Strengths-Based Approaches in Social Work and Social Care: Reviewing the Evidence

Abstract

Context: There is substantial policy support for strengths-based approaches to social work and social care. These new models of care promote the deployment of 'strengths' including personal, social and community resources to empower individuals to achieve their desired outcomes. Although a number of strengths-based models have been developed it is not known whether and how they work, or which model works best for whom and in what circumstances. Objectives: A scoping review of evidence was conducted between July and September 2019. Its primary aim was to explore the nature and extent of evidence in relationship to strengths-based approaches in social work and social care for adults; also how these approaches impact on practice and on outcomes for social care service users and their families. Methods: A database search was conducted for the period 2009 to 2019 to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature publications on the use of strengths (or asset) based approaches in social work and social care. A total of 72 items were included. Findings: Strengths-based approaches are being embraced by policy makers and practitioners but questions remain about: their definition (how they are distinct from other approaches, and how they should be conceptualised); their effectiveness and feasibility (including their intersection with local authority eligibility thresholds); and how they should/can be evaluated. Specific research needs to be done to evaluate the precise nature of strengths-based approaches in social work and social care, their impact on users and carers quality of life and well being and the outcomes achieved. Limitations: The review may be limited by the lack of evidence in a relatively under-researched area of practice. Study designs were varied and included a number of qualitative case studies but very few quantitative or RCT based studies. Implications: This review has brought evidence together, extended understanding about strengths-based approaches in social work and social care for adults and offered us a platform upon which to develop models of evaluation.

Young carers’ experiences of services and support: What is helpful and how can support be improved?

“…Services are more effective and efficient when they are a better fit for individuals and many of the themes we have set out speak to advice coming from strengths-based approaches such as: looking at the family and other networks to see what support can be mobilised; developing a trusting relationship between a practitioner and the person seeking support; understanding what is important to the person (e.g. activities, interests) and linking in to other support available in the community and elsewhere [50,51]. We saw that people's situation needed to be understood to get support right-and this might mean putting in paid care, but it might also mean intervening to get family members to consider roles and responsibilities (who in the family and broader social network could be doing more, or doing something different, to make life easier for the young carer and the care recipient?).…”

“…How can systems support these approaches? Relationship-based and strengths-based approaches aim to change the focus of services, away from managerialism towards more trust towards frontline workers to try creative, person-centred ideas [50,53]. System-level issues are raised by young carers, for example: waiting lists; opportunities to change your mind; checking in; service boundaries and silos; referral processes; but what of the more individual-level factors?…”

Strengths Perspective: How Social Work Students Use Mindfulness as a Self-Care Strategy

“…A recent study by Caiels et al (2021) reviewed peer-reviewed literature from 2009 to 2019 that focused on the use of strengths-based approaches and social work. The authors found a total of 72 articles that highlighted the utilization of this approach.…”

Learning about what is most important: incorporating values into the design of learning experiences

“…However, some libraries have begun to use asset mapping to shift away from a needs-based approach, and instead focus on community assets, which aligns with a strengths-based approach (Williment and Jones-Grant, 2012). A strengths-based approach “starts with what is working, what makes people feel well and what people care about” by concentrating on the positive aspects of their lives, including the skills, knowledge and capabilities they possess (Caiels et al , 2021, p. 403). While using asset mapping and focusing on community assets helps libraries begin to adopt a strengths-based approach (Williment and Jones-Grant, 2012), expanding to emphasize the group’s values, or what the group considers important in their lives, could help libraries deepen their strengths-based approach, potentially leading to learning experiences that are more relevant and meaningful for the underserved group.…”