LMSW Exam Community Practice Study Guide 2024.

LMSW Exam Community Practice Study Guide 2024. Community Organization Practice (COP) differs substantially from the psychological and biological focus characteristic of practice with individuals and groups because... - correct answer 1. it emphasizes knowledge related to social power, social structure, social change, and the social environment 2. recognizes the reciprocal process between the person and the social environment, COP emphasizes influencing and changing the social environment since it is seen as the source and potential solution for many problems 3. social problems are explained as consequences of structural arrangements rather than resulting from personal inadequacies - therefore reallocation of resources and social power is believed to lead to changes in the community and ultimately in individuals George Brager and Harry Specht (1987) perspective on COP - correct answer COP is an intervention method through which individuals, groups and organizations engage in planned action to influence social problems. It is concerned with the enrichment, development, and/or change of social institutions, and involves two major processes: planning (identifying problem areas, diagnosing causes, and formulating solutions) & organizing (developing the constituencies and implementing the strategies necessary to effect action) common characteristics of COP perspectives - correct answer - focus of attention is on social env, not on psych problems - COP involves professional intervention and activities accomplished with the participation and involvement of community representatives - COP emphasizes the development of enhanced social resources responding to community needs enhancing participatory skills of citizens by working with, not for them developing leadership, ability yo conceptualize and act on problems and especially of indigenous, local people strengthening communities so they can better deal with future problems redistributing resources to increase the resources of the disadvantaged planned changes, systematic steps problem-solving process; a rational approach used to study and define a problem, consider solutions, implement and evaluate a plan advancing the interests of the disadvantaged so they can influence the process of distributing social resources Assumptions underlying COP (Ross) - correct answer community members can develop the capacity to resolve communal and social problems members want to improve their situation members must participate in change efforts rather than have changes imposed on them a systems approach considering the total community is more effective than programs imposed on communities participation in community organization initiatives that involve social workers is designed to expose community participants to democratic decision-making and the promotion of skills for democratic participation