Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology

INTRODUCTION
TO SOCIAL CASE WORK

MODULE 1

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH INDIVIDUALS

 Ms Subi K Varghese

Introduction
All human beings are part of society and everyone
in the society has different social role and duties.
While performing his role and duties, individual
faces many problems in one or other form, which
hinder his performance as a social being.
Casework is the oldest and the most developed
method of solving individual’s problems and
improving his social relations.
Contd...
Every individual is unique and his/her needs are different from others in society.
Consequently, the treatment given or approach to one individual cannot be used for the
other individual. To understand human behaviour and the individual difference Grace
Mathew has given following proposition.
An individual’s behaviour is conditioned by his /her environment and his/her life
experiences.
For human growth and development it is essential that certain basic needs should be
met. The basic needs may be – physical and mental.
Emotional needs are real and they cannot be met or removed through intellectual
reasoning.
Behaviour is purposeful and is in response to the individual’s physical and emotional
needs.
 Other people’s behaviour can be understood only in terms of ones own emotional and
intellectual comprehension.
PROBLEMS FACED BY INDIVIDUAL

1) Problems related to illness and disabilities

2) Problems due to lack of material resources
3) School related problems
4) Problems related to institutionalization
5) Behaviour problems
6) Problems of marital discord
7) Needs related to rehabilitation of people
handicapped by disabilities
8) Predicaments and difficulties of client caught up
in problems that have been regarded as social
problems like gambling, prostitution, alcoholism,
drug addiction and unmarried motherhood.
CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CASE WORK
According to Mary Richmond “Social casework is art of doing different things
for and with different people by cooperating with them to achieve at one and
at the same time their own and their society’s betterment.”

Social casework is concerned with individual and his adjustment to life and
general social welfare. It does not concentrate on individual to the exclusion
of social factors. In other words the basic objective of social casework is to
promote social welfare with basic focus on individuals.

Social casework is a method of helping people individually through a one

to-one relationship. It is used by professionally-trained social workers in
social work agencies or organisations to help people with their problems of
social functioning.
CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CASE WORK
Social case work is a method employed by social workers to help individuals
find a solution to problems of social adjustment which they are unable to
handle in a satisfactory way by their own effort. -Sanford

Social case work is process used by certain human welfare agencies to help
individuals cope more effectively with their problems in social functioning. -
Perlman (1957)

Social case work means Social treatment of a maladjusted individual

involving an attempt to understand his personality, behavior and social
relationships and to assist him in working out a better social and personal
adjustment. -Taft (1920)
 CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The above definitions reveal the fact that social case work is related to the
psycho social treatment of the client who is in problem and seeks the help of
case worker or problem solving agencies. Social case work establishes
adjustments between individual capacities and resources. It consists of the
study of mental, emotional and social factors. In social case work an
individual, group situation or phenomena is recognized as unit of study and
various units are studied properly.
ASSUMPTIONS OF SOCIAL CASE WORK
According to Grace Mathew there are certain assumptions, which constitute the
fundamental structure of social casework.
Every human being has to be considered as a person with dignity and worth.
Human beings are interdependent and it governs their interaction in social
groups.
There are common human needs for growth and development of individuals.
The existence of common needs does not negate the uniqueness of individuals.
Every individual is like all other human beings in some aspects and like no other
individuals in certain aspects.
Every individual has within him/her, the potential for growth and achievement
and he/she has a right to the realization of this potential. From this it follows that
people has capacity to change.
Society has an obligation to help those who do not have the means for the
realization of their potentials.

OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL
CASE WORK
The purpose of social case
 work is to help an individual
client to solve his psycho
social problems in such a
situation or environment. development of individual
Most of the writers of social
personality.
work like Moffet and Hollis Bowers mentioned two
way so that he find himself
have emphasized that one of objectives: better
capable of dealings with
the main objective of social adjustment in the social
these problems at present
case work is to bring about relationships of the
and also may solve in future
an adjustment between the individual and the
if such problems arise.
individual client and his
Thus social case work has the following objectives as mentioned by [Link]

To understand and solve

the internal problems of
the individuals
 in social functioning

To strengthen his ego

power
Development of resources
to enhance social
functioning.

