How can you apply emerging social work models?

2 Anti-oppressive practice

Anti-oppressive practice is a model that challenges the structural and systemic inequalities, discrimination, and oppression that affect clients and communities, such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and colonialism. It aims to promote social justice and human rights by addressing the root causes of social problems and empowering clients to resist and transform oppressive conditions. Anti-oppressive practice also requires critical self-reflection and awareness of one's own positionality, privilege, and biases, as well as the ethical and political implications of one's actions. To apply this model, you can use techniques such as critical consciousness, participatory action research, advocacy, and allyship.

3 Ecological systems theory

Ecological systems theory is a model that views clients and their issues in relation to the multiple and interrelated systems that surround them, such as family, school, work, community, culture, and society. It aims to understand the interactions and influences of these systems on clients' well-being, development, and behavior, as well as the potential sources of support or stress. Ecological systems theory also recognizes the dynamic and reciprocal nature of these systems, as well as the diversity and complexity of clients' experiences and identities. To apply this model, you can use techniques such as genograms, ecomaps, life course perspective, and ecological assessment.

4 Trauma-informed practice

Trauma-informed practice is a model that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on clients, such as abuse, violence, neglect, loss, disaster, or war. It aims to provide safe, compassionate, and respectful services that avoid re-traumatization and promote healing and recovery. Trauma-informed practice also recognizes the resilience and coping skills of clients, as well as the potential triggers and vulnerabilities that may affect their responses and behaviors. To apply this model, you can use techniques such as trauma screening, safety planning, crisis intervention, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.

5 Social constructionism

Social constructionism is a model that explores how clients and their issues are shaped by the social and cultural contexts in which they live, such as language, discourse, norms, values, and beliefs. It aims to challenge the dominant or taken-for-granted assumptions and narratives that may limit or oppress clients, and to co-create alternative or preferred meanings and realities. Social constructionism also emphasizes the relational and collaborative aspects of social work, as well as the diversity and multiplicity of perspectives and voices. To apply this model, you can use techniques such as deconstruction, reframing, dialogue, and storytelling.