Abstract: Empowerment is a concept widely used in several policy documents and is presented, in social work and social care professional universes, as an operative process to reduce vulnerability and to increase the power, or capabilities, of individuals and groups to make choices and to transform these into actions and results. However, to move beyond rhetoric and paternalistic practices, we need to understand what empowerment really means and implies in different contexts, and especially, how to evaluate what has changed (outcomes) or is changing (processes), both on an individual and a collective level.

What the family brings: gathering evidence for strength-based work.
家庭在提供兒童與青少年心理衛生服務時，常常被認為在重要領域上有問題，如溝通、歸屬/接納和問題解決；家庭治療常常是直接面對這些困難。過去十年在家庭治療和人群服務領域上，逐漸重視優勢的辨識與建構，並提倡一個不同的治療起點。這篇文章報導一項調查研究結果，了解兒童和家庭在使用CAMH服務之前的功能狀況（N= 416）。結果顯示在開始治療之前，儘管照顧中度至重度精神疾病之孩子會產生負荷，父母親仍能指出其家庭在重要領域內的優勢。這個證據支持了在理論上和臨床工作運用優勢觀點，並且凸顯在治療工作中，復原力應該建構於家庭(社會)內，而不是在個體上。

Case management: a critical review.
在比較運用於精神病患之優點個管模式和全方位個管模式之後，作者提出一個問題：結合兩者的服務模式是否是未來可能的一種途徑？

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between (a) social workers' perceptions of preparedness to perform in their professional roles and perceived social justice behaviors at work and (b) workers' sense of workplace empowerment. A sample of 152 currently licensed social workers responded to web or mailed surveys. Respondents were more likely to perceive having workplace empowerment related to meaning in their work if they reported their social work program training prepared them for their professional roles. Perceived social justice behaviors at work were associated with workers' experiencing empowerment related to the impact they had at work. Social workers' sense of training preparedness and experiencing social justice at work can positively influence workers' perceived empowerment. Enforcing the importance of engaging in social justice with clients in social work education, both in class and in field placements, has the potential for long-lasting effects on empowerment in students' future workplaces. Agency-level management should ensure continuity in social justice activities to enhance feelings of workplace empowerment, which may help social workers connect with clients. Future research should examine elements of social work programs that promote feelings of empowerment in order to understand how the same approach can be used in models of continuing education and organizational management.

Abstract: The resilience of children and youth is an increasingly important area of research. Young people growing up in distressed communities, characterized by poverty, crime and family troubles, are particularly vulnerable. Resilience can assist these young people in navigating through these challenges towards independent living, particularly as they transition out of adolescence and into young adulthood. Children in South Africa are almost universally vulnerable, but children growing up in residential care facilities and children from poverty-stricken communities are particularly in need of resilience. This quantitative study of 575 South African children compared their resilience in terms of individual, family and community protective factors across seven sites, including child and youth care centres, schools in poor communities and schools in middle-class suburban communities. Contrary to expectations, the study found that children in one of the children's homes and one of the poor communities had the highest levels of resilience. Moreover, all but one of the sites scored very high on at least one of the resilience variables, suggesting unique profiles of resilience across the sites. Practice implications for child and family social work are discussed.

Objective:
Promoting recovery in mental health services is hampered by a shortage of reliable and valid measures, particularly in Hong Kong. We seek to cross validate two Chinese language measures of recovery and one of recovery-promoting environments.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey of people recovering from early episode psychosis (n = 121) and family members (n = 49) was taken. Two recovery measures, the Mental Health Recovery Measure and the recovery subscale of the Peer Outcomes Protocol, and one measure of recovery-promoting environments, the Recovery Self-Assessment, were used. The Psychosis Recovery Inventory was incorporated to assess construct validity.
Results:
Internal consistency reliability for each measure was high (r = .71-.94); one-factor solutions were parsimonious. People in recovery rated their risk for relapse lower than did their family members.
Conclusion: Moderately strong positive correlations among recovery measures lend support to construct validity. Several recovery-promoting environment items should be reassessed for cultural fit in Hong Kong.

Strengths-Based Case Management：Individuals' Perspectives on Strengths and Case Manager Relationship
以優勢為基礎的社會工作實務，具有強的理論基礎，也是一個相當有效的助人策略。但在文獻的呈現上，卻較缺乏那些接受以優勢為基礎之服務的實證資料，因此本文即是以質性研究的方法，蒐集這些參與優勢觀點個案管理之個案經驗，並回答下列研究問題：（1）以個案的觀點來表達其所認為之優勢觀點個案管理是什麼？（2）將上述觀點與優勢觀點個案管理的主要原則相互比較，以浮現出個人與優勢之間的關係，以及與個案管理者之間的關係，而社會工作的實務運作也在討論範圍內。 詳細內容

Abstract: Resilience comprises cognitive and behavioural tendencies that reflect dispositional character traits and patterns of behaviour that develop through life experience. Resilience is associated with positive mental and physical health outcomes although debate over its function as a predictor and/or outcome of successful stressful life conditions exists. Findings are confounded by a range of operational definitions. This study tested the factorial structure of the Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and assessed its independence of two broad affective constructs, positive and negative affect. Participants (n = 1775) comprised the youngest adult cohort from the PATH study from Canberra, Australia. Results supported a uni-dimensional CD-RISC measure that was independent of affect at an item level, but supported strong associations between resilience and affect factors. Comparable Goodness of Fit Indices supported strict invariance between genders on an oblique 3-factor model of resilience and affect.

