Social Work Under Go Low Go So(ciety) Model

Abstract

      Essay introduces the reader to people and problems by presenting multifaceted problem situations. The need for and meaning of professional social work is presented. The three major purposes of social work are to promote the problem-solving, coping, and developmental capacities of people; to enhance the effectiveness and humane operation of the systems that provide people with resources, services, and opportunities; and to link people to systems that provide them with resources, services, and opportunities.

     One perspective of social work sees social work practice as response to concern and need. Concern derives from a feeling that all is not right. Social workers response to concern by identifying any unmet needs in the situation. In doing this, they use knowledge about human development, human diversity, social systems, ecosystems, and strengths. They identify not only the unmet needs and the strengths of a particular client but also the needs and strengths of significant individuals and systems in the environment. When people attempt to meet their needs (to cope), and when the environment makes demands on people in response to environmental needs, a process of social functioning exists. Social functioning is a major focus of social work practice.

     The focus of generalist social work practice endeavor is on helping individuals to cope and on the environmental factors impinging on social functioning. The decision on what the focus of service is to be relates to what is causing the difficulty (the barrier to need fulfillment) and on what can be changed-the client, the situation, or both.