Case work with individuals and families is once again increasingly in the focus of specialist discussions in social work. The performance and quality requirements for case work are becoming ever greater, since people's living conditions have changed, their problem situations have changed and often become complex, multi-burdened problem situations. Added to this is the increase in the legal right to professional assistance.
For some time, attention has therefore been focused on the concept of case management, which could represent a qualified continuation of social individual case assistance.
Table of Contents
1. Prologue
2. Definition of case management
3. Historical development of case management
4. Axiology of Case Management
5. Theoretical background of case management
5.1. Central functions of case management
5.2 Systems Theory
6. Praxiology of Case Management
6.1 Fields of action and areas of application
6.2 Overview of different phase models
6.3 The phase model according to Manfred Neuffer
6.4 Key qualifications of the Case Manager
7. Possibilities and Limitations of Case Management in Social Work
8. Epilogue
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concept of Case Management within the social work sector. It examines the historical emergence, theoretical foundations, and practical application models of Case Management, while critically discussing its possibilities and limitations in meeting the complex support needs of individuals and families in modern society.
- Historical evolution and development of Case Management in the USA and Europe.
- Theoretical foundations, including resource-orientation and systems theory.
- Practical phase models for the implementation of Case Management.
- Key qualifications and professional roles required for effective Case Management.
- Critical reflection on the possibilities and limitations of the approach in a social work context.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Prologue
The focus of the expert discussions of social work is again increasingly on case work with individuals and families. The performance and quality requirements for case work are taking on ever greater proportions, as people's life situations have changed, their problem situations have changed and often become complex, more burdened problem situations. In addition, there is the increase in the legal entitlement to professional assistance.
"The difficulties and hardships of people are now so involved in everyday life that (!) they hardly disappear if money is given from time to time or good advice or if one tries to cope with the social burdens with psychotherapy or medication. In a complex situation, perhaps everything is required together, coordinated with each other, or even just a better organization in coping with everyday life."
These multidimensional life situations of the clientele, but also new action-theoretical insights of the systemic model of thought require new holistic concepts to be designed and applied. Social and health care reforms are also playing their part. "The direction of redesign is in all care services for people... the same: it must (!) be rationalized, with a view to ensuring quality and limiting costs."
Summary of Chapters
1. Prologue: Introduces the growing importance of case work in social services and the need for holistic management concepts due to increasingly complex life situations.
2. Definition of case management: Explores the conceptual roots and definitions of case management, emphasizing the coordination of support services and the empowerment of the client.
3. Historical development of case management: Traces the origins of case management in the USA during the late 70s as a response to service fragmentation and deinstitutionalization.
4. Axiology of Case Management: Discusses the ethical and human-image foundations, focusing on client resources and the role of the professional in fostering self-help.
5. Theoretical background of case management: Examines central resource-oriented functions and the integration of systems theory into social work practices.
6. Praxiology of Case Management: Provides an in-depth look at organizational frameworks, various phase models for support processes, and the necessary competencies for a case manager.
7. Possibilities and Limitations of Case Management in Social Work: Offers a critical reflection on applying neoliberal methods within the German social welfare system and the risk of over-burdening the case manager.
8. Epilogue: Concludes by reinforcing the view of case management as a unique method for supporting individuals with multiple, complex needs through a well-coordinated network.
Keywords
Case Management, Social Work, Resource-orientation, Systems Theory, Empowerment, Case Manager, Support Planning, Deinstitutionalization, Social Services, Coordination, Client-centered care, Professional Competencies, Multidimensional support, Social Welfare, Case assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on the conceptual, historical, and practical aspects of Case Management as an instrument in social work to address complex, multidimensional problems of individuals and families.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the historical development of the method, the underlying theoretical frameworks like systems theory, various organizational models of implementation, and the specific role and qualifications of a case manager.
What is the primary goal of Case Management according to the text?
The primary goal is to empower clients to live independently by identifying their strengths and coordinating necessary support services, rather than creating dependency on the professional.
Which scientific methodology is the book based on?
The text employs an analytical literature review, synthesizing various theoretical perspectives and practical models (such as those by Moxley, Neuffer, and Weil) to evaluate the method's effectiveness.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the definition and historical background, the axiological principles of the human image in social work, theoretical underpinnings, detailed phase models (assessment, planning, intervention, monitoring, evaluation), and key professional qualifications.
What characterizes Case Management according to the text?
It is characterized by its holistic, resource-oriented, and network-focused approach, distinguishing it from traditional individual case help by aiming for the effective coordination of multiple support services.
How does Neuffer's phase model differ from others?
Neuffer's model is explicitly designed for the context of social work with individuals and families, emphasizing clear, logically connected steps from initial contact to the final termination of assistance.
Why is the "systemic" aspect important in Case Management?
Systems theory provides a structure that allows for a holistic view of the client within their environment, acknowledging that individuals and their problems are deeply interconnected with social and administrative structures.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sarah Giehring (Autor:in), 2008, Case Management. A brief overview, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1170804
