The Social Assessment Report

A social assessment report (often called a social history) focuses on and describes the social aspects of the clients functioning and their situation. Social workers are particularly concerned about the match between client needs and the resources available to meet those needs.

Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior: this fact is the rationale for compiling a social history. A social assessment report presents the reader with two types of information: –Social data consisting of facts and observations; –The worker’s interpretation of those data along with implications of the data for those who will work with the client.

A Good Report A good report is characterized by these qualities: –Shortness: the report should say no more than needs to be said to those who will use the report. Don’t ask others to read more than is necessary. –Clarity and simplicity: select the least complicated words and phrases. –Usefulness: keep the report’s purpose in mind while you are preparing it. Do not include information merely because it is interesting.

–Organization: use numerous headings to break the information into easy-to-find topical categories: Identifying information Reason for report Reason for social work or agency involvement Statement of client’s problem or concern Client’s family background (family of origin) Current family composition and/or household membership Relationships to significant others. Ethnicity, religion, and spirituality Physical functioning, health concerns, illness, disabilities, medications

–Organization (cont.) Educational background, school performance, intellectual functioning Psychological and emotional functioning Strengths, ways of coping, and problem-solving capacities Employment, income, work experience and skills Housing, neighborhood, and transportation Current and recent use of community and professional services Social workers’ impressions and assessment Intervention and service plan

Confidentiality and client access: respect the client’s privacy. Assume that the client may want to read the report and has a right to do so. Do not include information that you would not want the client or family (or their lawyer) to read. Objectivity: select words that express your observations in an accurate and nonjudgmental manner. Do not present an opinion as if it were a fact. Support your conclusions with data.

Relevance: the information included in the report should have a clear connection to the client’s presenting concern and/or the reason the social worker and agency are involved with the client. Focus on client strengths: avoid preoccupation with pathology and family disorganization, personal weakness, and limitation. Focus on what the client/family can do. Successful intervention is built on client strength; the social assessment report must identify these strengths.