Core Concepts
Micro Practice
Working directly with individuals, families, and small groups.
Mezzo Practice
Working with organizations, neighborhoods, and communities.
Macro Practice
Working for systemic change through policy, advocacy, and community organizing.
Strengths-Based Approach
Focusing on clients' strengths and resources rather than deficits.
Ecological Systems Theory
Understanding individuals within the context of their environments: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem.
Code of Ethics
NASW principles: Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of the Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, Competence.
Worked Examples & Applications
Systems Theory Example: Child in foster care: Microsystem (family, peers). Mesosystem (school-family relationship). Exosystem (parent's workplace policies). Macrosystem (cultural values, foster care laws). Chronosystem (changes over time).
Strengths-Based Assessment: Instead of: "Client has addiction and unemployment." Strengths-based: "Client has maintained sobriety for 30 days, has supportive sister, and demonstrated previous employment history as an asset."
Practice Questions
Q: What are the three levels of social work practice? A: Micro (individuals/families), Mezzo (organizations/communities), Macro (policy/systemic change).
Q: What is the strengths-based approach? A: A practice approach that focuses on clients' existing strengths, resources, and capacities rather than their deficits and problems.