The Practice of Case Management in the Human Services offers a succinct yet comprehensive guide to carrying out a case manager's responsibilities. The author explores assessment of the service needs of the client, facilitating the client's contact with the appropriate institutions and services, monitoring the quality of services provided to the client, and taking action when the client's needs are not met. He also considers the therapeutic role required when needs are not met because the problems are indigenous to the client. Providing an integrated look at practice technologies applicable to a variety of practice areas, the volume is appropriate for both preservice and inservice education in the field of human servi

Case management is used across a diverse range of organisational settings, from child protection to aged care; disability services; acute and community health; courts and correctional services; employment services; veteran services; education; and immigration programs. However, case management is not always successfully implemented, and practitioners often feel they are not given sufficient support. The Practice of Case Management draws on extensive practice research to identify the key characteristics of successful case management: organisational support; developing delivery models to suit individual client needs; preparation of staff at all levels; and affirmation of the central and active role of the client. The authors outline the challenges and complexities faced by case managers, acknowledging that their role is often poorly conceptualised and articulated. They demonstrate that true engagement enables effective service provision and offer practical strategies for everyone involved in the case management process to facilitate negotiation, accountability and the achievement of positive outcomes.

The integration of a broad array of interventions is described in this comprehensive, practical guide for those working with seriously mentally ill adults. It draws on the experience of clients who struggle with severe and disabling problems in a challenging urban environment. The contributors argue that psychological and practical issues are intertwined and therefore such interventions must be delivered concurrently. They also emphasize that understanding and using the resources of a client's culture is critical to the successful implementation of care, and that families and natural support systems are essential components of the care system.

“Blundo and Simon have successfully outlined how a solution-focused perspective can be a powerful tool for case managers. Their understanding and presentation is based upon practice scenarios that are real and applied...They clearly demonstrate the impact of ‘thinking and language’ and the importance of building a collaborative relationship with clients. Their work challenges the traditional theory-driven interventions that focus on problems and arrive at a diagnosis . They encourage a ‘shift’ to a co-constructive partnership that requires a practitioner to respect that clients are ‘experts of their own lives’...They provide a clear step-wise discussion of techniques and strategies that can be employed working with individuals and families in case management settings. This book is a must read.” -Lawrence T. Force, PhD. LCSW-R Professor of Psychology, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY From the Foreword Solution-focused practice is a paradigm that stresses client abilities, strengths, and individual goals rather than disability. Written by a team of educator/practitioners noted for their expertise in solution-focused therapy, this “how-to” text for social work, counseling, and psychology students guides current and future case managers in learning this strengths-based, collaborative approach to case management. It discusses both the philosophical basis for solution-focused casework and demonstrates how it is ideally suited for the case management process. The book is based on teaching materials the authors have developed and used in their classes and workshops with undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. The text incorporates new research and theoretical developments in solution-focused therapy as well as actual practice scenarios demonstrating the process of building a collaborative relationship with individual clients and families. Replete with strategies and tools for practicing solution-focused case management, the text describes such essential skills as identifying goals, monitoring progress, working with other agencies, and transitioning out of treatment. It discusses issues related to ethical practice and presents strategies for self-care. Additionally, the book addresses diversity and social justice and their relationships to solution-focused practice. Student exercises help to reinforce knowledge. The text will assist case managers in a variety of settings—hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, community-based mental health agencies, schools, prisons, court systems, and shelters for the homeless and victims of domestic violence—to partner with their clients towards finding strengths-based and solution-focused approaches to resolving issues in a positive way. Key Features: Authored by noted experts in solution-focused education and practice Facilitates a reframing of casework and case management around client strengths and resources Provides specific case examples that allow readers to troubleshoot and apply solution-focused principles to practice Includes student exercises throughout the book

Case managers provide an indispensable service, acting as both experts and liaisons to the wide variety of services, resources, and opportunities available to their clients. The authors use their extensive practice, classroom, and research experience to delineate clearly the steps of the case management process and to address the myriad roles case managers fill in different practice situations. By detailing the various processes and goals of case management and the different populations they help, the authors present a resource that is invaluable not only to social workers, but also to case managers in nursing centers, community mental health facilities, and criminal justice centers. The third edition of this book is updated to reflect the constantly changing nature of the helping professions. New and updated references provide readers with an array of options for pursuing specific aspects of case management. The book is attentive to the evolving needs of a variety of populations, and it now contains a new section on working with members of the military and their families. This edition also contains new information on case management within larger organizations that provide mental health services.