1. Assessment of Adults Chapter 5

2. Assessment The process of systematically collecting data about a client’s functioning and monitoring progress in client functioning on an ongoing basis. Defined as a process of problem selection and specification that is guided in social work by a person in environment systems orientation. Used to identify and measure specific problem behaviors, protective and resilience factors and to determine if treatment is necessary.

3. Common Features of Current Social Work Assessment Models Eclectic and integrative Not based on one underlying theory Long history taking is de-emphasized – Focus on seeking only relevant history that is related to the function of service Involves a collaborative process between client and worker Seen as unified with treatment with no waiting for treatment, but integrated into the treatment process. Continues throughout the treatment process.

4. Types of Assessment Historically Psychological Diagnostic Assessment – Relies on family and developmental history to reach a psychodiagnostic assessment of the client Assesses the interactions with environment and major life roles and tasks; client’s adaptive and maladaptive functioning; impact of past on current functioning; environmental obstacles that impede functioning. Problem Solving Assessment – 4 Ps: Person, Problem, Place and Process – Limited attention to the person’s strength and resilience in resolving the problem. Cognitive Behavior Assessment – Current focus on client narrative and life stories as part of the assessment process. – History only as it is related to current functioning

5. Types of Assessment Historically Continued Life Model Assessment – Uses an ecological framework that focuses on the client’s interaction with the environment in three areas: Life transitions; environmental pressures; maladaptive interpersonal processes. Task Centered Assessment – Focuses on specific target problems and desired outcomes. Solution Focused Assessment – With brief solution focused therapy assessment is part of the intervention process Strengths Perspective Assessment – Looks for knowledge competencies, hidden resources, and resilience in each client.

6. Assessment Scales and Tools Cultural Assessment – Culturagram Suicide Assessment – Hopelessness Scale – Scale for Suicide Ideation – Suicide Probability Scale DSM-IV Assessment Depression and Anxiety Tests – Beck Depression Inventory – Hamilton Rating Scale For Depression – State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) – Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-33) Substance Abuse Assessment – CAGEii – Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) Geriatric Depression Scale