International Social Work
This qualitative research study explored responses to trafficking in persons. Fifty-five (n = 55) interviews were collected and data were analyzed using qualitative iterative processes. The social worker and the utilization of social work perspectives provided a strong and effective framework for service delivery and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. The ecological, strengths-based, and victim-center approaches were a benefit to survivors and professionals specifically around coordinated efforts, trust-building, and increased cultural competence. Findings also support that individuals who are trafficked have unique needs and social workers' theoretical and practice modalities are well suited to respond to and coordinate these distinct circumstances.

An Examination of Five Essential Competencies for Empowerment Practice
文章呈現了五種能力─資訊的、智能的、個人內的、人際間的、干預的─這五種能力是獲取增強權能實務知識、態度及技能的必要條件。文章提供讀者工具，幫助學生及實務者比較在不同文化架構上，察覺他們個人及專業信念、價值及堅持。

Abstract: The Transconceptual Model of Empowerment and Resilience (American Journal of Community Psychology, 52, 2013, 333) suggests that a set of resilience and empowerment resources fuel both initial and sustained participation in collective action. Using the case study of a prodemocracy movement in Hong Kong, the present study focused on the subset of those resources that are relevant in ongoing collective action: efficacy, skills, and maintenance. As individuals possess varying combinations of these resources, the present study utilized latent profile analysis to test how patterns of empowerment and resilience resources influence initial and long-term collective action. Five groups were identified: (a) Uncommitted/Uninspired; (b) Committed to Status Quo; (c) Mainstream Populist; (d) Empowered; and (e) Ambivalent. ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses found that there are significant group differences in initial and long-term participation. Groups with higher level of resources reported greater levels of initial participation than their counterparts; however, high resource groups did not uniformly report greater levels of intention to participate in future collective action. Of the maintenance processes tested, collective identity emerged as a particularly important predictor differentiating initial and sustained participation. Findings from the present study raise questions about how individuals with multiple identities can come together and participate in collective action.

Abstract:
Background: Recovery is defined as a complex process of developing new meaning and purpose in life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of mental illness. To promote this process, the necessity of recovery assessment using psychometric measures has been emphasized; however, no measure to assess the individual recovery process is available in Japan.
Objective: To develop a Japanese version of the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) and to examine its reliability and validity.
Design: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.
Settings: Participants came from 1 daycare, 1 outpatient clinic of a psychiatric hospital, 5 sheltered workshops used for social rehabilitation, 3 peer support groups, and 6 inpatient wards of 2 psychiatric hospitals.
Participants: The Survey included 237 participants who had chronic mental illness and were aged 20 or older. For analysis, we used data from 209 participants who had no missing values on the RAS, with 58.9% male and a mean age of 48.3 years.
Methods: The questionnaire consisted of the Japanese version of the 24-item RAS, developed by the authors with focus group cognitive interviews and the translation-back-translation procedure. Also included were the Herth Hope Index, Empowerment scale, Resilience scale, SF-8, and BASIS-32. Internal consistency reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and test-retest reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa in a randomly selected subsample (n = 24). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations with other scales were used to examine the factor-based validity, concurrent and construct validity of the RAS. Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.89 for the overall RAS. ICC and weighted kappa generally indicated good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis of the RAS items yielded five factors: (a) goal/success orientation and hope, (b) reliance on others, (c) personal confidence, (d) no domination by symptoms, and (e) willingness to ask for help. The item "Coping with mental illness is no longer the main focus of my life" showed an inverse factor loading. The overall RAS score significantly and positively correlated with the Herth Hope Index, Empowerment scale, Resilience scale, and SF-8 mental component summary; there was a significant negative correlation with BASIS-32 psychiatric symptoms and functional impairment (p, < 0.01).
Conclusion: This study confirmed the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the 24-item RAS among people with chronic mental illness currently living in communities and inpatient ward settings in Japan.

