No abstract

This article takes up Blundo's (2001) assertion in this journal that in order to practice from the strengths perspective, social workers need to alter their "frames. " Expanding on this assertion, we specify a particular frame that requires change: a pathological worldview. Examining the strengths perspective with regard to a Foucauldian analysis of power, we argue that to thoroughly implement the strengths perspective, we need to consider the dividing practices that allow us to maintain power and that reflect a pathological worldview. This article provides considerations for social work practice that will be of interest to practicing social workers and social work educators interested in continuing to develop their strengths-based practice.

We conclude that there appears to be some support for the positive effects of choice in mental health supported housing. Further research in this area will require flexible programming and funding that create opportunities for true partnerships with consumer-survivors.

An updated New Zealand study is called for, as is a more continuous method that includes various voices for measuring participation.

This article investigates evidence of mental health system change at two community mental health organizations. Using ethnographic methods, the study explored the relationships, culture and characteristics of organizations employing consumer-survivors in designated positions, examining the ways in which they reflect traditional medically-based services and/or more recovery, partnership-oriented services. The data suggest that two structures of mental health services are evident at the organizations: the dominant structure and the emerging structure. It is argued that relationships based on hope, respect and affection appear to encourage the presence of the emerging structure.