Unit Title | Social Work Futures in a Global Contexts | Unit Number | U22080-12YR | Unit Coordinator | Chris Penney and Annabel Tremlett | Description of work | Formative assignment | Word Count | 550 | Student Number (s) | 488901, 486768 | Date Submitted | 9th November |

An Innovative Approach to Social Work

Introduction

The ‘ecological systems theory’ has been adapted to Children Services in New South Wales, Australia, as an approach to understanding the child in their context , which could be used to define a person’s behaviour in later life. This theory looks at how the child’s environment has an effect on their growth and development, providing a basis for how professionals can intervene in early years to support the child and family (Garbarino 1990, NICHD, 2000) (“Practice Grounded in Theory”, 2008).

The model contrasts internal, individual or biological factors with external, social, environmental and relational factors (Wong and Cumming, 2008), implementing a holistic approach to the intervention. It combines the individual, the family and the community in underpinning issues that have contributed to the child’s development. For example, examining the child’s social factors could involve liaising with the school, the home, and other agencies, gaining an understanding of the whole situation.

History of the ecological system

This approach was evolved by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979 which looks at the different systems which could influence a child’s life. The micro system is the relationship the child has with their immediate surroundings (Berk, 2000) (such as their family, school, neighbourhood etc.). The Mesosystem is the relationship between these different structures (e.g. the relationship between the family and the school). The Exosystem is the larger environment which the child does not have a direct relationship with (e.g. parent’s workplace). The Macrosystem is built up of ‘cultural values, customs and laws’ (Berk, 2000). The Chronosystem involves the timing of different events (e.g. a parent’s death). Bronfenbrenner has described these systems as “layers”, so when one “layer” changes it has an effect on the whole system (“Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory”, 2001).

Implementation of the model in the UK

This theory has been adapted in the UK when intervening with family issues (Hill, 2005). Hill’s study has argued that the work microsystem and the family influence each other, forming together to create the ‘work-family Mesosystem’. For example, family problems at home, affecting the child, could stem from the parents workplace (e.g. family stress, sex role theories). This theory would give professionals a direction and basis for their intervention.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the model

Bronfenbrenner’s model treats every child as an individual. ‘Each developing child is recognised as a unique individual with his or her own biological and maturational characteristics that are influenced to a large extent by their genetic heritage’s’ (Bjorklund, Yunger and Pellegrini 2002). This suggests how this model takes into account the different needs of children, promoting diversity, anti-discriminative practice and equality.

One criticism is it focuses on all the systems surrounding the Service User, and may mean that more focus is placed on factors of their lives that aren’t as important. However under this model, it suggests how the Social Worker needs to assess all factors of the child’s and their family’s life. In an article ‘Does Social Work Need an Eco-Systems Perspective’ the writer has argued this point. Wakefield has suggested that Social Workers need to work with other agencies, each focusing on the most essential factors to construct a strong analysis, and piece together the whole situation (Wakefield, 1996).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a holistic approach is extremely important in working with a service user; however current Social Workers do not always have the time to focus on all factors due to a high case load. It could be argued that Social Workers role today is focused around assessing the child and family and referring them to other agencies. However it could be argued that Social Workers need to adopt this model into their practice, enabling more time spent with the service users. Social Workers would gain an understanding of all factors affecting their lives, to provide relevant support and build a good rapport with Service Users.

References

Berk (2000). Cited by Ryan, J. (2008). Practice Ground in Theory. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from http://www.sdn.org.au/downloads/2-PRACTICE%20GROUNDED%20IN%20THEORY-%20Final%20Copy.pdf

Bjorklund, Yunger and Pellegrini, (2002). Practice Ground in Theory. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from http://www.sdn.org.au/downloads/2-PRACTICE%20GROUNDED%20IN%20THEORY-%20Final%20Copy.pdf

Hill, J. (2005). Work-Family Facilitation and Conflict, Working Fathers and Mothers, Work-Family Stressors and Support. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from the Sage Publications website: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/pricefamchnge4e/study/articles/02/Hill.pdf

Ryan. J, (2001), Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from http://people.usd.edu/~mremund/bronfa.pdf

Wakefield, J. (1996). Does Social Work Need the Eco-Systems Perspective? Retrieved November 1, 2012, from http://mirror.olc.edu/local_links/socialwork/OnlineLibrary/Wakefield,%201996,%20ecosystems%20critique,%20part%201.pdf

Wong.M, and Cumming.T, (2008). Practice Ground in Theory. Retrieved October 31, 2012, from http://www.sdn.org.au/downloads/2-PRACTICE%20GROUNDED%20IN%20THEORY-%20Final%20Copy.pdf