Strengths Perspective in Effective Policy Practice

PRINCIPLES OF STRENGTHS PERSPECTIVE POLICY PRACTICE
(Incorporating the Social Work Values into the Policy Development Process , Rapp,PEttus & Goscha in Chapin, 2007)
 The strengths and goals of your clients are legitimate starting places in developing social policy. Problems and deficits should not be given center stage.
 Given that the definition of social problems that typically guide policy and program development are socially constructed, our clients’ perspectives concerning their problems, needs, strengths, and goals should be part of the social construction of need for policy development.
 Structure barriers that disadvantage our clients in meeting needs and create unequal opportunities should be emphasized when claims for the right to benefits and services are made.
 The strengths perspective is premised on social work values of self-determination an social justice. Claims for benefits and services that allow people to overcome these additional barriers are made based on the right to equal access to resources and opportunities to meet needs and reach goals for citizens regardless of gender, race, age, disability, or other characteristics that have been the basis for denying access.
 Social policies and problems should build on individual and community strengths and resources and remove structural barriers that disadvantage the target group.
 The role of the social worker is not that of the expert who helps shape policy for hapless victims. Rather, it is that of the collaborator and resource person who helps gain attention for the perspectives of the target group.
 Social policy goals and design should focus on access, choice, and opportunity that can help empower the target group in meeting its needs and goals. The target group should be involved in all phases of policy development.
 Evaluation of the efficacy of social policy should include evaluation of outcomes for clients.