While tidying up my cupboards I found a sheet of info from my Social Work training in the early 80s. I have OCRed it and it appears below. It is one of the best things I got from the Social Work training. SYSTEMS.
Systems Approach to Social Networks
The conceptualisation of the human body into systems e.g. digestive systems circulatory system, autonomic nervous system assists in the treatment of individual people. Social work is developing system concepts which can assist in the treatment of social problems.
The system concept used in the management of cases includes the following four systems:
CHANGE AGENT SYSTEM.
The initiators of planned change. Usually .kis unit, but at times other agencies – e.g. Child and Family Guidance Centre.THE CLIENT SYSTEM,
The individual, family or group-that is the expected
beneficiary of the change.ACTION’ SYSTEM
The various people that effect the change – this
can of course include the client or the chance agent but also any other avalilable.resources.TARGET SYSTEM.
The people or groups that need to be changed in order to achieve the goals.It is important to note.that in one “case” there may be a variety of goals and that for EACH goal there will be a different content in each system.
E.G.
A patient may wish to improve her relationship with her
husband – (goal 1). She may wish to have her children back
from a foster placement (goal 2). Each of these goals may
have quite different TARGET, ACTION, CLIENT systems.
Note: that each goal is contracted with the client and social worker
and must be acceptable to bothSocial Work Practice
Model & Method
Pincus & Minahan., Peacock Pub. 1975.