1. Strengths Perspective in Policy Practice: Principles, Skills, and Connection to Social Work Values
from Social Policy for Effective Practice, by Rosemary Chapin
Chapter 1, “Social Work and Social Policy: A Strengths Perspective”
© 2011 Taylor and Francis

2. Principles of strengths-based policy practice
Strengths and goals of clients as starting places in policy development
Clients’ definitions of needs center stage
Structural barriers emphasized in causation
Policies build on individual and community resources
Goals focus on access and opportunity to empower target populations
© 2011 Taylor and Francis

3. Role of the social worker in strengths-based policy practice
Social worker is resource person for target population
Rather than act as “expert,” social worker draws attention to target population’s perspectives
Each client is an “expert” on his/her own situation
© 2011 Taylor and Francis

4. Skills for strengths-based policy practice
Communication with clients
Communication with external stakeholders
Group facilitation, consensus-building
Solicitation of client feedback
Analytical skills that integrate data and values
Understanding of policy development and change, to serve as resource for clients
© 2011 Taylor and Francis

5. The strengths perspective and social work values
Based on values of self-determination and social justice
Client-centered
Empowering
Non-stigmatizing
© 2011 Taylor and Francis

6. Exercising your strengths perspective
How would you frame the challenges faced by the “working poor” from a strengths perspective vs. a deficit approach? How would a difference in your approach lead to different policy preferences? Who might share a strengths framework regarding this issue? Who might reject it, at least initially?
© 2011 Taylor and Francis