Reference no: EM133174871 , Length: word count:1200

MSWPG7108 Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities - Federation University Australia

Activity - Critical analysis of agency models for practice

Outline and critically analyze the agency models for practice contrasting these models with alternative approaches to practice.

The aim of this section is to investigate the agency models and compare different approaches. Some agencies will have clearly outlined their model of practice in a practice document or manual that is referenced with professional literature. Other agencies may not have clearly articulated their model so the student will need to observe practice, interview staff and research the agency's approach to clearly outline the basis of the agency's model practice. Students will need to compare macro/structural and micro/individual approaches to practice. They need to look beyond the agency model to evaluate the agency's practice and consider alternative approaches. This activity is about analysing and critical evaluating the approach by comparing it with other theoretical approaches and models used in other practice settings.
Use the following activities as a guide for the question

1. Identify and describe 2 of the theories/approaches/frameworks your agency uses in practice

2. Outline at least one macro or social change theory and how it might apply to your work in the agency

3. Compare and contrast the agency's approach with a different approach (eg macro versus micro).

4. Evaluate the strength and limits of each approach?

5. If you had the opportunity to change/expand practice what else might you do using an alternative theory/approach to that of the agency?

6. Outline the above in relation to a practice scenario