My strength：A look outside the box at the strengths perspective
作者在小學二年級就讀時以嶄新有創意的表演方式進行讀書報告，讓原本生硬的口頭報告，因課堂的優異表現獲得滿堂彩。其在肯薩斯大學接受優勢觀點課程訓練時，覺得與其想法和做法相當貼近，而在實務工作中，作者發現了同儕運用優勢觀點，對案主之復元歷程有很大的幫助。作者進一步評述優勢觀點在實務中的有效性，正如其在小二時原本排斥作讀書報告，但是其母親鼓勵她運用自己的優勢，結果報告的效果極佳，她也得到很好的成績。

Intervention and supervision in strengths-based social Work practice
建構以案主優勢為基礎的社會工作實務是一個經典的主題，也是近年來在專業之間引人關注的焦點。這些年來，在社會工作督導方面的文獻定期且有規劃的建構以實務者的工作成就上的督導。這篇文章將探索在兩個面向的共同性：建立在以優勢為基礎的處遇(而非病理取向)，以及建立在以工作者成就(achievement)為基礎的督導(而非問題)。一個追求結合優勢為基礎的處遇/督導的範例帶來的貢獻在可以發展正向、創新觀點的直接服務，此觀點與蘊含著重大意義的社會工作價值一致，關於社會工作者與案主一起工作及區別於其他助人的專業。這篇文章將發展這些主題及探索它們涉及在專業上的議題。 詳細內容

Assessing Client Strengths: Clinical Assessment for Client Empowerment
優勢觀點運用於個案工作的核心是在關係上提供協助，此論點是簡單且作為一項重要的實踐並不會引起爭議的。然而，社會工作過去根深柢固的認為案主即象徵著負面的、不健康的、失功能的，並且強調持續地評量、診斷案主是不正常、病態的。此篇文章表明實務評量的過程是一項政治活動。評量的焦點不只是在預防案主運用個人、社會能量的阻礙，並且加強管理社會結構對個案的迫害，調整不對等的權力關係。案主的實踐象徵著優勢觀點運用於個案工作中亦是一種政治的表現。故，本文論述個案優勢觀點評量的重要性，並且提出促進優勢觀點之12項實踐指南。

Abstract: Burnout is a frequent and well-documented consequence of social work practice. The literature suggests that mindfulness-based interventions might help develop the mental states and emotional skills that are indicators of resilience. This mixed-methods, non-randomised controlled, exploratory study with 14 social workers in Canada investigated differences in social workers’ levels of stress, resilience, and burnout after a mindfulness-based intervention, compared to a waitlist group. The intervention group was also interviewed about changes in their relationships within the workplace, their perceived sense of mental health, and wellbeing. Results suggested that the mindfulness-based intervention significantly decreased the treatment group’s perceived stress compared to those on the waitlist and continued to decline for 26 weeks post-intervention. Intervention participants reported positive changes in attitudes, perspectives, behaviours, and energy in relation to their workplace relationships with peers and supervisors. Mindfulness-based interventions for reducing stress and building resilience to burnout in social workers and other helping professionals hold promise, and invite further research.

Better for it: how people benefit from adversity.
近來，研究者在幾個不同的領域當中已經有發現人們在經歷一些嚴重的傷害事件後，他們也是能夠從這些經驗當中產生一些積極正向的改變。受訪者在這些研究當中也表示了許多不同的正向獲得，同時也表達了在這些經驗當中的傷害。本研究建議幾個程序以說明這些正向獲得並提供參考應用：生活結構中有目的的改變、從不同觀點檢視這些受害的經驗所帶來的改變、接受到的需求協助、尋找在這些受害經驗當中的正向意義，並且思考關於這些正向獲得能夠幫助受害者的一些訊息。此篇文章也提供了一個指引，引導社會工作者如何運用這些正向獲得與案主建立治療關係，並且謹慎的回應個案尚未表達出來的正向獲得；鼓勵案主自我評量，以發現那些潛在的正向獲得；協助案主計畫積極正向的改變。這些在社會工作實務的運用過程中，涵蓋了優勢觀點以及結構主義取向。

How to interview for client strengths
在社會工作的領域中，學者與實務工作者都嘗試尋求可以發現與激發出個案優勢的方法，本文中將描述與解釋幾個可以發現個案優勢的會談問句，這些問題從問題解決觀點中發展出來，包括奇蹟式問句、例外問句、評分式問句、因應問句與什麼變好了的問句。 詳細內容

Abstract: The goal of the study was to explore the relationship between personality characteristics and the development of resilience in the context of social work. To do this, combining the transverse and longitudinal approaches, we investigated 479 students and professional social workers. For students, the within-subject analysis shows that this group, while pursuing a university degree, are reaching greater openness, accountability, extraversion and kindness and, by contrast, are reducing their levels of neuroticism, which is the personality trait that acquires smaller presence on the professional stage. The regression results also confirmed the influence and predictive ability of personality traits on the resilience of students and social workers.

Abstract: Strengths-based practice (SBP) is one of the primary modalities of social work practice. The literature on SBP does not address a standardized tool for measuring SBP or whether receipt of a social work degree is related to practice orientation. We measure SBP with a provider-based Strengths-Based Practices Inventory (SBPI-P) and examine whether a social work degree is associated with a higher level of SBP among 453 child welfare workers. The results indicate that the SBPI-P is a reliable measure of SBP, with three factors-Empowerment, Community-Culture, and Sensitivity-Knowledge-and that receipt of a social work degree is not associated with SBP. We discuss the potential reasons for the results and make recommendations for future research in the measurement of SBP.

