Phases of Social Intervention: A Methodical Approach
Phases of Social Intervention Method
In practice, social actors confront ever-changing realities. Their actions are pre-defined by changes at different levels (e.g., interpersonal relations, applicable legislation, resource utilization). Several variables influence their actions, including:
- Individuals involved
- Problem scope
- Available time
- Actor’s training and competence
- Specific objectives
Despite this fluidity and the influencing variables, a methodical sequence guides these actions. While the phases are recognized, they often become blurred in practice.
Logical Progression of Phases
- Locating the Social Problem
- Analyzing the Situation
- Preliminary Evaluation
- Developing the Intervention Project
- Implementation
- Evaluating Results
- Concluding the Action
1. Locating the Social Problem
The social actor’s action begins with encountering the individual needing assistance. This can occur in several ways:
- Direct request from the individual
- Referral from another service or judicial authority
- Problem identified by the professional
Locating the request involves answering specific questions: who is asking, what are they claiming, why, for whom, and to whom it concerns.
2. Analyzing the Situation
This phase involves gathering information about the individual and their situation. Knowledge of humanities and social sciences is crucial for interpreting the data. Relevant fields include sociology, psychology, economics, and social legislation. The analysis should consider the entire field of action, including involved agencies, institutions, resources, and the specific problem.
3. Preliminary Evaluation
Based on the gathered information, the analysis should yield an interpretation of the data and a proposed course of action. This evaluation is an explanatory synthesis of the interrelated elements, describing the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and internal/external influencing factors.
4. Developing the Intervention Project
This phase involves three operations:
- Defining specific, partial objectives based on the request, available resources, and time frame (short, medium, or long-term).
- Determining the intervention level (individual, family, or group), which is essential for selecting appropriate means.
- Choosing intervention types or strategies.
Developing the intervention project is the professional’s responsibility. However, the individual’s project and the institution’s project may differ. Reconciling these perspectives requires collaborative action and agreement.
5. Implementation
The professional utilizes various intervention methods based on the change objectives and chosen intervention type. Interventions can be direct or indirect, depending on the professional’s presence.
6. Evaluating Results
Evaluation involves estimating the value, quantity, importance, or size of something. It means appraising, approximating, or giving an opinion, as well as measuring progress and changes from the intervention’s start to finish. This assessment can be ongoing for adjustments or final, to conclude the intervention.
7. Concluding the Action
Professional intervention, whether individual, family, or group-based, must be time-limited. Every intervention has a beginning, middle, and end. The end is implicit from the first contact and can be predetermined by the professional, individual, and involved agencies.