Prevention of problems in
social functioning
Remediation of problems

VALUES OF CASE WORK

The most basic value in social case work is the worth and dignity of every human being and the
consideration that each individual is unique in his own way, possessing the ability to participate fully in
the direction of his own life. These value orientations form the basis for social case work‟s direction.
Given below are the practice values to be adhered to in social case work:
 01 02 03
development. Every individual is the prime
Every man/woman has inherent concern of the society and has
An individual has the Right to
Worth and Dignity. Self-Determination potential for and right to growth.

04 05 06
Basic human needs have to be
Every individual in turn has to The individual and the society met by suitable services
contribute to the society’s are interdependent

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.

Principle of individualization No two persons are alike in all qualities

and traits. Their problems may be the social casework is to change the behaviour
same but the cause of the problem, the of the client or to achieve adjustment in
perception towards the problem and maladjusted situation. Meaningful
ego strength differs in every individual. relationship is developed by demonstrating
Therefore, each individual client should the interests in client. He/she is convinced
be treated as a separate entity and of the caseworker’s warmth as an individual
complete information is required to and conveys respect and caring for
establish close relations in order to him/her. In return, the caseworker helps
solve his/her problem from root. the client to trust in his/her objectivity and
Principle of meaningful relationship feel secured as worthwhile individual.

The purpose of establishing relationship in

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.
 Principle of communication
Principle of acceptance
Communication is a two-way process.
Social caseworker accepts the client as There must be proper communication
he is and with all his/her limitations. between caseworker and the client, which
He/she believes that acceptance is the helps, in proper understanding of each
crux of all help. It embraces two basic other. It is the road to the identification of
ideas --- one negative and one positive. the client’s problem. The function of social
He/she does not condemn or feel caseworker is primarily to create an
environment in which the client will feel
hostile towards a client because
comfortable in giving expression to his/her
his/her behaviour differs from the
feelings. It depends on a proper
approved one. Later on, he/she tries to
communication.
modify his/her behaviour step by step.

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.
 them when the expression is of
therapeutic nature.
Principle of expression of feelings
The Principle of controlled
Purposeful expression of feelings is the emotional involvement
recognition of the client’s need to
express his/ her feelings freely, The social caseworker tries to
especially his/her negative feelings. The understand the client’s feelings and
caseworker listens purposefully, neither
emotions but he/she
discouraging nor condemning the
himself/herself does not involved
expression of those feelings. Sometimes
emotionally in his/her problems.
he/ she even stimulates and encourages

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.
 determination

Principle of non-judgmental attitude The client’s self-determination is

the practical recognition of the
The non-judgmental attitude is a quality right and need of clients to
of the casework relationship. The freedom in making his/her own
caseworker does not blame the client choices and decisions. But this
for his/her problem nor he assigns any right is limited by the client’s
responsibility for his/ her miseries. capacity for positive and
He/she only evaluates the attitudes, constructive decision making.
standards or action of the client.
Principle of client self
PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK
The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.
 Social functioning means the
Principle of self-awareness functioning of the individual in
his/her social roles and
It means that caseworker should known relationships, with emphasis on
his/her own strengths and limitations his/her relation to the
in dealing with client’s problems. If environment. The caseworker
he/she feels that the problems of the tries to assess the roles of the
client is beyond his/her capacity, the client and his/her capacity to
client should be transferred to the
perform these roles.
appropriate authority
Principle of social functioning
PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK
The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
social caseworker and the client.
 Principle of social learning

Principle of tuning behaviour Social learning is a pre-requisite to the

changes that are inevitably involved in
Man has body, mind and intellect as problemsolving. The social learning
three instruments of experiences processes involves (1) arousing and
through which life constantly pulsates. focusing attention and concern, (2)
These three instruments have their own organising and evaluating the problem
distinct characteristics in each person. and planning future action, (3) searching
Hence each person has unique for and acquiring new information, (4)
personality. There is need of tuning providing opportunities to the client for
three instruments for right perception new experience.
and thinking. The social caseworker
does it.

PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL CASE WORK

The principles of social casework are applied in establishing close relationship between
 social caseworker and the client.

Principle of confidentiality

Confidentiality is the preservation of

the secret information concerning the
client, which is disclosed in the
professional relationship only.