Abstract: Objective: To explore the importance of a theoretical framework, the Empowerment education model (EEM), that can be used in participatory research. A deliberative project in one community in eastern Kentucky exemplifies the use of the EEM in participatory research. Methods: Research techniques include surveys, focus groups, community forums, and photovoice. Results: This project presents preliminary evidence that participatory projects might benefit if the dialogue phase of the EEM is followed by a deliberative phase. Conclusion: The theoretical underpinnings of the EEM could be expanded to include dialogue and deliberation in participatory efforts.

Abstract: The issue of psychological empowerment in crowd events has important implications for both theory and practice. Theoretically, the issue throws light on both intergroup conflict and the nature and functions of social identity. Practically, empowerment in collective events can feed into societal change. The study of empowerment therefore tells us something about how the forces pressing for such change might succeed or fail. The present article first outlines some limitations in the conceptualization of both identity and empowerment in previous research on crowd events, before delineating the elaborated social identity model of crowds and power. We then describe recent empirical contributions to the field. These divide into two areas of research: (1) empowerment variables and (2) the dynamics of such empowerment. We finally suggest how psychological empowerment and social change are connected through crowd action. We conclude with some recommendations for practice following from the research described.

Abstract: This article presents results from a qualitative study further exploring the concept of vicarious resilience. Thirteen therapists working with survivors of torture in 3 different locations were interviewed to better understand the complexities and variations of vicarious resilience. The analysis focuses on the therapists’ perception of clients’ resilience and the therapists’ awareness of how this affects the therapists themselves. Four major themes emerge: change in the therapists’ self-perception and their general outlook on the world, altered spirituality, modified thoughts about self-care, and new views on trauma work and connecting with clients. The results suggest that vicarious resilience can significantly influence therapists’ personal lives as well as their therapeutic work. Therapists employing a strengths-based approach seem to be affected more by vicarious resilience. The results are situated within the growing body of literature that documents the positive effect of trauma work on therapists. The development of training curricula for strengthening therapists’ awareness of vicarious resilience is recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Abstract: 'Women's empowerment', as used by international development organisations, is a fuzzy concept. Historical textual analysis and interviews with officials in development agencies reveal its adaptability and capacity to carry multiple meanings that variously wax and wane in their discursive influence. Today a privileging of instrumentalist meanings of empowerment associated with efficiency and growth are crowding out more socially transformative meanings associated with rights and collective action. In their efforts to make headway in what has become an unfavourable policy environment, officials in development agencies with a commitment to a broader social change agenda juggle these different meanings, strategically exploiting the concept's polysemic nature to keep that agenda alive. We argue for a politics of solidarity between such officials and feminist activists. We encourage the latter to challenge the prevailing instrumentalist discourse of empowerment with a clear, well articulated call for social transformation, while alerting them to how those with the same agenda within international development agencies may well be choosing their words with care, even if what they say appears fuzzy.

Abstract: Based on the multiple meanings, "empowerment" can be identified with either conservative or critical Health Promotion approaches. From a conservative approach, the concept is viewed as an essentially individual phenomenon, centered on the provision of information and the external transfer of power in the name of the collective good. From this approach, the relationship between "psychological" and "community" empowerment is not considered. From a critical approach, the concept is viewed as a relational phenomenon that manifests itself in the dialectic conflict of interests between individuals, groups, and social classes. From this approach, "psychological" and "community" empowerment are seen as micro and macro levels of analysis, and social transformations are the result of simultaneous changes at these levels. The use of the notion of empowerment without critical reflection or political analysis of power relations in society disseminates vague, romantic, and homogeneous views of "community". Therefore, to assume the relational nature of empowerment means to accept its interdependence with the notion of participation, without which there can be no social transformation. Thus, one should be vigilant about multiple meanings that empowerment can given in Health Promotion discourse.

Abstract:
This paper seeks to explore, understand and discuss the strength-based perspectives in social work practice. A review of the literature has suggested that there has been a shift away from the mere focus on deficits to strengths based focus in the delivery of services to clients in the last few decades. The focus on strengths and empowerment has gained considerable prominence over the last couple of decades. Drawing on from the recent literature from the field, the author directs the attention of the readers to the relevance of adopting strengths based perspective in their practice by showcasing the various fields of application. The paper further reveals that strengths based approach to practice is not about discounting problems or denying issues, rather it is an attitude and a way of working with the clients/communities and groups to help them realise their goals. Hence, it is in this context, the paper discusses the applicability of such a method in our professional practice and answers some of the questions that may confront us as we embark on this journey. It is intended towards providing a brief overview of the concept, and its application in the various fields of practice as it offers a language of "possibilities, promises and hope" both for clients and practitioners in the field.

Abstract: This article reports some of the outcomes of a two-year action research and development project in the field of social work for the prevention of homelessness. The project was funded by the European Union's EQUAL programme and was carried out in Austria from 2005-2007. The starting point for the project was whether the solution-focused approach of de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg could be used for the description and development of social work. The role of the authors was to train social workers in the solution-focused approach. Insoo Kim Berg was involved in the training process and held live interviews with clients during the project. Video recordings served as a basis for analysing interventions together with the social workers involved, in order to help them learn from the social worker-client interactions. Another part of the project consisted of post-session interviews with clients and social workers, and their analysis. In the course of the project the authors developed a model of communication which distinguishes between different kinds of expertise in social work practice. Another outcome of the project was a handbook, written by the social workers themselves, for the application of the solution-focused approach in their agency. This handbook aroused interest among external experts.

