Group-Centered Social Work

Paper Summary:

The paper assesses the positives and negatives of the group-centered social work approach, examines the impact this technique has on a variety of service users and explores the reasons for the relative demise of the approach over recent years. The paper concludes that in order for social workers to be able to meet the needs of service users, they must be equipped with a variety of methods and approaches. The paper stresses the importance of group work continuing to play an important role in this process.

From the Paper:

"Of the six main social work approaches the focus of this piece will be placed on group work. In the 1970s group centred social work enjoyed an unrivalled preponderance. Group work formed an essential part, not only of social work theory but also academic and casework practice (Adams et al, 2002; p.149). However, this predominance has failed to sustain itself over the last two decades. Over this period there has been a drive towards specialisation and the increasing impact of the law on social work practice. Nonetheless, to consign group work to the annals of the past would be premature. Although the concept no longer enjoys the same elevated position among social workers and academics, it nevertheless still provides a useful theoretical and practical approach that is worthy of examination."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, Robert et al. Social Work; Themes, Issues, and Critical Debates. New York: Palgrave, 2002.
• Brammer, Alison. Social Work Law. London: Pearson, 2007.
• Payne, Malcolm. Modern Social Work Theory. New York: Palgrave, 2005.
• Thompson, Neil. Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice. London: Macmillan, 2000.

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