What is the difference between casework and group work

Actions Shares. No notes for slide. Combined case work n group work 1. Social Work Review 2. Methods of Social Work Page 2 Social work review The first thing that anyone wants to know about a subject is its definition, but definitions often have little meaning until one has some comprehension of the larger area within which a part is to be described.

There are many other definitions given by different writers which are prevalent for the academic study. These definitions are basic beginning of the social work which is not enough to understand the complete phenomenon of the social work practice. Since social work itself cannot be understood without knowledge of its characteristic problems, objectives, and methods, these will first be given consideration towards their understanding through different methods. To understand the social work in detail one need to be familiar with the methods, techniques, practices and other various integration of the social work.

Methods of social work Social Work methods are purely professional knowledge, not barrowed from any other disciplines. It is also called social work practice.

These methods and application differentiate social work and many others social sciences that base mere on theoretical knowledge. For instance, sociology, psychology, anthropology and philosophy all lack specific methods like social work although having well advanced theory. A method is well understood to be an orderly way of procedure and therefore it is always carried out towards achievement of a specific aim. Social work methods is such method that social workers use to help people of all ages and from various sections of society to enhance their social functioning and to cope more effectively with their problems.

Social D um m y copy They see a problem even a very difficult problem, and try to help people solve it. They must prepare themselves to help people with individualized personal problems on the one hand and very broad problems that affect whole organizations and communities on the other. Methods of social work are grouped as primary method and secondary method. Primary method These are that systematic and planned way of performing an activity, which is fundamental to Social Work. These are just like roots of social work, which give birth to other branches.

Secondary method These are secondary because it facilitates the primary methods. There are also the derivatives of primary methods.

Among these methods primary method will be the first method which will be elaborated and theoretically understood their concepts, techniques, D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 4 principles and processes. Each of the methods have different types of principle, techniques and process while intervention procedure for the elimination of the problems of individual or group. The above mentioned methods will be elaborated in next chapter. Historical Evolution of Social Case Work 2. Concept of social case work 3.

Definition of Case work 4. Principles of Case work 5. Component of Case work 6. Stages and phases of Case work 7. Tools in Case work 8. Techniques of Case work 9. Supportive and Psycho-social counseling Concept of Family Roles of Family Family Dynamic Recording D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 6 Historical evolution of social casework Social casework is a method of helping people individually through a one-to-one relationship.

It is used by professionally-trained social workers in social work agencies or organizations to help people with their problems of social functioning. Problems of social functioning refer to situations concerned with social roles and their performance. Though social work as a profession is a product of the twentieth century, social work as a helping activity is as old as mankind.

Historically, charity and philanthropy have always been concerned with religious, educational, and personality building activities, as well as with the relief of destitution. There have been always in every society, though in small numbers, people who were interested in helping others.

There were individuals who were known to be receptive and responsive to the needs and difficulties of their fellow human beings. These helpers who existed in every period of human history were the precursors of the modern social worker, who uses casework to help people in trouble.

The practice of casework is humanistic attempt for helping the people who have difficulty in coping with the problem of daily living. It has been in practice since ancient time on different basis of charity, philanthropy, individual help etc.

Beginning of social casework in west and east Individuals in every society right from ancient times were helped by others to solve their problems. All religions encouraged the helping of the poor and helpless people. However it took professional shape in the late 19th and early 20th century. The social work of St. Vincent de Paul in the 16th and 17th centuries and of Ozanam in the 19th century was considered remarkable in the history of social case work. They help the people through the art of friendly visiting to individualize people at home.

German systems of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, directed perhaps D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 7 more to the control of mendicancy than to the study of individuals, nevertheless yielded data on social conditions and on behavior. Edward Denison, Sir Charles Loch, Octavia Hill, and few of the English leaders, developed to a high point the theory and practice of personal service, personal responsibility, and careful study of each case. Later on, Mary Richmond set out the first rational and systematic approach to the analysis of individual social situations.