Abstract: The realities of contemporary social work practice often push social workers toward a deficit-focused orientation. The article begins with an overview of the major tenets of resiliency and adversarial growth theories and related research findings. We suggest that the group modality epitomizes the application of resiliency theory and adversarial growth to social work practice. A primary focus of this article is on articulating and illustrating the unique contribution group work makes for promoting client resilience. The article provides a theoretical and empirical framework that students, practitioners, and educators alike can use to identify, understand, and capitalize on client strengths through group work. Implications for social work education, specifically the practice and field curricula, are discussed.

A strength-based approach to the social developmental study.
學校社會工作者一般會實施社會發展研究（SDSs），提供影響學生學習有關的各種資訊給多元專業團隊，包括醫療的、社會的、學業的、文化的和行為的議題，這資訊可幫助多元專業團隊決定符合服務資格的條件與計畫適當的處遇方案。這篇文章描述社會工作者應用以優勢為基礎的工作取向--一個聚焦於個人的與環境的復原力、天賦才能、關係與技能的社工實務---於社會發展研究。此文也具體詳細地描述將優勢應用於觀察、訪談、學術評論、標準化測量、撰寫報告以及口頭報告。案例說明呈現優勢與保護因子如何被使用於解決與風險因素有關的問題。

Abstract: The purpose of most community-based natural resource management (NRM) groups in Australia is to improve and restore local environments, yet increasingly they face a range of challenges that impact on their capacity to do this effectively. How groups meet these challenges is thus of critical importance. This article explores these issues using a conceptual framework derived from recent theoretical work relating to resilience to change in socioecological systems (Walker et al. 2006). Using three properties said to determine system dynamicsresilience, adaptability, and transformabilitythis study explores the attributes of individuals and groups that help community-based NRM groups adapt and respond proactively to change. Data utilized are from a large qualitative study of volunteers in community-based NRM groups in Queensland, Australia. Using these data, we begin to develop factors that act to enhance or erode a group's adaptive capacity, and highlight issues of importance to group resilience in the contemporary context.

Abstract: This article takes up Blundo's (2001) assertion in this journal that in order to practice from the strengths perspective, social workers need to alter their "frames." Expanding on this assertion, we specify a particular frame that requires change: a pathological worldview. Examining the strengths perspective with regard to a Foucauldian analysis of power, we argue that to thoroughly implement the strengths perspective, we need to consider the dividing practices that allow us to maintain power and that reflect a pathological worldview. This article provides considerations for social work practice that win be of interest to practicing social workers and social work educators interested in continuing to develop their strengths-based practice.

Strengths-based social work assessment: Transforming the dominant paradigm.
作者指出現今逐漸強調優勢觀點，許多社工員正面臨著兩種不同典範之間的衝突。而作者也指出運用病理觀點和以匱乏為基礎來看人類的行為，會限縮服務使用的機會、提供何種服務，以及案主和服務提供者看自己的角度。而且在醫療觀點之下的主流價值急著想把工作做完，降低選擇價值的可能性，這將會導致社工和案主的消權感。本文在探討社會工作評量的過程，對於由問題、病理觀點而來的心理社會評量轉變至優勢觀點做了一些忠告，也做了一些建議並提供工具協助這項轉變。簡言之，基於優勢觀點的評量模式可以發揮的影響力是超越對於工作者和案主，它也可以創造潛在的改變，幫助服務提供者發現案主自身已經擁有的資源。

Abstract: Many practice models in social work focus primarily on the concepts associated with resilience. By contrast, resistance and rebellion, important strategies of the disadvantaged, are often neglected by social workers in developed countries. The authors seek to reconstruct and revitalize the strengths perspective by constructing a framework that includes theories of reflective practice.

Abstract: In 2012, the ACEs Public-Private Initiative (APPI), a Washington State consortium of public agencies, private foundations, and local networks, was formed to study interventions to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and facilitate statewide learning and dialogue on these topics. The evaluation team assessed the extent to which five community sites developed sufficient capacity to achieve their goals, and examined the relationship of the sites' capacity to selected site efforts and their impact on ACEs-related outcomes. To help accomplish that a survey was created to measure the APPI sites' collective community capacity to address ACEs and increase resilience in their communities. This article describes the development, design, implementation, and results of the APPI evaluation's ACEs and Resilience Collective Community Capacity (ARC3) survey.

Abstract:This paper seeks to explore the commonalities that exist within the professions of Diversional Therapy and Social work practice from a Strengths perspective. Highlighting the significance of social connectivity in the company of purposeful and meaningful engagement. Discussing therapeutic mechanisms, like Art therapy, which are commonly employed by both Diversional Therapists and Social Workers for restorative purpose.