Components of Case Work

The nucleus of social case work is given by H.H. Perlman which is,‘a person with a problem comes to a place where
a professional representative helps him by a given process’. This entire phenomenon is also known as the 4P’s and is
used in most of the situations where a person seeks professional help. There are four components of casework
known as the 4 P’s:
 The Person The Place

The Problem Solving

Process
The Problem
The Person
In social work, the term person refers to any individual—man, woman, or child—who is under stress or
facing problems in life. Such problems may arise from an inability to adjust to situations beyond one’s
control and can be social, economic, or psychological in nature. Typically, individuals attempt to solve
their problems using solutions from past experiences, but when these efforts fail, they seek external or
professional help. A person becomes a client as soon as they begin receiving such help. Each client has
unique unmet needs, concerns, and problems shaped by their social and cultural environment, which gives
them distinctive social experiences. While sharing certain common human experiences and interactions
with others, every person remains unique and different from other members of their family or society.
Clients are of the following types:

1. Those who seek help for themselves.

2. Those who seek help for another person.
3. Those who block or threatens the social functioning of another person (e.g., the neglectful parent
in a child protection case).
4. Those who seek help for inappropriate goals. (A person asking a social worker to help them
obtain false disability documents to avoid working.)
5. Those who seek help as a means to reach their own goals or ends. (A client attending
rehabilitation not to recover from addiction, but to avoid legal consequences or gain custody
rights.)

The nature of social casework will depend on identifying the type of the client and the problem
he/she seeks to resolve.
Felix Biestik (1957) has identified seven needs of clients as they come to the helping situation:

1) To be dealt with as an individual rather than a type or category.

2) To express feelings both positive and negative.
3) To be accepted as a person of worth, a person with innate dignity.
4) Sympathetic understanding of and response to feelings expressed.
5) To be neither judged nor condemned for the difficulty in which the clients find themselves.
6) To make own choices and decisions concerning one’s own life.
7) To help keep information confidential about self as secret as possible.

Understanding a person in social work requires understanding their personality, as it greatly influences
behaviour and social functioning. According to Freud, personality is shaped by three forces: the id (basic life
instincts), the ego (the conscious, decision-making part), and the superego (moral values and principles). Every
individual faces obstacles and uses coping strategies, but when these fail, they seek outside help. A client
brings not only problems and needs but also their self-perceptions, views of the situation, coping patterns,
and interpersonal relationship styles. Since each person’s social and cultural background is different, their
problems and needs are unique, and the social worker’s role is to understand the client as a unique individual
in a specific context.
The Problem
A problem is an obstacle or hindrance to an individual’s normal functioning, often arising from unmet
needs, maladjustments, or frustrations. When such needs or frustrations persist over time and begin to
affect a person’s social functioning, they develop into significant problems. Intrapersonal problems occur
when unmet needs and desires interfere with the individual’s living situation or reduce the effectiveness of
their efforts to cope with challenges.
Dimensions of problems

1) Intrapersonal problem: When maladjustments and frustrations arise due to personal issues of an
individual and block their social functioning, these problems are intrapersonal in nature. These
problems only affect the concerned person and the surroundings of a person.

2) Interpersonal problem: When problems arise due to some external cause, situation or the
surroundings of an individual and make him/her uncomfortable, these problems are interpersonal
in nature. Interpersonal problems also affect the people who surround us like family, friends, etc.

3) Physiological problems: Physiological problems are caused due to ailments in certain body part
or due to physical illness. When a person experiences a prolonged disease, it starts to affect
his/her mental health and therefore it becomes important to be addressed.
4) Economic problems: Fulfillment of basic needs is imperative for every human being. Problems
arising due to poverty are one of the basic problems. People all over world are facing economic
crisis. The society is divided into various classes - upper, middle and lower. The upper class is
capable of affording almost all the luxuries, the middle class is capable to at least fulfilling all the
basic requirements, while the lower class faces a crisis in their daily life.

5) Psychological problems: Psychological issues are usually related to the mind and behaviour of a
person. Anxiety, depression, paranoia, etc., are the extreme results of a prolonged psychological
problem.

