa, creating a safe environment where she can discuss her concerns without fear of judgment.
Roles
Understanding the role of the client and social worker is essential for coordination and communication. In this case example, the parent aide is the facilitator of change and the support figure. On the other hand, Luisa’s role is reduced to participating in interventions and making crucial decisions regarding her family (Langer & Lietz, 2015). For example, the parent aide leads Luisa in a goal-setting activity, allowing her to identify areas where she requires assistance and support. As such, the parent aide empowers her to take ownership of the intervention process.
Suprasystems, Interface, Inputs, Outputs, Structures, and Feedback
The social system theory maintains that interconnected systems and their impact affect the functioning of individuals and families. Consequently, analyzing families through the lenses of suprasystems, interface, inputs, outputs, structures, and feedback can help identify external factors influencing Ramirez’s family and help guide the development of strategies to help them (Hughes & Wearing, 2021). For example, the family interacts with multiple systems such as the community church, the daycare center, and the child abuse hotline. These systems form the basis of inputs and outputs and can help the parent aide craft interventions if they understand their overall impact on the family.
Interventions from the Strengths Perspective
The strengths perspective identifies the client’s internal and external strengths to promote positive change and resilience. In this case example, the interventions should be built around Ramirez’s family’s strengths to address the problems that they are facing. For example, one of the interventions that would be appropriate is reconnecting Luisa and her family with the church. This intervention would ensure they have extra support that can offer them emotional support and a sense of belonging in times of hardship.
The second intervention is connecting Luisa to counseling services. Such an act would allow her to process her emotions and develop effective coping strategies safely. The intervention would be possible because of Luisa’s internal strength of knowing her stressors and her commitment to her family.
Conclusion
This paper analyzes the family preservation case example of the Ramírez family. This case highlights the essence of applying social systems theory and the strengths perspective when engaged in social work. A social worker can develop effective interventions by having clear boundaries, being cognizant of each other’s roles, and considering other elements such as input, output, feedback, and suprasystems. In this case, the proposed interventions leveraged the family’s external and internal resources to address the family’s struggles.
References
Hughes, M., & Wearing, M. (2021). Organizations and management in social work: Everyday action for change. Sage.
Langer, C. L., & Lietz, C. (2015). Applying theory to generalist social work practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Mishna, F., Milne, B., Sanders, J., & Greenblatt, A. (2021). Social work practice during COVID-19: Client needs and boundary challenges. Global Social Welfare, 9(2), 113–120. Web.