Spiritual assessment: a review of major qualitative methods and a new framework for assessing spirituality.
這篇文章介紹了一個質的靈性評估工具，它回顧了既有的質化評估工具並提供了一個多面向的評估架構。這項工具包含了兩部分：案主的靈性歷史，即是他們生命中的靈性故事，類似於家E族史；另一部分為一個詮釋架構，協助工作者誘發和整合個案靈性生活的優點。本文並且討論此架構欲激發的一般靈性優點，和立基於這些優點的處遇內涵。

Spiritual Lifemaps：A Client-Centered Pictorial Instrument for Spiritual Assessment, Planning, and Intervention
個案的心靈中蘊含相當多的資源，能夠處理其生命中的許多挑戰。一般而言，靈性是一種存在主義的關係，促使生命意義、目的與願景的覺察；而且由蓋洛普的數據中佐證，許多個案渴望能夠將自己的靈性、價值與信念融入治療會談中。如此的發展，也使得治療情境注意到靈性的部分。而本文要介紹的，便是以描繪的方式進行靈性評估的新工具－靈性的生命地圖。靈性的生命地圖乃是提供治療者將個案靈性部分融入治療對話中的一種途徑，而生命地圖本身可以被用為評估的工具，也可以直接做為一種評估方式。亦提供了一個洞察個案靈性優勢的方式，也幫助治療者提供更以個案為中心的服務。 詳細內容

A strength perspective in working with an adolescent with depression.
憂鬱是我們社會長期以來的一個問題，在這篇文章裡，作者試圖對照疾病取向與優勢觀點在協助具憂鬱問題的青少年的差異。優勢觀點提倡在個案的症狀和缺失之外辨識其需求和能力；滋養個人積極的情緒和復元的希望；建立個案與工作者之間具啟發性的互動；以及發展個案積極的因應方法。

Preparing students for family practice.
這篇文章強調教導學生從事家庭實務的課程，其著重以母親為主要照顧者。此模式呈現健康家庭互動的特徵為在家中具有公平的勞動與照顧責任分擔。優勢觀點可被應用於家庭實務，此類家庭是以母親為家長，不具監護權的父親則分擔兒童養育責任。這些母親的挑戰是在從事有償勞動與家庭照顧的雙重角色，其表現則與社會支持和階級與種族有關。

Resiliency and spirituality: foundations of strength perspective counseling with the elderly.
老年是展現復原力的時期，此時老年人使用內在和外在資源去克服這個人生階段的挑戰。透過確認老年人過去和現在風險因素下的復原力和靈性資源，照顧提供者能夠聚焦於長者的能力、資產以及積極的特質而不是問題和病理。這篇文章呈現教導優勢觀點的概念和實務架構以提供老人諮商；其中復原力和靈性最能反映出老人的優勢。

Intervention with multi-problem poor clients: towards a strengths-focused perspective.
以往多重問題的貧困個案幾乎都是從一個問題的角度去檢視他們，處遇也都是以問題為中心去發展，而這其實能對他們產生適度的效用。另一方面，優勢觀點是假定個案的每一個部分都是有能力、有用處的，而這是能夠對他們產生更多的效用的。然而，過去問題中心觀點深埋在我們的社會、文化與專業脈絡當中，要將優勢觀點取向帶進來是困難的。本研究目的在獲悉優勢取向是否能夠（或無法）併入多重問題的貧困個案的實務工作當中，並且提供給我們知悉在這樣的取向當中甚麼是阻礙，甚麼是具有潛力的。在訪談過程當中個案與實務工作者都是有被管理的，且結果亦證實目前問題中心觀點是佔支配位置的，而這樣觀點的轉換是在一個初始的起步階段。

Abstract: Over the past decade, the term 'empowerment' has been generously employed and woefully ill-defined. In particular, women's empowerment has been embraced by such a vast number of development actors that it appears to be a unifying mission within development. Despite the boom in women's empowerment initiatives, there remains little critical analysis of the use of empowerment in general, and the perceived success or failures of specific empowerment initiatives. Using the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in Sierra Leone as a case study, this paper examines how reintegration was described as a source of empowerment for women. Drawing from interviews and analysis of related policy discourses, it is argued that, rather than representing a radical shift in development approaches towards more inclusive and representative policies, empowerment projects are shaped by neoliberal ideas such as individualism, responsibility and economic order and carry implicit, gendered and disciplining messages about appropriate social behaviour.

