Which is a key responsibility of social workers in the assessment phase?

During the assessment phase, social workers focus on gathering comprehensive information about the client’s situation. Identifying client strengths and challenges is crucial as it lays the foundation for understanding the client’s needs and developing a rapport. This process involves evaluating various aspects of the client's life, including their social, emotional, and environmental factors, which helps in formulating an effective treatment plan later on.

By pinpointing strengths, social workers can empower clients by acknowledging their resources and capabilities, facilitating a collaborative approach to the intervention. Simultaneously, recognizing challenges allows social workers to address specific areas needing support and intervention in the client’s life. This dual focus ultimately ensures that the actions taken in subsequent phases align with the client's unique context and goals.