SAGE Journal Articles

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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1    Hill, M. (2002). Network assessments and diagrams. A flexible friend for social work practice and education. Journal of Social Work, 2(2), 233-254. doi: 10.1177/146801730200200207
 
Abstract
Summary: Personal social networks are often crucial in understanding the generation of social problems and form the context for social work interventions. Revived attention to networks has been prompted by recent interest in ecological approaches to social work and to social capital. This paper reviews the theoretical and research underpinnings of a social network approach to social work assessment. It describes an exercise that provides students with a systematic network-based framework and gives them opportunities to apply this in placement and reflect on their learning and experiences in class.
 
Questions to Consider:
  1. What purpose do social networks serve for individuals and families? How can these networks contribute to successful outcomes in delivering care to people in need of assistance?
  2. Describe the linkages between micro and macro systems through network associations.
  3. How does adult learning and social exchange theories contribute to the development of networks? Provide a summation of the four key stages for assessing practical and significant networks and how these processes can influence relationships.
  4. Construct a network diagram with descriptors of individual, familial, and community relationships in the form of an ecomap, ecogram, or genogram.
           
Article 2          Smith, E. (2006). The strength-based counseling model. The Counseling Psychologist, 34(1), 13-79. doi: 10.1177/0011000005277018
 
Abstract
This article proposes a strength-based model for counseling at-risk youth. The author presents the assumptions, basic concepts, and values of the strength perspective in counseling and offers strength categories as a conceptual model for viewing clients’ behavior. Propositions leading toward a theory of strength-based counseling and stages of this model are given, representative strength-based counseling techniques are examined, and a case study is used to illustrate risk factors, protective factors, and strength assessment. Ethical, research, and training implications of the strength-based model of counseling are discussed.
 
Questions to consider:
  1. What is the value in shifting from deficit-thinking to asset or strengths-based counseling with children and families? Which disciplines have contributed to this counseling approach?
  2. How can "culture" serve as a resiliency factor in providing services to children with adverse childhood experiences? Provide an example of cultural strength(s) for an undocumented immigrant child from Central America facing removal from his home by Child Welfare Services.
  3. What are the basic assumptions of the strengths perspective from a social work lens? How does a social worker "empower" clients to change behavior?
  4. Describe at least four core concepts of strengths-counseling that can address the needs of diverse clients.