An interdisciplinary framework for sustainable helping through
cross-system collaboration
This hands-on resource provides clear, practical guidance for supportive
service professionals working in a home-based environment. Drawing on
best practices from a range of disciplines, this book provides a clear
map for dealing with the complex and often ambiguous situations that
arise with individuals and families, with applications extending to
supervision and organizational change. Readers gain the advice and
insight of real-world frontline helpers, as well as those who receive
care, highlighting new ways to approach the work and re-think previous
conceptualizations of problems and strengths. Helping efforts are
organized around a shared, forward-thinking vision that anticipates
obstacles and draws on existing and potential supports in developing a
collaborative plan of action.
The book begins with stories that illustrate core concepts and context,
presenting a number of useful ideas that can reorient behavioral
services while outlining a principle-based practice framework to help
workers stay grounded and focused. Problems are addressed, and
strength-based work is expanded into richer conversations about
strengths in the context of intention and purpose, value and belief,
hopes, dreams, and commitments. Topics include:
- Contextual guidance with helping maps
- Engaging people and re-thinking problems and strengths
- Dilemmas in home and community services
- Sustainable helping through collaboration and support
A strong collaboration between natural networks, communities, and
trained professionals across systems creates an effective helping
endeavor. Ensuring sustainability may involve promoting systems change,
and building institutional supports for specific supervisory,
management, and organizational practices. Collaborative Helping
provides a framework for organizing these efforts into a coherent whole,
serving the needs of supportive services workers across sectors.