Casework helps in problem solving. It tries to provide an intervention to breaks or modify the cause
and-effect chain of problems. Social casework tries to assess the situation of the client and the available
means and processes to facilitate the client’s problem-solving efforts. Three main considerations enter
into the choice of problem focus: 1) what the client wants 2) what the caseworker’s professional
judgments points to as possible and desirable solutions and 3) what the agency is for and can offer.
The Place
The place refers to the social service agency or department where a person seeks help for their problems.
It can be a large institution, such as a local authority, or a smaller unit within a larger setup, like the
psychiatric social work department in a mental hospital. It also includes various institutions where
caseworkers practice, such as schools, child guidance clinics, hospital children’s departments, and courts.
Classification of Social casework agencies
1) Source of Support – Agencies funded either by public taxation (e.g., child welfare, physical and
mental health programs) or through voluntary contributions.
2) Source of Professional Authority –
Primary agencies: Have full authority and responsibility for their social functions.
Secondary agencies: Derive their authority and responsibility from a host agency. 3)
Special Function and Area of Concern –
Primary agencies, whether public or private, focus on a specific area of service. (Childline India)
Secondary agencies are linked to other professions such as medicine, education, or law, and
provide services related to that field.
Characteristics of a Social Agency

[Link] the Society – Protects individuals and groups from social breakdown, prevents
maladjustment, and promotes higher levels of human functioning.
 [Link] Suitable Programmes – Designs programmes based on community needs, available funds,
staff expertise, and local resources.
[Link] an Organisational Structure – Operates with a formal structure where members have specific
roles, responsibilities, and powers, all interdependent for smooth functioning.
[Link] of Skilled Personnel – Employs trained caseworkers with specialised knowledge and skills
to help clients improve social functioning.
[Link] Point for Client and Social Worker – Provides a professional space for interaction between
the client and the social worker.

Social workers need to understand the agency in which they are employed. They also need to be able to
understand other social agencies working in the allied areas. The first task in understanding an agency is to
define its boundaries. The second task is to determine environmental factors that influence the structure
and functioning of the agency. The third task is to understand the structure and functioning of the agency
system.
The Process
The casework process is a series of stages or steps followed by a professional social worker to help a client.
It requires maintaining good rapport with the client and supporting them in strengthening their coping
mechanisms during a problematic situation. The process begins with accepting the client, building a
trusting relationship, and gathering facts about the problem. These facts are then carefully examined and
diagnosed, with the worker ensuring the client’s full participation in finding solutions. The first stage
involves ascertaining and clarifying the facts of the problem, the second stage focuses on thinking through
and analysing these facts, and the final stage is making a choice or decision to address the problem
effectively.
Stages of the Problem-Solving Process

[Link] Statement of the Problem – Clearly and accurately define the problem, avoiding vague
or broad descriptions.
[Link] Assumptions – Make initial assumptions about the nature and cause of the problem to
understand its urgency and the hurdles to resolution.
[Link] and Collection of Information – Gather information from various sources (historical,
social, psychological, biological, economic, political, religious), with the client as the main source.
 [Link] of Information – Interpret and evaluate the data to set feasible goals, predict possible
outcomes, and determine potential action plans.
[Link] of a Plan – Create a plan to address obstacles and fulfil needs, choosing appropriate
strategies and techniques.
[Link] of the Plan – Put the chosen plan into action to solve the client’s problem.
[Link] Monitoring and Evaluation – Review progress, collect additional information as
needed, and evaluate the final outcome once the goal is reached.
Steps of the Problem-Solving Process – Mary Richmond (1917)

[Link] – The administrative step of enrolling a client when they seek help from an organisation.
The caseworker accepts the client as they are, maintains a non-judgmental attitude, builds rapport,
and makes the client comfortable.
[Link] – Gathering detailed facts and information from the client using techniques like probing to
uncover underlying issues, aspirations, and needs. Preliminary analysis begins here. [Link] –
 Understanding the root cause and nature of the client’s problem by analysing collected facts. It
includes three types:
Dynamic Diagnosis – Assesses current problems, surroundings, and feelings.
Clinical Diagnosis – Analyses behaviour patterns and personality traits to understand the problem,
often linked to mental health issues.
Etiological Diagnosis – Studies the client’s background, life history, and family history to identify
patterns and past coping mechanisms.
4. Treatment – Implementing all activities aimed at immediate relief, preventing breakdown,
restoring social functioning, and strengthening the client’s psychological capacity.
Components of the Problem-Solving Process

The problem-solving process in social casework has four main components:

[Link] – Understanding the client’s situation, needs, and problems. This includes collecting
and analysing information to form a clear picture of the problem.
 [Link] – Developing strategies and solutions based on assessment. Planning involves setting
goals, identifying resources, and choosing the best approach.
[Link] – Implementing the planned interventions to address the client’s needs. Action often reveals
new information, requiring further assessment or adjustments in the plan.
[Link] – Concluding the helping relationship when goals have been met or services are no
longer needed. Termination includes reviewing progress and ensuring the client is able to cope
independently.
The process is cyclical, with continuous evaluation at every stage. New understanding can lead back to
assessment, revised planning, and further action.
Resources such as money, medical care, education, housing, childcare, or recreational facilities may be
essential for effective problem-solving, and the caseworker must know when and how to use them.