The aims of A. The establishment of this institution indicates that social work had sufficiently large body of knowledge and skills by that time. Further the need was felt for better trained professionals as complicated modern problems could not be handled in traditional ways. One of the aims of the society was to find out the ways and means of helping the poor and needy and thus to organize individualized service.

They were kindhearted volunteers who visited poor families to assess their needs and to provide help, guidance and advice. They made their visits in act of charity and not expecting D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 8 any monetary rewards. They collected data about the needy individuals and families and helped them after assessing their needs. These Paid Agents developed systematic procedures in performing their task. Paid Agents also maintained records including personal data and the type of help given to clients.

The collective experience of Friendly Visitors and Paid Agents facilitated the understanding of human behavior. With the development of Schools of Social Work, Friendly Visitors received training and instructions about the method of investigation, diagnosis and treatment from experienced social worker.

The first training program for the casework The first training program for the casework started during Casework at this time was based more on medical model. For some time casework was only confined to sick persons, i. The first professional training program especially for the casework was started in the form of summer training. The impact of this training program resulted in the need for more substantial training and schools of social work attached to the agencies came into existence.

When these schools started regular training program they were recognized as professionals in social casework Mary Richmond and Francis McLean offered specialized service to thousands of clients. Social casework journal of D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 9 family service association grew out of efforts of this great pioneer movement.

They introduced the principle of individualization and clients rights to self-determination. During s At this time caseworker adopted the new psychoanalytical approach to understand the client and their problems. These caseworkers found the psychoanalytical theory and the concepts in psychology very useful in casework movement. This psychoanalytical theory was given by Freud and known as Freudian psychology made strong impact on casework.

Thus it was the era of psychiatric development of social work. Focus of caseworker was on psychic forces within the individuals. Professionals also began to move into other fields like prisons, school, etc.

Gradually several schools of thought developed with many points in common and number of differences. These schools were based on the theory of Sigmund Freud and Otto Rank. During s It was the era of sudden changes in life-style that lead to economic depression. Casework had to consider the economic factors, which were causing distress to the clients. It was realized that economic distress could lead to emotional disaster and breakdown.

The social and economic need of great differentiation refocused sociological and reality consideration for social work and compiled action on the part of federal government. At this time many work programs such as federal emergency relief act, the work progress administration, the public work D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 10 administration and the civilian conservation corporation emerged.

Thus major outcome of the depression was establishment of governmental public assistant program. It relieved the voluntary agencies from the task of providing economic help.

Caseworker was able to devote more time in dealing with clients inter personal problems. During s Case workers were exposed for formulation of ego; psychology based on observation of human characteristics. During the war there was increase in personal problems on the part of clients due to financial crises.

Emotional problems also increased. To meet these needs and to solve these problems family agencies were started. Later on, some casework theoretician began to examine sociological concept like social roles, social systems, social class etc. This shifts the focus from self to social setting. Caseworkers are now more aware of their own contribution to human welfare.

As a profession it has now gained more popularity. One of the current trends is increased stress on the importance of research. Also there is growing awareness that personality and environment are interdependent.

American influence in India American casework influences the use of casework in India as the first professional social work. This was done by American School of Social Work. The content of casework was taught as the course. Thus, the training for the social work was changed into a full time career oriented educational program.

Casework as a D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 11 theoretical course and as a method of practice in the academic program started from the year Development of casework in Nepal The literature of every religion contains the names and activities of teachers and sages who gave of themselves and their resources to help others.

The ancient Hindu Shastras and the Buddhist philosophy of Nepal emphasize the activity of dhana or giving. There are different stories of Gautama Buddha who was born in Nepal tells of his kindness and understanding of the individual which led to the transformation of a prostitute and a murderer.

Buddhism help should be given to relatives and friends. Thus, one can see that casework, in its limited meaning of a helping activity existed from time immemorial. But casework as a professionalized activity is an event or happening of the 20th century, and in this development, the focus of concern has been people in some kind of distress and who cannot help themselves.

