Family Systems Social Work

Course content will be guided by research, empirical knowledge and best practice. The following values and principles, consistent with professional standards, inform course content.

• Ability to reflect on one’s own family experience is central to understanding the potential impact of one’s values, beliefs, and attitudes on social work practice.
• A multi-generational family systems model such as the Multi Contextual Life Cycle Framework provides a comprehensive assessment of a family’s current situation.
• Diversity exists within individuals, families, communities and cultures.
• Everyone comes from a family. A family systems perspective provides multiple opportunities to provide support and assistance to clients.
• All families have strengths, even when under stress.  It is essential for social workers to encourage resiliency and positive coping mechanisms.
• Providing support to families is only possible through collaboration with client families, as well as with other professionals and community members.
• Families develop through life transitions that present opportunities for change and growth.
• Stress can have a significant impact on both individual and family development.  The effects of major stress, trauma and loss can go on for generations (e.g., Aboriginal people, refugees, etc.), and have a direct or indirect effect on individual or family functioning.