Įvertinimo teorija grįsto modelio taikymas įgyvendinant socialinį darbą su socialinės rizikos šeimomis

The demand for writing this type of article is predetermined by the urging context of Lithuanian social work practice. The recent resonant cases of families at risk which have been noted by public because of ongoing abuse and death of children, in spite of the number of different professionals being involved with the families for years, have disclosed the necessity for empowering the social work professionals to use effective social work methods. Assessment in social work process is been considered to be the key element in effective practice which would result in change of clients’ situation. However, the social work theory is often neglected by the professionals that are not able to move social work principles into the practice. It is considered that social work practice should be organized in line with the theoretical principles, so the aim of this article is to introduce the effective assessment methods grounded in innovative social work theory and developed by social work professionals working with families at risk in Lithuania’s socio cultural context. The object of the study – the development and implementation of the practical method of assessment which is grounded in theory of social work. The objective of the study – to analyze the theory of assessment in social work and to introduce the principles of narrative assessment application in social work with families at risk practice. The study is been performed by making the scientific literature analysis and disclosure of inductive development of assessment model grounded in social work theory. The assessment is the key element of social work process which is ongoing process, usually integrated into all phases of social work practice. The assessment has to help the social worker to use personalization and valuing the diversity principles, apply constructive cooperation between clients and social worker in order to lead the practice process based on narrative assessment approach in the decision making on further actions for the desired change. The application of practical model of assessment which is been developed by integrating eco-mapping method, family strengths and difficulties chart and unique content of organizing assessment in order to develop common narrative together, is a handy to use tool that empowers the client to get involved into the process and realize the nature of their situation as well as to cooperate in decision making that leads into planning the further actions and development of family social work plan