Use of strength-based perspective to empower children in communities

Abstract

Use of strength-based perspective to empower children in communities: Strengths-based practice is a collaborative process between the person supported by services and those supporting them, allowing them to work together to determine an outcome that draws on the person's strengths and assets. This paper seeks to show how strength based perspective can be applied to child protection and children's rights. Working in a collaborative way promotes the opportunity for children to be co-producers of services and support rather than solely consumers of those services. In child protection context, strengths based practice is solution focused and views the safety of the child or young person as paramount. It uses the strengths of individuals and families to develop strategies to achieve safety and change. It appreciates that the valuable skills and experiences children have is key to getting alongside them and co-producing. Principles of the strengths based approach include, social workers best save the clients by collaborating with them, every environment is full of resources and children have the capacity to determine what's best for them. However, weaknesses of this approach in child protection include the fact that, children can be manipulated by money leading to emotional and sexual abuse in private sectors and the approach also ignores people's problems can be heavy to such an extent they will not share or disclose to anyone.

How to cite this article using ASWNet style
Chanyau, E. (2023). Use of strength-based perspective to empower children in communities. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(3), 91. Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC), 16 June 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i3.6

Conference Abstract
Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC), Held on 16 June 2023, Day of the African Child (DAC), Organised by Africa Social Work and Development Network (ASWDN).

Conference Organising Committee: Danzel Rademan, University of the Free State, South Africa (Chairperson); Atuhairwe Collins, Student, Master of Social Work, Makerere University, Uganda (Vice-Chairperson); Never Winnie James Sebit, South Sudan; Bachelor in Social Work, RCSS, India (Secretary); Tatenda Sukulao, Bachelor of Social Work, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe (Vice-Secretary); Norman T. Manyika, Student, Bachelor of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe (Committee member) & Takudzwa Banda, Bachelor of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe (Committee member).

Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net