As a profession the development of casework was influenced by India. The training for the social work was changed into a full time career oriented educational program. Casework as a theoretical course and as a method of practice in the academic program started from the year Initially social casework was practiced in relatively few agencies and institutions but nowadays social casework is practiced in many agencies, institutions and organization such as hospitals, clinics, courts, industry, military organization, family welfare agency, child welfare agency, institution for the aged, destitute, orphans etc.

Concept of Social Case work Social case work is a primary method of social work which is concerned with the adjustment towards the satisfying human relationship, better family life, improved D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 12 schooling, better medical facilities and better relationship between religious groups.

Social Case Work is one of the basic methods of professional social work which is concerned to help and assist individuals, in finding solutions to their problems. Sometime due to certain internal or external factor an individual fails to use existing facilities. In such situation social case worker helps him to gain his strength back and overcome the malfunctioned situation of the sufferer.

It is the systematic way to handle person with the problems. A person with problem comes to a place where social worker who is called as social case worker in this context helps him through well-defined process.

Case work, is indispensable as a foundation for social planning and social action. It has the same philosophy but it has not the same techniques. The social case work is carried out through its five components which are person, problem, place, process, professionalism. These components can be shortened as p5 for the easy understanding. Each components stand for their own property and function in the case work method. Person: An individual may be man, women, girl, boy, old aged, children, handicapped, etc.

Problem: Worst situation related to social, economic, psychology, drug abuse, politics etc. Places: It can be office, hospital, clinic, welfare center, rehabilitation, etc. Methods of Social Work Page 13 Process: Case study, social study, problem identification, intervention, evaluation, etc. Professionalism: The faithful and honest relationship with client and agent.

Thus, in the social case work a person with problem comes to social case worker to get rid of the problem and the social case worker uses various methods or process to solve the problem of a client.

The relationship between the two people is always professional and faithful in nature. The aim of the social case worker is to help people or family to mobilize their capacity for the solution of problem that brought them to the agency. The internal and external forces of the client are motivated in such a manner so, that the client may solve his problem. Social case worker does not make a person entirely free from his problem but helps to be free from these problems through his assistance.

Definition of social case work The process of social case work involves the study of individual problems in its total setting. It is concerned with the understanding of individual as the whole personalities and the adjustment of the individual to socially healthy life. As a method of social work, it involves a very careful observation of a problem. Social case wok has been defined in various ways by various writers.

Methods of Social Work Page 14 "Social case work may be defined as the art of doing different things for and with different people by cooperating with them to achieve at one and the same time their own and society's betterment. Appropriate for better adjustment between client and all or any parts of his total environment. Gordon and Hamilton D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 15 Thus, the social case work is both art and science of resolving individual problems in social area, for individual and society are interdependent and social forces influence behavior and attitude of an individual.

The above definition explains the understanding of the social case work in relation to the society and individual with respect to their surrounding and the social forces. Objectives of Social Casework The social case work is fundamental beginning of the social work which has different objectives, behind this social case work. Every methods of social work have certain objectives that seek to fulfill by implementing different process of intervention to the individual.

Some of the objectives of the case work can be understood by the following points given below. To understand, identify and solve the internal and external problems of an individual. To strengthen the power of client. Look the problem in problem solving process. To bring the adjustment between the individual and his situation. To develop individual personality. Basic Assumptions of Social Casework The main work of social casework is to enable an individual in solving a problem through self-efforts.

According to Hamilton the chief assumptions of social casework are: D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 16 1. Individual and society are interdependent and complimentary to each other. Various factors operative in the society influence human behavior and attitude. Some problems are psychological and some are interpersonal in nature.

In the process of social casework conscious and controlled relations are established for achieving its aims. Social casework provides everyone equal right to progress. It also provides help to every needy and disabled person.

Philosophical Assumptions The ultimate goal of social casework is to establish harmonious relationship between individual and the society to which he belongs. According to Grace Mathew there are certain assumptions, which constitute the fundamental structure of social casework. They are generated out of the collective thinking and traditions in casework. These philosophical assumptions are: 1.

