The Operationalization, Implementation, and Effectiveness of the Strengths Perspective

Power, Pathological Worldviews, and the Strengths Perspective in Social Work

“…As noted, a strengths perspective focuses on abilities rather than deficits, maintaining and reflecting a hopeful stance toward the potential of all humans (Kisthardt, 1997;Saleebey, 2006b;Staudt et al, 2001). We have suggested that, in many ways, SHS can be understood to be operating from a strengths perspective.…”

“…The strengths approach to social work practice values empowerment of individuals seeking services and advocates a relationship of collaboration as opposed to one of authority (Blundo, 2001;Brun & Rapp, 2001;Itzhaky & Bustin, 2002;Kisthardt, 1997;Oko, 2006;Saleebey, 2006b;Staudt, Howard, & Drake, 2001). Recognizing the resilience of individuals and believing in the potential of all humans, the focus is changed from one of limits to one of potentials, building on strengths, interests, abilities, knowledge, and capacities (Kisthardt, 1997;Saleebey, 2006b;Staudt et al, 2001).…”

“…Recognizing the resilience of individuals and believing in the potential of all humans, the focus is changed from one of limits to one of potentials, building on strengths, interests, abilities, knowledge, and capacities (Kisthardt, 1997;Saleebey, 2006b;Staudt et al, 2001).…”

“…In a six-year review of 12 demonstration projects of strengths-based case management in Kansas, Sullivan noted that 79% of consumer-survivors had reached the goals they had set. Staudt et al (2001), however, examined the evidence base of the strengths perspective and asserted that it is not well defined, and that it was not the strengths perspective but the addition of service-any service-that led to the positive outcomes in these studies. They further argued that the strengths perspective is not a model but a value stance-and one that is consistent with social work values.…”

Integrating a Trauma-Informed Care Perspective in Baccalaureate Social Work Education: Guiding Principles

“…The EPAS (CSWE, 2015) asserts that the generalist practitioner will "recognize, support, and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings" (p. 11). It is important to note that although the strengths perspective is recognized as an important aspect of client-centered practice, there is no universally accepted approach to application in practice settings (Staudt, Howard, & Drake, 2001). Therefore, for BSW programs that want to include content on how to integrate a strengths-based perspective when working with clients who have experienced trauma, we propose the following: 1) help students to recognize that there is inherent resiliency that comes with having survived traumatic events, 2) emphasize that identifying strengths is most effective when there is a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the client's trauma history, biopsychosocial functioning, and social and cultural background, and 3) the identification of strengths can and should be applied to organizational processes and policies.…”