The Social Assessment Report

• A social assessment report (often called a social history) focuses on and describes the social aspects of the clients functioning and their situation.

• Social workers are particularly concerned about the match between client needs and the resources available to meet those needs.

• Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior: this fact is the rationale for compiling a social history.

• A social assessment report presents the reader with two types of information:– Social data consisting of facts and

observations;– The worker’s interpretation of those data

along with implications of the data for those who will work with the client.

A Good Report

• A good report is characterized by these qualities:– Shortness: the report should say no more than needs

to be said to those who will use the report. Don’t ask others to read more than is necessary.

– Clarity and simplicity: select the least complicated words and phrases.

– Usefulness: keep the report’s purpose in mind while you are preparing it. Do not include information merely because it is interesting.

– Organization: use numerous headings to break the information into easy-to-find topical categories:

• Identifying information• Reason for report• Reason for social work or agency involvement• Statement of client’s problem or concern• Client’s family background (family of origin)• Current family composition and/or household membership• Relationships to significant others.• Ethnicity, religion, and spirituality • Physical functioning, health concerns, illness, disabilities,

medications

– Organization (cont.)• Educational background, school performance, intellectual

functioning• Psychological and emotional functioning• Strengths, ways of coping, and problem-solving capacities• Employment, income, work experience and skills• Housing, neighborhood, and transportation• Current and recent use of community and professional

services • Social workers’ impressions and assessment• Intervention and service plan

• Confidentiality and client access: respect the client’s privacy. Assume that the client may want to read the report and has a right to do so. Do not include information that you would not want the client or family (or their lawyer) to read.

• Objectivity: select words that express your observations in an accurate and nonjudgmental manner. Do not present an opinion as if it were a fact. Support your conclusions with data.

• Relevance: the information included in the report should have a clear connection to the client’s presenting concern and/or the reason the social worker and agency are involved with the client.

• Focus on client strengths: avoid preoccupation with pathology and family disorganization, personal weakness, and limitation. Focus on what the client/family can do. Successful intervention is built on client strength; the social assessment report must identify these strengths.