Diagnosis in Social Work : New Imperatives

Diagnosis in Social Work argues for the reinstatement of social diagnosis to its former place as an essential concept in social work intervention. It shows how the concept of diagnosis in social work has been misunderstood and given a negative, narrow definition in commonly used texts, and how this has had a detrimental impact on the quality of social work intervention. In addition, this valuable book includes suggestions as to how practitioners can enhance their own diagnostic acumen.

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How can you make necessary professional judgments without being judgmental?

Assessment and diagnostic skills are essential professional tools for the social worker, but all too often they are neglected or downplayed. Diagnosis in Social Work argues for the reinstatement of social diagnosis to its former place as an essential concept in social work. This courageous book demonstrates the detrimental impact of the loss of diagnostic skills on the quality of social work intervention.

Combining meticulous history with insightful analysis, Diagnosis in Social Work shows how the concept of diagnosis in social work has been misunderstood. It examines the negative, narrow definition of diagnosis offered in commonly used texts.

Diagnosis in Social Work includes the tools you need to use the power of correct, careful diagnosis, including:

• case examples of social work diagnoses
• a thorough profile of the judgments constituting a social work diagnosis
• suggestions to enhance diagnostic acumen
• an analysis of diagnosis as a process and a fact
• ways to use computers in diagnosis
• an assessment of the risks of diagnosis

Diagnosis in Social Work includes everything social work practitioners need to know about the process and meaning of this sorely neglected part of the field. It is an ideal textbook as well, and it offers suggestions for further research.