HISTORICAL
DEVELOPMENT OF
CASEWORK IN WEST AND
INDIA
Early Beginnings
The Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (A.I.C.P.) formed in
America in 1843 approached the problem of poverty more individually than
had been previously it was. The aims of A.I.C.P. were to visit the poor at
homes, to give counsel, to assist them practically in obtaining employment, to
instill in them self-respect and self-reliance, to inculcate the habits of
economy and whenever absolutely necessary to provide such relief as should
be suited to their wants.

The first professional School of Social Work was the New York School
established in 1898. The establishment of this institution indicates that social
work had sufficiently large body of knowledge and skills by that time. Further
the need was felt for better trained professionals as complicated modern
problems could not be handled in traditional ways.
 1877s
The earliest organised effort in USA was the establishment of American Charity Organisation Society in 1877. One
of the aims of the society was to find out the ways and means of helping the poor and needy and thus to organise
individualised service. The society used volunteers called “FRIENDLY VISITORS” (volunteers who visited poor
families to assess their needs and to provide help, guidance and advice). The main plan of this organisation
included the investigation of applicants to assess the need, central registration, recording and relief giving.

1914-1917
The first training programme for the casework started at this time. Casework
at this time was based more on medical model. For sometime casework was
only confined to sick persons, i.e. a sick person to be treated was the priority.
The term “work with case” was used for the first time in national conference
in USA. The first professional training programme especially for the casework
was started in the form of summer training. The impact of this training
programme resulted in the need for more substantial training and schools of
social work attached to the agencies came into existence. When these schools
started regular training programme, they were recognized as professionals.
 Mary Richmond and Francis
McLean, offered specialized
service to thousand of clients.
The first book in case work
“Social Diagnosis” was
published in 1917 by Miss
Richmond.
Impact of First World War
Prior to First World War, major emphasis was given on the social factor,
which influenced individuals who had problems. The causes of these
problems were found in the environment and the larger social economical
pressure under which people lived. The primary basis of social casework
was human behaviour. The impact of Second World War was that social
work became popular and a large number of people who had not been
acquainted with it became familiar with it. Medical and psychiatric social
workers were especially in demand during the war. Many men and
women came to know the meaning of social casework for the first time.
 The First World War made a wide impact on
social casework. Psychiatry in this period
became important. The contribution of Freud
and his follower influenced the method
employed by the caseworker in dealing with
the individuals. Child guidance clinic and
treatment, prevention of mental problem and
delinquency strengthened the psychological
orientation of this approach.
1920s
At this time caseworker adopted the new psychoanalytical approach to understand the client and their problems.
These caseworkers found the psychoanalytical theory and the concepts in psychology very useful in casework
movement. Thus it was the era of psychiatric development of social work. Professionals also began to move into
other fields like prisons, school, etc

In late 1920’s it was expected that client and his/her involvement in problem solution was essential for the success
of casework. At this time caseworker realized that more responsibilities should be given to individuals to make
decisions of their life. In 1930 psychoanalytical contributions became very important and social caseworkers
accepted the new method of dealing with clients. Gradually several schools of thought developed with many points
in common and number of differences. These schools were based on the theory of Sigmund Freud.

1930s
It was the era of sudden changes in life-style that lead to economic
depression. Casework had to consider the economic factors, which were
causing distress to the clients. It was realized that economic distress could
lead to emotional disaster and breakdown. At this time many programmes
such as federal emergency relief act emerged. Thus major outcome of the
depression was establishment of governmental public assistant programme.
It relieved the voluntary agencies from the task of providing economic help.
Caseworker was able to devote more time in dealing with clients inter
personal problems.

Impact of Second World War

During the war there was increase in personal problems on the part
 of clients due to financial crises. Emotional problems also
increased. To meet these needs and to solve these problems family
agencies were started.

1950s 1960s
Here the most promising development
In this era private practice in the social increased stress on importance of
work began. Professional agencies were research. The past overemphasis on either
started growing in the field of case study. environment or personality gave away the
Now the caseworker started going to awareness of interdependence of these
community and the problems of two factors. In this era social action was
community were taken care indirectly more focused to bring about change in the
through solving individual problems. It was society. Casework method adopted new
the period of upgradation for social techniques and principles.
worker.

