Question

The strengths perspective focuses on client strengths rather than client problems.

true

false

Answer 1

The strengths perspective and strengths-based approaches offer service providers ways of working that focus on strengths, abilities and potential rather than problems, deficits and pathologies (Chapin, 1995; Early & GlenMaye, 2000; Saleebey, 1992d; Weick et al., 1989). Since the mid 1980’s the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and others have been developing and testing the strengths perspective (Cohen, 1999; Rapp, 1992; Saleebey, 1992d) which Saleebey (1992c, p15) suggests is not a model of practice but rather a “collation of principles, ideas and techniques” (p15).

The following are seven important principles of the strengths perspective (Chapin, 1995; Early & GlenMaye, 2000; Kisthardt, 1992; Miley, O’Melia & DuBois, 2001; Poertner & Ronnau, 1992; Rapp, 1992; Saleebey, 1992c; Sullivan & Rapp, 1994; Weick et al., 1989):

1. People are recognised as having many strengths and the capacity to continue to learn, grow and change.
2. The focus of intervention is on the strengths and aspirations of the people we work with.
3. Communities and social environments are seen as being full of resources.
4. Service providers collaborate with the people they work with.
5. Interventions are based on self-determination.
6. There is a commitment to empowerment.
7. Problems are seen as the result of interactions between individuals, organisations or structures rather than deficits within individuals, organisations or structures.and this is "FALSE".