Professional social work in its various forms addresses the diverse, complex relationships between people and their environment. It represents a whole network of values, theories and practice (cf. IFSW) and is as diverse as the lifeworld of people themselves. With the book "Sozialpädagogisches Können. Ein Lehrbuch zur multiperspektivischen Fallarbeit" (Social Pedagogical Skills: A Textbook on Multi-Perspective Casework), first published in 1993, Burkhard Müller intends to show that the diversity of social work can be ordered in a relatively clear pattern. He calls this pattern multi-perspective casework.
Whether this method succeeds in structuring the complexity of social pedagogical action through the case-related processing of the levels and phases named by Müller and making them transparent for the person acting is the central question of this paper.
The case perspectives and the work phases of multi-perspective approaches are to be explained in the paper. The extent to which this is a method that takes into account the complex conditions of social work as well as the specific legal requirements of the Child and Youth Welfare Act will be shown using the example of support planning. Finally, a conclusion and an assessment of the effectiveness of this model as a method of social work will follow.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Aid planning in the Child and Youth Welfare Act
2. Multi-perspective casework
2.1 Dimensions of case work – case of, case for, case with
2.2 Socio-educational anamnesis
2.3 Socio-educational diagnosis
2.4 Socio-educational intervention
2.5 Socio-pedagogical evaluation
3. Multi-perspective casework in support planning
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines Burkhard Müller’s "multi-perspective casework" model to determine its effectiveness in structuring and clarifying the complex nature of socio-pedagogical action. It explores how this method, characterized by distinct perspectives and work phases, can be applied to meet both the professional demands of social work and the specific legal requirements of the Child and Youth Welfare Act, particularly within the framework of aid planning.
- Theoretical foundations of multi-perspective casework.
- Core dimensions of case analysis: Case of, Case for, and Case with.
- Integration of work phases: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Intervention, and Evaluation.
- Application of the model to support planning under § 36 SGB VIII.
- Reflective assessment of professional practice in social work.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Dimensions of case work – case of, case for, case with
"Social pedagogues need to clarify their "cases " not only a broad horizon and a holistic view, but depending on the case, also very tangible expertise." (Müller 2008, p. 40). According to Müller, this expertise (e.B. social law) is an important prerequisite for understanding the case, but the case work must not be limited to legally informed understanding. In addition, there are levels of understanding that are "not just a holistic, but, more specifically, a multidimensional view (...)" (ibid.). Müller therefore distinguishes three dimensions from cases that usually have to be carried out in socio-pedagogical case work (cf. ibid.).
With Case of above all, he addresses a level that creates the character of "administrative action" in socio-pedagogical action. As is well known, social work is a profession that is never completely free, but an activity predominantly integrated into bureaucratic structures (cf. Galuske 2007, p. 188). However, the dimension is limited Case of not only on legal aspects, but also include socio-pedagogical expertise (cf. Müller 2008, p.41). Case of is to say that the case is considered "as an example of a recognized general" (ibid., p. 42), e.B. for a norm or a theory. Such a case could be in the social work activity, for example, a Case of Be a child's welfare risk, which is the Case of taking into care (according to § 42 SGB VIII) and thus requires "administrative action". "Administrative action confronted with this case dimension, provided that it is always in some form a matter of a "general" (laws, (...) or also "indeterminate legal terms " (...)) to implement concrete, individual-case action in a meaningful way." (Müller 2008, p. 43). It is therefore not sufficient merely to apply legislation correctly (see ibid.).
Chapter Summaries
1. Aid planning in the Child and Youth Welfare Act: Discusses the legal framework of § 36 SGB VIII, emphasizing the requirement for tailor-made support planning and the role of specialists in navigating indeterminate legal terms.
2. Multi-perspective casework: Introduces Burkhard Müller’s reconstructive approach, detailing the three dimensions of case work and the essential phases of the professional process.
2.1 Dimensions of case work – case of, case for, case with: Explains the distinction between administrative, referral, and relationship-based perspectives to help practitioners navigate different professional demands.
2.2 Socio-educational anamnesis: Defines anamnesis as an "attentive handling of ignorance" and an ongoing process of gathering information without relying on premature categorizations.
2.3 Socio-educational diagnosis: Focuses on the "problem clarification" phase, emphasizing the need for mutual recognition of problem definitions between social workers and clients.
2.4 Socio-educational intervention: Describes the three types of intervention—direct action, offers, and joint action—with the goal of moving toward collaborative participation.
2.5 Socio-pedagogical evaluation: Highlights the necessity of retrospective review and self-evaluation to ensure the effectiveness and ethical quality of social work practice.
3. Multi-perspective casework in support planning: Demonstrates how the model correlates with legal mandates to create a transparent, structured, and reflective assistance plan.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the value of the multi-perspective model as a necessary reflection instrument that meets both professional and legal requirements in social work.
Keywords
Multi-perspective casework, social work, aid planning, SGB VIII, anamnesis, socio-educational diagnosis, intervention, evaluation, Burkhard Müller, case-related work, assistance plan, socio-pedagogical action, professionalization, case of, case with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the application of Burkhard Müller's "multi-perspective casework" model, focusing on its utility in structuring professional social work practice within the context of legal aid planning.
What are the primary themes addressed?
The main themes include the theoretical framework of casuistry in social work, the dimensions of case analysis, and the practical implementation of work phases like anamnesis, diagnosis, and evaluation.
What is the research goal of this work?
The primary goal is to examine whether Müller's model successfully manages the complexity of socio-pedagogical action by providing a reflexive and structured approach for practitioners.
Which scientific method does the author employ?
The author uses a literature-based analysis and theoretical discourse, applying Müller's reconstructive model to the specific example of support planning under the German Child and Youth Welfare Act.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section details the three specific perspectives (Case of, Case for, Case with) and the four professional work phases, followed by a concrete demonstration of how these integrate into § 36 support planning.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include multi-perspective casework, aid planning, SGB VIII, socio-educational diagnosis, and professional reflection.
How does the model handle the legal requirements of aid planning?
The model aligns with the law by translating administrative requirements into socio-pedagogical phases, ensuring that "educational needs" and "type of aid" are negotiated through professional team consulting and client participation.
Why is the concept of "Case with" particularly relevant in this text?
"Case with" focuses on the cooperative relationship between the social worker and the client, emphasizing co-productivity and the humane treatment of those seeking assistance, which is essential for successful, long-term support.
- Quote paper
- Christiane Low (Author), 2008, Multi-perspective casework in support planning, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1154723
