The Social Assessment Report A

The Social Assessment Report

• A social assessment report (often called a social history) focuses on and describes the social aspects of the clients functioning and their situation. • Social workers are particularly concerned about the match between client needs and the resources available to meet those needs.

• Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior: this fact is the rationale for compiling a social history. • A social assessment report presents the reader with two types of information: – Social data consisting of facts and observations; – The worker’s interpretation of those data along with implications of the data for those who will work with the client.

A Good Report • A good report is characterized by these qualities: – Shortness: the report should say no more than needs to be said to those who will use the report. Don’t ask others to read more than is necessary. – Clarity and simplicity: select the least complicated words and phrases. – Usefulness: keep the report’s purpose in mind while you are preparing it. Do not include information merely because it is interesting.

– Organization: use numerous headings to break the information into easy-to-find topical categories: • • • Identifying information Reason for report Reason for social work or agency involvement Statement of client’s problem or concern Client’s family background (family of origin) Current family composition and/or household membership Relationships to significant others. Ethnicity, religion, and spirituality Physical functioning, health concerns, illness, disabilities, medications

– Organization (cont. ) • Educational background, school performance, intellectual functioning • Psychological and emotional functioning • Strengths, ways of coping, and problem-solving capacities • Employment, income, work experience and skills • Housing, neighborhood, and transportation • Current and recent use of community and professional services • Social workers’ impressions and assessment • Intervention and service plan

• Confidentiality and client access: respect the client’s privacy. Assume that the client may want to read the report and has a right to do so. Do not include information that you would not want the client or family (or their lawyer) to read. • Objectivity: select words that express your observations in an accurate and nonjudgmental manner. Do not present an opinion as if it were a fact. Support your conclusions with data.

• Relevance: the information included in the report should have a clear connection to the client’s presenting concern and/or the reason the social worker and agency are involved with the client. • Focus on client strengths: avoid preoccupation with pathology and family disorganization, personal weakness, and limitation. Focus on what the client/family can do. Successful intervention is built on client strength; the social assessment report must identify these strengths.