Applying a strengths-based practice approach in working with people with developmental disabilities and their families

This article integrates key concepts of a strengthsnbased practice approach and social work practice with people with mental retardation and their fam ilies. Principles of a strengths approach are discussed with its Impact on the engagement process, nature of the worker-client relationship, assessmen t, process of change, and disengagement process in working with people with mental retardation and their families. Examples of a creative application of the model are discussed. Obstacles to incorporating this practice approa ch into agency-based practice are addressed.