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UNIT I INTRODUCTION OF SOCIAL WORK

Social: Related to organizations / society
Work: The actions we perform

Social work: The action which we perform for the society is called social work.

Introduction

Social work is a problem solving profession.
It is committed to improve the quality of human life by using different techniques and strategies.
It helps to solve the problems of individuals, groups and communities of different places.


Definition of Social Work

Social work is a practice based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being.


Scope of Social Work (SW)

Child Development

  1. Ensure healthy growth and development of children.
  2. Provide support and education to children.
  3. Provide resources to parents.

Medical Social Work

  1. Social workers collaborate with medical professionals to meet psychological and emotional needs of patients and families.
  2. Clinical social workers provide therapy and counselling to individuals, families and groups dealing with mental health challenges.

International Social Work

  1. Relates to social issues on a global scale.
  2. Includes disaster response, international development and advocacy for human rights.

Social Welfare Organisation

The process of organising and administering social work services in both private and public sectors is called social welfare organisation.


Community Organization

Social work that takes place at community level is called community organization.

Problems addressed include:

  • Water scarcity
  • Poverty
  • Unemployment
  • Education needs

Social Group Work

The social worker helps members of a group to develop their capabilities and potentialities.
Growth and development of group members is promoted.


Objectives of Social Work

  • Solve psycho-social problems such as family conflicts and emotional distress.
  • Fulfill humanitarian needs (helping poor, women, elderly and children).
  • Enhance self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • Create self-sufficiency.
  • Improve positive relationships between families and communities.
  • Strengthen social relations.
  • Ensure social justice by fair distribution of resources.

Functions of Social Work

1. Restoration

Social workers help people restore abilities, skills and qualities so that they can lead a normal life.

2. Resource Provision

Social workers help society become aware of government schemes such as housing and education loans.

3. Prevention

Social workers counsel youngsters and teenagers to prevent issues such as drug addiction and social problems.


Social Problem

When a particular social condition or phenomenon disturbs social order and hinders smooth functioning of social institutions, it is called a social problem.

Social Problems in India

  • Poverty
  • Regionalism
  • Linguism
  • Casteism
  • Untouchability
  • Unemployment
  • Gender inequality
  • Labour problems
  • Basic sanitation
  • Educational issues

Social Work with Families and Children

The aim is to enable family members to develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible and lead personally satisfying and socially useful lives.

Roles include:

  • Family service provider
  • Family court counselor
  • Child welfare officer
  • Child protection officer
  • Career guide

Social Work in Disaster Management

A disaster is a natural or man-made hazard causing significant destruction or loss of life.

Social workers play an important role through:

  • Coordination
  • Liaison
  • Training
  • Legal actions

Examples:

  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
  • State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

Eco Social Work

The environment is degrading day by day and natural resources are being depleted.

Social workers create awareness by:

  1. Encouraging purchase of recycled products.
  2. Promoting healthy waste disposal patterns.
  3. Supporting afforestation and preventing deforestation.

Gerontological Social Work

Aging is natural.
Social workers provide support and services to elderly people.


Various Fields of Social Work

Social workers perform roles in many sectors including:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Communities
  • Schools
  • Industries

Different roles include:

  • Medical Social Worker
  • Industrial Social Worker
  • Psychiatric Social Worker

Health Social Work

Includes the role of social workers in medical and psychiatric settings.

  • Medical Social Work
  • Psychiatric Social Work

Social Work in School

The goal is the development of all students, especially those with disabilities.


Social Work in Industry

Aims to improve social climate and quality of human relations.


Environmental and Conservation Programs

Focus on environmental protection, afforestation, waste management and sustainable development.

Examples:

  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Skill Development and Employment Programs

Aim to improve employability through vocational training.

Examples:

  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
  • National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation

Focus on:

  • Awareness about drug abuse
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Recovery support

Examples:

  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Elderly Care and Support

Programs provide support to elderly populations.

Examples:

  • National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
  • Vayoshrestha Samman

Mental Health Services

Government and NGOs provide counselling and awareness programs.

Examples:

  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science (NIMHANS)
  • District Mental Health Program

Educational Services

India provides educational services including government schools, scholarships and literacy initiatives.

Examples:

  • Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
  • Mid-day meal program

Social Welfare Programs

Programs providing social safety nets.

Examples:

  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Housing and Shelter Services

Affordable housing for economically weaker sections.

Examples:

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
  • Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)

Women Empowerment and Child Welfare

Examples:

  • ICDS
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana

Rural Development

Focus on improving rural infrastructure and agriculture.

Examples:

  • MGNREGA
  • PMAY

Social Service

Social service refers to activities aimed at improving the well-being of society.

Types of Social Services in India

  1. Health care services
  2. Educational services
  3. Social welfare programs
  4. Housing and shelter services
  5. Women empowerment and child welfare

Essential Elements

  • Educational support
  • ICDS
  • Child and family services
  • Health care services
  • Disability services
  • Emergency assistance
  • Digital India
  • Rashtriya Swasth Bima Yojana (RSBY)
  • Mid-day meal scheme
  • Elderly care
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Public Distribution System (PDS)

Principles of Social Work / Social Case Work

Principles are statements of Do’s and Don’ts to get best results while practicing social work.

Principles include:

  • Principles of Acceptance
  • Principles of Individualization
  • Principles of Communication
  • Principles of Confidentiality
  • Principles of Self-Determination
  • Principles of Non-Judgemental Attitude
  • Principles of Controlled Emotional Involvement

Principles of Acceptance

Social workers must perceive, acknowledge and establish a relationship with the individual as he actually is.


Principles of Individualization

Each individual is different like a thumbprint.
The social worker deals with the particular problem of each individual.

Repeated

This principle also appears earlier in the notes.


Principles of Communication

Communication is a two-way process.
The social worker should have enough skills to communicate with the client and make the client feel comfortable to express thoughts and feelings.

Repeated

Similar explanation appears earlier.


Principles of Confidentiality

Social workers must maintain confidentiality regarding information given by the client.


Principles of Self-Determination

Social workers should not force their decisions on the client.
They should support the client in making acceptable decisions.


Principles of Non-Judgemental Attitude

Social workers must maintain a professional relationship without bias.


Principles of Controlled Emotional Involvement

Social workers should maintain emotional control and keep some emotional distance while solving client problems.

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