The Experts Speak: The Critical Ingredients of Strengths Model Case Management
這項研究主要是專家從優勢觀點個案管理中的關鍵要素進行評量。28位專家們共同認為72種要素／行為是重要的，但是其中有8種要素專家們的意見是分歧的。另外，還有五個開放式問題詢問有關機構組織、服務輸送等意見。研究結果發現，專家們實際上是高度同意所有的項目。

Abstract: Objective: to develop and psychometrically evaluate a scale to measure midwives' perceptions of their levels of empowerment.
Design: a cross-sectional postal survey, carried out in May 2005.
Participants: a random sample of midwives practising in Ireland (n = 244).
Measurement and findings: the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale (PEMS) was developed and psychometrically evaluated in this study. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the scale, using Principal Axis Factoring with an oblique (Direct Oblimin) rotation. This suggested three sub-scales: autonomous practice; effective management and women-centred practice. The scale was found to be a valid and reliable instrument.
Key conclusions: the PEMS is an appropriate tool. to measure midwives' perceptions of their levels of empowerment. Implications for practice: within the current context of change in Irish midwifery, this research facilitates the articulation and measurement of the conditions that facilitate empowerment in midwifery, which can assist in enhancing the midwifery contribution to maternity care.

Abstract: Partnership working involving providers and users of social services is highly valued as a means to inform research and practice, yet its effectiveness is debated. Frameworks for measuring and evaluating partnerships are developed, but still there is a need to shed light on micro-practices to gain insight in how partnerships succeed or fail to reach their goals. The context for this qualitative study is a Norwegian governmental funded program, where one goal was promotion of structures for equal collaboration between social work education, research, social service providers and users. The study investigates one local partnership project and how conflicts influenced processes and outcomes. Conflicts were related to the leadership of the group. With a particular look at users’ participation, the findings indicate how emergence and negotiations of conflicts were related to their empowering processes as the project developed. The study underscores the importance of acknowledging conflicts and how these may be complex and interwoven with empowering processes when users are involved, as well as the need to critically examine issues on leadership. The study supports the importance of ethnographic studies in order to understand how a partnership might deliver, as this approach enables enhanced understanding of micro-practices and internal power dynamics.

Abstract: Obtaining funding for qualitative research remains a challenge despite greater openness to methodological pluralism. Such hurdles are presumably compounded when the proposed study employs empowerment theory, rendering it susceptible to charges of elevating ideology over rigor. This article draws on the authors' experience in securing large-scale funding for an empowerment-oriented qualitative study of homeless mentally ill adults. Lessons learned include the importance of weaving empowerment theory into the proposal's "argument," and infusing empowerment values into study protocols while simultaneously paying close attention to rigorous and transparent methods. Additional benefits accrue from having prior relationships with study sites and being willing to revise and resubmit proposals whenever possible. Though representing a fraction of all externally funded projects in the United States, qualitative research has tremendous untapped potential for success in this competitive arena-success that need not entail surrendering a commitment to empowerment values.

A Strengths Approach to Ethnically Sensitive Practice for Child Protective Service Workers
本文說明以家庭維繫為原則的優勢觀點，被用以增強兒童保護服務的個案工作者之權能及增進他們的文化能力。作者發展三階段訓練模式以計劃及評估孩童保護服務，使工作者在不同階段與不同種族案主工作時能夠檢視自己的態度、知識及技巧。最後則是為了自我監控及訓練目的，作者呈現方案規劃、處遇、評估及結案的相關問題。

Abstract: Community resilience has been recognized and promoted as both a vision and a strategy for disaster management. This paper establishes the importance of community resilience in disaster management, describes disaster management phases and the disaster system of care, reviews definitions and dimensions of community resilience and related foundational concepts (social groups, social networks, and social capital), and endorses a conceptual framework for enhancing community resilience through social capital. Resilience, both personal and community resilience, is increased by the social capital that emerges from improved social connections and social networks. Effective disaster management, which requires an informed and engaged public, relies on social networks to connect and support individuals, families, groups, and organizations within the community and to link the community with the disaster system of care. Community disaster teams can identify and engage in activities that promote personal and community resilience, and the team process itself can create social capital that also advances personal and community resilience. The enhancement framework advocated in this paper focuses on the role of social capital in augmenting community resilience derived from people’s interactions in groups, social networks, and teams.

The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice: Extensions and Cautions
優勢觀點的概念在社會工作實務上持續地發展，例如嚴重的精神疾患者經過優勢觀點個案管理處遇而復元。近年來，優勢觀點實務也運用於其他案主群，並且也展現於社區工作。透過研究、集思廣益來提升優勢觀點在社會工作實務的發展，如開發復元力、痊癒、健康。至於，面臨對優勢觀點的質疑，則是透過解釋、敘事和故事來引發興趣、提供支持。此篇文章回顧了一些目前有關評量優勢觀點概念上的贊同與評論之想法和研究。

Abstract: This article argues that, despite great diversity in uses of the term 'empowerment', it is possible to distinguish two basic approaches. 'Liberal empowerment' regards women's empowerment as an instrument for development priorities, whether poverty eradication or the building of democracy. Consistent with liberal ideals, the focus is on individual growth from an atomistic perspective - the rational action of social actors based on individual interests. It de-politicises the empowerment process by taking 'power' out of the equation. In 'liberating empowerment', power relations are central, Women's empowerment is regarded as the process by which women gain self-determination, is an instrument for eradicating patriarchy and is instrumental for social transformation, entailing women's liberation from patriarchal domination. 'Liberating empowerment' is consistent with a focus on women's organising, on collective action, without disregarding the importance of women's empowerment individually. Sustained by Latin American feminists, this is evident in different projects and programmes implemented locally.