Every human being has to be considered as a person with dignity and worth. Human beings are interdependent and it governs their interaction in social groups. There are common human needs for growth and development of individuals. The existence of common needs does not negate the uniqueness of individuals. Every individual is like all other human beings in some aspects and like no other individuals in certain aspects. Methods of Social Work Page 17 4. From this it follows that people has capacity to change.

Society has an obligation to help those who do not have the means for the realization of their potentials. Characteristic of the social case work The character shows the nature and the quality of the work that has to be with in the process of solving the problems. The different natures of the social case work are mentioned below: 1. One to one relationship The relationship between client and case worker is one to one relationship. Professional in nature The relationship between client and case worker is always professional in nature.

Goal oriented Case worker is always oriented towards their goal. It is always oriented towards solving the problems of the clients. This will help client to develop personality in the society. Process Case worker is always goal oriented and to attain goal, social case worker has to follow the definite process or methods for solving problems like identification of problems, diagnosis of problems and treatment.

Methods of Social Work Page 18 5. Practice in specific setting This case work is practiced in specific setting and specific place like counseling center, juvenile home, hospitals, rehabilitation center etc.

Client and case worker are interdependent In social case work, case worker and client are interdependent to each other. Case worker help client to solve problems.

Thus, their relationship is taken as two sides of the same coin because without one the existence of another is impossible. Improvement of condition Social case worker help the client to improve his social, psychological and emotional condition. The frequently used tools are home visit, interview, observation etc. Similarly, proper use of technique like counseling, diagnosis, treatment etc. Methods of Social Work Page 19 Principles of the Case Work The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between social caseworker and the client.

Relationship is the medium through which changes are brought in the behavior and personality of the client. The relationship between caseworker and client may be more strengthened by using certain principles. Principle of individualization No two persons are alike in all qualities and traits. Their problems may be the same but the cause of the problem, the perception towards the problem and ego strength differs in every individual.

Principle of meaningful relationship The purpose of establishing relationship in social casework is to change the behavior of the client or to achieve adjustment in maladjusted situation. Meaningful relationship is developed in social casework by demonstrating the interests in client. Methods of Social Work Page 20 the crux of all help.

It embraces two basic ideas one negative and one positive. Principle of communication Communication is a two-way process. There must be proper communication between caseworker and the client, which helps, in proper understanding of each other. It depends on a proper communication. The caseworker listens purposefully, neither discouraging nor condemning the expression of those feelings.

Principle of non-judgmental attitude The non-judgmental attitude is a quality of the casework relationship. Methods of Social Work Page 21 8. Principle of tuning behavior Man has body, mind and intellect as three instruments of experiences through which life constantly pulsates. These three instruments have their own distinct characteristics in each person.

Hence each person has unique personality. There is need of tuning three instruments for right perception and thinking. The social caseworker does it. Principle of social learning Social learning is a pre-requisite to the changes that are inevitably involved in problem- solving.

The social learning processes involve: D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 22 1. Arousing and focusing attention and concern.

Organizing and evaluating the problem and planning future action. Searching for and acquiring new information. Providing opportunities to the client for new experience. Principle of confidentiality Confidentiality is the preservation of the secret information concerning the client, which is disclosed in the professional relationship only.

In the process of social case work, the client discloses many of his secret facts to the social case worker which help for the treatment. Similarly, the case worker gets many information of client in his home visit or in interview. All these facts must be kept secret.

In other words, the client must have total faith regarding his secret disclosed by him will remain confidential. Confidentiality in case work is taken as professional code of ethics. There is little reason that leads for the confidentiality. Component of case work The social case work is the integrity of different elements and a material which forms the nucleus of the social case work. The nucleus is the crucial part that consists of different component while social case works practice.

The practitioner has to understand each and every component of the nucleus of social case work to carry out better intervention process. The person 4. The process 2. The problem 5. Professionalism 3. The place D um m y copy Methods of Social Work Page 23 1. A client is one who seeks professional help, one who employs the help of another or one who is served by a social agency or an institution.

The person live in environment and interact in the environment is influenced by physical, social, cultural, economic and political aspects. The main aim of social case worker is to facilitate the individual to adopt, to restore, to reshape or to reinforce his functioning as a social being.

