This document was printed from the website of the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), which you can access at http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org/
This document was printed from the website of the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), which you can access at http://www.cachildwelfareclearinghouse.org/
Type of Maltreatment: Emotional abuse, Exposure to domestic violence, Physical abuse, Physical neglect, and Sexual abuse
Target Population: Child abuse and neglect cases
Brief Description:
Solution Based Casework has been rated by the CEBC in the area of Casework Practice. Solution Based Casework is an approach to assessment, case planning, and ongoing casework. This approach targets specific everyday events in the life of a family that have caused the family difficulty and represent a situation in which at least one family member cannot reliably maintain the behavior that the family needs to accomplish its goals. The model (Christensen et al, 1999) combines the best of the problem-focused relapse prevention approaches that evolved from work with addiction, violence, and helplessness (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985; Pithers, 1990), with solution-focused models that evolved from family systems casework and therapy (Berg, 1994; deShazer, 1988). By integrating the two approaches, partnerships between family, caseworker, and service providers can be developed that account for basic needs and restore the family’s pride in their own competence.
The approach was developed through consultation with workers and supervisors who were attempting to remedy problems contributing to re-occurrence of abuse and neglect. However, it is applicable to a wide range of family problems such as mental health or work related issues.
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Solution Based Casework has three basic goals:
Develop a partnership with the family:
Focus on pragmatic everyday family life tasks, such as:
Promote specific prevention skills tied to the family’s tasks:
Solution Based Casework has been shown to serve as a common conceptual framework for integrating disparate segments of a response network. Because the model provides for specific outcome skills necessary for relapse prevention, all providers in a service system can work toward common goals. Because the model utilizes a partnership approach based on what is successful, Solution Based Casework provides a method for tapping a family’s competence without diminishing the absolute need to meet certain criteria. Developing partnerships that lead to identifiable solutions in everyday family life is the best way to prevent future relapse.
Solution Based Casework was not designed to be conducted in a group.
Solution Based Casework has not been tested for use in a group setting.
Recommended intensity: Varies according to family needs
Recommended duration: Varies according to family needs
Solution Based Casework does not include a homework component.
Solution Based Casework is typically conducted in a(n): Adoptive Home, Birth Family Home, Community Agency, Foster Home, Hospital, Outpatient Clinic, Residential Care Facility, and School.
Solution Based Casework was designed with a Parent Component.
Solution Based Casework addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms: Child maltreatment, abuse or neglect.
Solution Based Casework was designed with a Child Component.
Solution Based Casework addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms: Experiencing child maltreatment, abuse or neglect.
Age range(s): 0-17
Solution Based Casework was not developed for children with developmental delays.
Solution Based Casework has not been tested for children with developmental delays.
Solution Based Casework was not designed for specific racial/ethnic/cultural groups.
Solution Based Casework was not tested in specific racial/ethnic/cultural groups.
There is a manual that describes how to implement this program.
There is training available for Solution Based Casework.
Training contact: Dana N. Christensen; University of Louisville, 502-852-8975
Number of days/hours: The training length varies on the states needs, but an introduction and overview takes about 2 days, an initial training of trainers about 5 days, and then follow ups
Training is obtained: The training is most easily offered on site in Louisville, KY.
There currently are not additional qualified resources for training.
The typical resources for implementing Solution Based Casework are: When a state or entity decides to change or adopt a practice model, it needs to train all levels, modify its initial new employee training academy, develop internal expertise, modify its information system and data forms, and address its printed materials at all levels.
There are no additional educational requirements aside from what is required by the child welfare agency for their caseworkers.
Solution Based Casework lacks adequate published, peer-reviewed research to meet CEBC criteria for scientific ratings 3 to 1; however it was identified by the topical expert as a program being used in this area, or it is being marketed and/or used in California with child receiving services from child welfare or related systems and their parents/caregivers. Some programs may have some published, peer-reviewed research that does not meet CEBC criteria for Ratings 3 to 1 or may have other studies that have not yet been published in the peer-reviewed literature. For more information, please see the Scientific Rating Scale page located under the Rating Scales button on the sidebar.
There are currently no published research studies for Solution Based Casework.
Christensen, D., Todahl, J., & Barrett, B. (1999). Solution based casework: An introduction to clinical and casework skills in social work practice. New York: Aldine DeGruyter Press.
Christensen, D. & Todahl, J. (1999). Solution based casework: Case planning to reduce risk. Journal of Family Social Work, 3(4), 3-24.
Contact name: Dana N Christensen, PhD
Affiliation/Agency: University of Louisville
Email: dana.christensen@louisville.edu
Phone: 502-852-8975