Counselling as a social work skill with reference to adolescents

Abstract

Social workers have been involved with Adolescents since the establishment of any generic social-work Department. Adolescents in need of help have turned to the Ċentru Ħidma Soċjali, The Education Welfare Department and the Young Persons Unit, which forms a part of Mount Carmel Hospital. These Social Workers were principally responsible for intervention when besides the presenting problem a number of social problems within these clients families was discovered. These Social Workers were assigned social casework at their respective department; and at times the adolescent client was referred to another worker who might specialise in their particular problem. The present situation prompts me to ask: (i) How is the present system actually functioning? (ii) Is the present system sufficient for the needs of the adolescent? (iii) What methods do the Social Worker use? (iv) Is this method and the helping relationship catering for the needs of the adolescent who is in transitory development stage? This Dissertation will hopefully bring to light the adolescents' views about professional help and their expectations of Social Work. Through meeting these clients, one may point out the importance of good use of Counselling as a skill in casework.