The client is a person with both needs and a problem s. The problem may be related to a client. To understand human behavior and individual difference, Grace Mathew has given the points like: 1.

For growth and development of human, it is essential to meet certain basic needs according to Maslow. Emotional needs are real and they can be met or removed through intellectual reasoning. Methods of Social Work Page 24 4. Behavior is purposeful and is in response to the individual physical and emotional needs. According to the Sigmund Freud, the process of human personality is the combination of id, ego and super ego.

To understand a person it is necessary to understand the personality of the individual that is substitute into 3 parts. This drives him to wants and to will. All our motives are in the interest of our biological and psychological aspects. The focus was on promoting the well-being of individual members through acceptance, companionship, and solidarity, while at the same time promoting democratic participation, social justice, and social action in civic, industrial, and social institutions.

For example, as early as , some people in the charity organization movement realized there was a need to organize the poor for social change as well as to work with them one-to-one Brackett, Boyd reported how social group work was used for therapeutic purposes in state mental institutions.

Pratt, a physician who worked with tuberculosis patients in , is often attributed with being the first to use a group as a treatment modality. Early contributors with mental health backgrounds include Lazell , who reported using psycho-educational methods in the treatment of inpatients, Marsh , , , who reported using milieu therapy, and Syz , who reported using a here-and-now focus with patients with dementia.

There were also early psychodynamic group therapists such as Wender , Schi1der , and Slavson , who reported the results of their clinical work. In fact, during these early years, the term club workwas often used interchangeably with the termgroup work Slavson, , p. It is often believed that group work is considerably younger than casework, but group work agencies actually started only a few years after casework agencies. There were courses for group workers in schools of social work in the early s Maloney, , and both casework and group work were used by social workers in the early twentieth century.

Casework soon became identified with the social work profession, but group work did not become formally linked with social work until the National Conference of Social Work in The identification of group work with the social work profession increased during the s American Association of Group Workers, , although group workers continued to maintain loose ties with recreation, adult education, and mental hygiene until , when group workers joined with six other professional groups to form the National Association of Social Workers.

Casework vs. Group Work Differ in focus and goal Differ with respect to helping relationship Differ in approach Differ in application Differ in design Differences between Casework and Group Work Compared with caseworkers, who relied on insight developed from psychodynamic approaches and on the provision of concrete resources, group workers relied on program activities to spur members to action.

Program activities of all types were the media through which groups attained their goals Addams, , ; Boyd, , ; Smith, Activities such as camping, singing, group discussion, games, and arts and crafts were used for recreation, socialization, education, support, and rehabilitation.

Unlike casework, which was mainly focused on problem solving and rehabilitation, group work activities were used for enjoyment as well as to solve problems. Thus, the group workmethods that developed from settlement house work had a different focus and a different goal than did casework methods. Caseworkers sought out the most underprivileged victims of industrialization and diagnosed and treated worthy clients by providing them with resources and acting as examples of virtuous, hardworking citizens.

Although group workers also worked with the poor and impaired, they did not focus solely on the poorest people nor on those with the most problems. They preferred the word members rather than clients Bowman, They emphasized members' strengths rather than their weaknesses. Helping was seen as a shared relationship in which the group worker and the group members worked together for mutual understanding and action regarding their common concerns for their community.

Programme activities of all types became the medium and vehicle through which group attained their goals. Group oriented activities such as camping, singing, group discussion, games, as well as arts and crafts, were increasingly used for recreation, socialisation, education, support and rehabilitation. Unlike casework, which largely focused on problem-solving and rehabilitation, group work activities were used for enjoyment as well as to solve problems. Thus, the group work method that developed from the settlement house work had a different focus and a goal distinct from the method of social casework.

The difference between casework and group work can also be clearly seen in the helping relationships. Although they also worked with those who were impaired and the poor, group worker did not focus solely on the poorest cases or on those with the most problems. They preferred the word group members to client. Helping was perceived as a shared relationship within which the group worker and the group members together worked for mutual understanding and action regarding their common concerns for the community in which they lived.