This document discusses the integrated approach in social work practice. It explains that the integrated approach combines different methods and theories to address problems in a holistic manner. The integrated approach is based on systems theory and recognizes how different systems interact and influence each other. A change in one system can produce changes in related systems. The integrated approach advocates using multiple social work methods together to effectively create change, rather than relying on a single method.

1. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF RAJASTHAN
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
APPROACHES OF SOCIALWORKPRATICE
NAME OF STUDENT : NIKITA
COURSE NAME : FUNDAMENTAL OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK
COURSE CODE: MSW401

2. INTRODUCTION
 System approach is a collection of interrelated parts acting together to
accomplish a set of objectives and a goal which exist in the environment.
 LUDWIG VON BERTALANFFY is called the father of the system approach
and according to him “ in order to understand to organized whole, we must
know both the parts as well as the relation between them”
 The ides to develop an integrated approach was put forth in the 1970s and
1980s authors like PINCUS AND MINAHAN(1973) (YESUDHAS,2015).
 In India integrated approach or model of social work of practice introduces as
a course at college of social work , Nirmala Niketan , Mumbai.
 The course was named integrated social work practice (ISWP) (Yesudhas
,2015).
 Integrated approach gives the flexibility to the social worker to work all these
system and use different theories and methods to assess, understand and
inference.
 Integrated social work thus follows a holistic approach in dealing with the
problems the client system is confronted.

4. SYSTEM APPROACHE
 A System approach is set of interrelated and inter dependent part arranged in a manner that
produces a unified whole.
 For Example:
 The human body is a system with all the organs , muscles, bones and conscious that like all of its
part.
 Tree is a system with all the roots, branches, leaf, fruits that like all of its part .
 In a company a group of division people working for a common goal or success . So this system for
mainly approach to the management.

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS APPROACH
 Systems, Subsystems and Supersystem :
 Systems: An organized or complex whole ; an assemblage or combination of things or
parts forming a complex unitary whole.
 Subsystems: a system is basically a combination of parts. Each parts may have various
sub parts.
 Supersystems: An organisation is a system of mutually dependent parts, each of which
may include many subsystem.
 Like : TREE

6. TREE
System : Creating a tree by combing
the tree parts is called a system .
Subsystem : part of tree
Supersystem : system+ subsystems
(environment)
Like: neighbourhood SUBSYSTEM

7. SYSTEM IN THE CHANGE PROGESS
 Focus On Connections Of Families And Groups ,Their Resources, and Their
Effective Function .
 Social Work Preserves Social Order Rather Than Promote Radical Change (Payne
,2002)
a) Action System: All Of The People With Whom The Change Agent System Works
To Achieves The Change Efforts .
b) Change Agent: Social Worker , Agency , Formal /Informal Resources
c) Target System : Individuals , Groups ,Communities Whom The Change Agents
System And Client System Is Trying To Change .
d) Client System: Individuals , Groups , Communities Who Seek Help.

8. SOME BASIC ASSUMPTION
 A social system is made up of individuals , interrelated to constitute a whole .
 The limit of a social system are defined by established or arbitrary boundaries.
 Boundaries gives a social systems its focus and identity as distinct from other social system
with which it interacts.
 A System Environment Is By Definition Outsides The System Boundaries.
 All System Are Sub System Of Larger System .
 Change from within or outside a Social System that moves the system to an Imbalanced
State Will Result In an attempt by the System to establish That Balances (Homeostasis)

9. INTEGRATED APPROACH
 The terms ‘integration ‘ and ‘eclecticism ‘are often used interchangeably ,they are
very approach in their approach .
 An approach is said to be eclectic when the practitioners selectively uses techniques
from various approaches which they feel are apt for the problem being dealt with
(Hollanders ,2007)
 Integrated approach is a combination of different approaches joined together to form
a unitary approach.
 A change in one system has the potential to produce change in all the system with
which it interacts .

10.  Integrated approach is primarily based on the system theory which assumes
that system are in interaction with each other .
 These system influences and get influenced by each other .
 A change in one system has the potential to produce change in all the system
with which it interacts.
 This indicates that there are several methods through which changes can be
effected.
 Change cannot be effected through one unique methods .
 This a approach advocates the integration of different social work methods to
address problem and bring desired change

11. Example:
 A person with a distress related to financial status is referred to social worker for
intervention.
 A clinical social worker would suggest clinical intervention , while another would
look for mobilise resources and offer practical help , while yet another would want
to work the community in order to bring in changes at the macro level to provide a
comfortable living for persons such as these.