A Social Justice Model for Clinical Social Work Practice

Abstract

Feminists have long challenged social workers to address issues of equity and justice in clinical practice. This article presents a case study of a family services program, the Institute for Family Services (IFS), whose intention is to do just that. At IFS, power issues are central to all therapeutic conversations and to the structure of the program. Findings from interviews with staff members and clients and observation of the program illustrate how the program sets out to reveal and influence issues of power, privilege, and oppression. Fundamental and unique to this model are the use of same-gender therapy groups, social education, and community sponsors.