Social case work is a structured process used by social workers to support individuals, families, and communities. The five phases below describe a typical sequence in practice.
1. Engagement and Intake
Purpose: establish trust, clarify needs, and obtain informed consent to work together. Build rapport, explain confidentiality, and gather initial information.
- Establish rapport and safety
- Explain roles, confidentiality, and limits
- Conduct an intake interview and collect basic data
- Identify presenting issues and immediate risks
2. Assessment and Formulation
Purpose: understand the person in their context. Gather data on strengths, supports, risks, and barriers across biopsychosocial domains.
- Review history, resources, and needs
- Assess risk and safety concerns
- Identify priority problems and goals
- Develop a working problem list and initial hypotheses
3. Planning and Goal Setting
Purpose: co-create a concrete plan with measurable goals and timelines. Determine services and responsibilities.
- Set SMART goals with the client
- Prioritize actions and resources
- Choose interventions and referrals
- Define roles, responsibilities, and timelines in the case plan
4. Intervention and Service Provision
Purpose: implement the plan through direct services, advocacy, and coordination of care.
- Provide counseling, skill-building, or crisis support
- Make referrals and coordinate with other agencies
- Advocate for resources and navigate systems
- Monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed
5. Evaluation, Termination, and Follow-Up
Purpose: review outcomes, decide on termination or transition, and plan for sustainability.
- Evaluate progress toward goals using agreed indicators
- Document outcomes and reflect on effectiveness
- Prepare for case closure and provide aftercare if needed
- Follow up to prevent relapse or loss of gains
Note: Throughout all phases, maintain ethical practice, confidentiality, informed consent, and client autonomy.