The course introduces social work students to direct practice with individuals and families as client systems. It is particularly concerned with extending the student’s ability to make a complete psychosocial assessment upon which a feasible plan of intervention can be based, and by which the outcome of case intervention can be evaluated. A pluralistic approach will be taken to the understanding of the individual within the context of the family, societal alliances, and the broader societal setting. The course will also examine the West Indian family as a societal system.

Course content will include methods of intervention, which can be used to enable family members to develop, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and to function effectively in the family and community. Issues relating to the worker-client relationship and to values and ethical questions will be explored. The organisational context and the social service network within which social casework is practised in Barbados and the Region will be considered. Students will also be introduced to a range of theoretical frameworks relevant to casework intervention with individuals and families.