Social Work Helping Process: ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

• process and a product  of understanding on which action is based (Max Siporin)
• process involves collection of necessary information and its analysis and interpretation in order to reach an understanding of the client, the problem, and the social context in which it exists. 
• ultimate purpose is to provide understanding necessary for appropriate planning
• major social work tasks involved : information or data gathering, problem definition based on an agreement between client and worker

Information/Data Gathering

1. Primary source - client

2. Secondary source - significant others in the life of the client

3. Existing data - records and reports from other professionals

4. Worker's Own Observation 

Initial Contact(s) with Client/Intake
1. Client initiates contact - client seeks help of the agency.
2. The client is referred to the worker or agency by some concerned party. 
3. The agency, through the social worker, reaches out to the (potential) client and offers help.

Intake Process and the Presenting Problem

• intake is the process by which a potential client achieves the status of a client
• intake may be accomplished in one session with the client
• client comes to the agency with a presenting problem 
• presenting problems may be stated as symptoms (anxiety, lack of motivation), as behavioral configurations (marital discord, poor school performance, unemployment), or as needs (housing, money). 

Defining the Problem

• the problem or part of the problem that the client system feels is most important; 
• the problem or part of the problem that in the worker's judgment is most critical;
• the problem or part of the problem that in the worker's judgment can most readily yield to help;
• the problem or part of problem that falls within the action parameters of the helping system.

*Partialization - process of separating from so many problems identified by the client and/or worker the specific problem or problems which are to be addressed first.

*Prioritizing - problem taking precedence over other problems because of its importance.

After the necessary relevant information pertaining to the client and the problem have been obtained, these information are organized and synthesized and the worker prepares a Case Study. Case Study content includes: identifying information, background information, assessment/problem definition, helping goals and helping plans. 

Writing an Assessment Statement (McMahon)

1. Opening causal statement - requires the worker to clearly indicate who has the problem, and why the problem exists at this time. 
2. Change potential statement - dependent on three interdependent factors: problem, person and environment
3. Judgment about the seriousness or urgency of the problem 

Characteristics of Assessment

1. It is ongoing. 
2. It focuses on understanding the client.
3. It is a mutual process.
4. There is movement within the assessment process.
5. Both horizontal and vertical explorations are important.
6. Assessment identifies needs in life situations, defines problems and explains their meanings.
7. Assessment is individualized.
8. Judgment is important because decisions have to be made.
9. No assessment is ever complete.

Reference:
Lee-Mendoza, T. (2008) Social Welfare and Social Work. Central Book Supply