HISTORY OF CASE WORK IN INDIA

Indian culture and religions advocate the need to help the poor and needy.
There is also a tradition of knowledgeable individuals providing advice and
support to others, for example Krishna gave advice and support to Arjun at the
 beginning of the Mahabharata war. The Hindu Shastras also emphasised on
giving which may be in the form of wealth, knowledge and wisdom. In
Buddhism help should be given to relatives and friends. In Islam alms was
given by the fortunate to the State and used for welfare of needy. Christian
missionaries in India also started activities which aimed at helping the poor.
But these efforts were paternalistic in nature and did not aim at making the
individual independent. Further, the relationship in these instances was not
professional. Thus, there exists an important difference between modern
professional casework and traditional helping of needy individuals.

Education of social workers in India started with the training of volunteers engaged in charity
and relief activities. In 1911, N.M. Joshi had established Social Service League in Mumbai. This
league conducted training programme for volunteers who were at the service of people
suffering from famines, epidemics, floods and such other disasters and also for those who
conducted welfare programmes among the poor and the destitute.
In 1936 Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, now known as Tata Institute of Social
Science (TISS), was started to impart training to those who had a University degree in the field of social
service. Thus, the training for the social work was changed into a full time career oriented educational
programme. Casework as a theoretical course and as a method of practice in the academic
programme started from the year 1946. Initially social casework was practiced in relatively few
agencies and institutions but nowadays social casework is practiced in many agencies, institutions and
organisations such as hospitals, clinics, courts, industry, military organisation, family welfare agency,
child welfare agency, institution for the aged, destitute, orphans, etc.
Digital Social Work
The integration of technology in social work has been
on the rise. This includes using digital platforms for
counselling, online support groups, and leveraging
social media for outreach and awareness.

Trauma-Informed Practice
There has been an increased emphasis on
trauma-informed approaches in social case work.
Understanding and addressing the impact of trauma
on individuals and communities has become a
significant trend.
Cultural Competence
Social workers are placing a stronger emphasis on
cultural competence and sensitivity. This involves
understanding diverse cultural backgrounds and
tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of
individuals and communities
Telehealth and Tele therapy
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of
telehealth and tele therapy in social work. This trend
has continued, offering increased accessibility to
services and support

Advocacy for Social Justice

Social workers are actively engaging in advocacy for
social justice issues. This includes addressing
systemic inequalities, advocating for policy changes,
and working towards a more just and equitable
society.

Environmental Social Work

There is a growing awareness of the impact of
environmental issues on social well-being. Social
workers are incorporating environmental justice
considerations into their practice, addressing the
intersection of social and environmental challenges
Evidence-Based Practice
The emphasis on evidence-based practice continues,
with social workers increasingly relying on research
and data to inform their interventions and strategies

Collaborative and Interdisciplinary

Approaches
Social workers are collaborating more with
professionals from other disciplines, recognizing the
interconnected nature of social issues. This
 interdisciplinary approach enhances the effectiveness
of interventions.

SOCIAL CASE WORK PRACTICE IN INDIA

Social casework is viewed differently by Indian practitioners

compared to Western counterparts.

Casework can be practiced successfully in a democratic society,

where freedom and self-fulfillment are valued.

In India, self-fulfillment and self-expression are tied

closely to group conformity.
Individual rights and self-determination are
limited.
Individuals are bound to their group
 (family/community).
Non-conformity can lead to rejection.
CONTD...

Western perspective: Emphasis on individual rights (self

determination, freedom, autonomy).

Indian perspective: Emphasis on duties (dharma) towards

family, society, and fellow beings.

Example:
Cancer/elderly patients may receive medical
facilities (rights), but emotional needs like love, care,
 and affection depend on duty.

Casework in India highlights duty and responsibility over

individual rights.
CONTD...

Emotional fulfillment is crucial for overall well-being.

Family, relatives, and community are expected to provide emotional support as a duty.

Caseworkers mobilize family/community support to

care for vulnerable clients.
Excessive individualism (as in Western societies)
can weaken family responsibility, whereas in
India family is still the basic social unit.
CONTD...
INDIGENIZATION OF CASEWORK PRACTICE

People tend to conform to group norms, which influences individual decision-making.

