1. CHAPTER SEVEN THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO INTERVENING WITH FAMILIES
The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2nd ed.)

2. Key Ideas
Though families are often resilient and resourceful, many circumstances necessitate intervention by a social worker.
Social workers often use a variety of theoretical approaches in their work with families.
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

3. Strengths Perspective
Enhance family assets
Develop new coping and resiliency strategies
Focus on solutions
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

4. Narrative Theory Incorporates strengths Views family as expert
Emphasizes collaboration between social worker and family
© 2011 Taylor & Francis

5. Solution-Focused Approach
Emphasizes families’ strengths, empowerment, self- determination, and collaboration between social worker and family
Explores skills and competence of families
Common techniques:
Provide compliments
Provide feedback
Miracle questions
Scaling questions
Explore for exceptions
© 2011 Taylor & Francis