Caseworkers need to balance tradition with new ideas to help individuals adjust to changing
realities.
Clients are enabled to understand their dignity as human beings and their duty to the group.

Caseworkers must have a high sense of duty towards clients and society.
Building emotional closeness and trust is essential (e.g., addressing clients as “brother,” “sister,”
or “mother”).
Active approach is necessary:
Many clients are not accustomed to self-reliant decision-making. Workers may need to actively
guide clients in decision-making. Flexibility in approach is vital—rigid methods can fail.

Since case work deals directly with human beings,

their vulnerabilities, and their confidential
information, it is essential that the practice is
guided by a clear Code of Ethics. Ethical standards
not only protect the interests of clients but also
safeguard the professional integrity of social
workers.
The code of ethics formulated by NASW provides
guiding principles in day-to-day casework which
ensures responsible, sensitive, and client-centered
practice.
1. Respect for the Dignity and Worth of the
Individual

Application in casework:
Caseworkers listen attentively to clients without
belittling their concerns.
Avoid labeling clients as “addicts,”
“delinquents,” or “problem families”; instead, use
respectful, person-first language such as “a person
experiencing substance use
 disorder.”
Example: A caseworker supporting a person living
with HIV treats the client with
acceptance and avoids any stigmatizing
attitude.
2. Confidentiality
Information shared by the client is protected and not
disclosed without consent, except when legally or ethically
necessary (e.g., danger to self/others, court order).
Application in casework:
Maintaining locked files and password
protected case records.
Discussing cases with supervisors without revealing
unnecessary personal identifiers. Informing clients at
the beginning about the limits of confidentiality.
Example: In counselling a teenager, the worker assures
 confidentiality but clarifies that if there is suicidal risk,
information may have to be shared with
guardians/authorities.
3. Client’s Right to Self-Determination Clients have the right
to make their own choices and decisions.
Application in casework:
Helping clients explore alternatives but
respecting their final decision.
Avoid imposing the worker’s personal values or
beliefs.
Example: A caseworker may present options to a
survivor of domestic violence (shelter, legal action,
mediation) but supports the choice the client makes,
even if it is not what the worker personally prefers.
4. Non-Discrimination and Commitment to Social Justice
 Social workers must provide services without
discrimination and actively promote equality and justice.
Application in casework:
Ensuring services are equally available to clients of all
castes, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and
socio-economic groups. Advocating for clients’ rights
when they face systemic discrimination.
Example: If a Dalit client is denied access to a
government scheme due to caste bias, the caseworker
intervenes to ensure justice.
5. Professional Competence and Responsibility Workers must
possess adequate knowledge and skills, seek supervision,
and continuously upgrade professional competence.
Application in casework:
Undertaking continuous professional
development and training in new therapeutic
 approaches.
Seeking supervision for complex cases (e.g., trauma,
psychiatric issues).
Example: If a client presents with
schizophrenia, the caseworker refers to a
psychiatrist and simultaneously provides
supportive counselling, within the limits of their
competence.
6. Integrity, Honesty, and Transparency Clients should
be able to trust their worker; dishonesty undermines
practice.
Application in casework:
Clearly explaining the worker’s role, the services
available, and any limitations.
Avoiding false promises (“We can definitely get you a
 job”) and instead being realistic (“I can help you apply
and prepare, but selection depends on employers”).
Example: A caseworker tells a client upfront that the
agency cannot provide direct
financial support but can assist in accessing
government welfare schemes.
7. Accountability and Proper Record Keeping Workers
are accountable to clients, agencies, and the
profession.
Application in casework:
Maintaining accurate, objective, and timely case
records.
Using agency resources responsibly and
avoiding misuse.
Example: A caseworker documents
 interventions factually, avoiding personal
opinions or bias in records.
8. Cultural Sensitivity and Contextual Relevance Ethical
practice requires awareness of social, cultural, and local
contexts.
Application in casework:
Recognizing traditional healing practices and family
structures.
Designing interventions that are acceptable to the
client’s cultural background.
Example: In a tribal community, the
caseworker may involve community elders along
with modern counselling methods to ensure
cultural acceptance.
9. Commitment to Client’s Best Interests The welfare of the
client is the highest priority. Application in casework:
Balancing conflicting interests between clients
and other stakeholders.
Example: In child welfare cases, if parents want
custody but the environment is unsafe, the worker
prioritizes the child’s safety even if it conflicts with
parental wishes.