Measuring recovery orientation in a hospital setting.
復元取向服務輸送過程的結果測量是一個必要的要素，復元取向方案強調促進與個案間的伙伴關係、個案的抉擇以及想望。此研究並且使用復元的自我評量（RSA），以調查醫院工作者之樣本的心理資產。此RSA具有良好的內在一致性、再測信度以及良好的聚合效度與區辨效度。所以RSA是一個可靠且有效用的復元測量工具，其能夠使用於評量精神健康的多樣性。

Abstract:The collection of articles in this issue offers hope for those with severe psychiatric disorders in their process of recovery by enhancing the quality of their life.This issue represents the recent contributions that social work researchers are making to the development of scientific knowledge related to improving the quality of life of those who experience severe mental illness (SMI).This special issue highlights that social work researchers are clearly contributing new knowledge to enhancing the health and social well-being of those with SMI. Further, this collection of articles will benefit social work practitioners in learning about innovative interventions and new ways of conceptualizing treatment within the biopsychosocial framework. Finally, peers will feel honor is being given to the direction that they set for themselves as they enhance their community functioning and expand their connections to the larger society.

Abstract: Recovery is a central theme in mental health policy internationally (Tew, 2013). In Australia, the National frame-work for recovery oriented health servicesconceptualises recovery as being able to create and live a meaningful life beyond the constraints of diagnosis. An emphasis is placed upon maximis-ing individual self-determination and self-management of mental health. Organisations adopting recovery-ori-ented principles are encouraged to acknowledge the strong possibility of a trauma history in people seeking mental health care and to provide ser-vices that promote safety, choice, col-laboration and empowerment. Health services should concentrate on assist-ing people to regain control and per-sonal responsibility while reducing coercive practices and increasing opportunities for positive risk taking (Commonwealth of Australia, 2013).Tew (2013) affirms that population health research indicates social fac-tors, rather than medical interven-tions, are the main determinants of recovery from mental ill-health. Moreover, medicalising mental health problems potentially has an adverse effect by propagating an illness men-tality, lowering expectations, engen-dering passivity and taking control away from individuals (Tew, 2013).Conversely, the field of positive health is neatly aligned with the princi-ples of recovery. This ‘asset-based paradigm’ provides an alternative per-spective for enhancing resilience and promoting independence by shifting attention away from pathology and dysfunction onto skills, attributes and optimal functioning. Promoting resil-ience involves concentrating on the competencies, resources and abilities of individuals and communities and recognises that optimism is the domi-nant cognition of the mentally healthy (Wand, 2013).

Abstract: The 2002–2011 reforms of the social welfare system in Serbia produced changes to the assessment model in the field of child welfare. In addition to risks and needs, the new model considers the strengths of the child, family and community, marking a significant innovation for social welfare services. This paper aims to examine the perceptions of caseworkers regarding the strengths of the new assessment model that is used in social welfare centres in Serbia. Based upon a representative, stratified and random sample of 347 records of children who were referred to alternative care during a period of intense reform (2006–2011), notes taken by caseworkers were collected and analysed. The results indicate that strengths were poorly identified at the onset of work with the children, but improvement followed later in the process. This finding leads us to the conclusion that there are serious challenges and difficulties in transitioning from the problem-oriented model to the new strengths-oriented approach in the Serbian social welfare system.

Abstract: People who experience mental illness can be viewed as either fundamentally different than, or fundamentally like, everyone else in society. Recovery-oriented mental health systems focus on commonality. In practice, this involves an orientation toward supporting everyday solutions for everyday problems rather than providing specialist treatments for mental illness related problems. This change is evident in relation to help offered with housing, employment, relationships, and spirituality. Interventions may contribute to the process of striving for a life worth living, but they are a means, not an end. Mental health systems that offer treatments in support of an individual's life goals are very different than those that treat patients in their best interests. The strongest contribution of mental health services to recovery is to support everyday solutions to everyday problems.

Reclaiming the community: the strengths perspective and deinstitutionalizeation.
過去十年在討論嚴重的精神疾病患者的困境時，大多聚焦在無家可歸者、照顧者負荷、與試圖獨立生存者的生活品質匱乏。有人開始重新思考關閉精神病院的政策，有人則提倡增加以社區為基礎的服務給嚴重精神疾病患者。此篇文章討論這些議題，並且認為過去在回應嚴重精神疾病方面，過度依賴以病理基礎的助人模式。優勢觀點提供了另一種可能性，即使重度精神疾病使患者面臨可怕的障礙，這些人仍有優勢和能力使他們能夠繼續整合於社區中。其調適最好是透過運用社區的自然資源，而不是特定且隔離的方案 。

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify gender differences on the resilience and also, to determine at which level internal protective factors predict the level of resilience. The sample of the study is consisted of 264 college students from Gazi University. To the students participated in the study, The List of Determining Risk Factors, Resilience Scale, Life Orientation Test, Generalized Self Efficacy Scale and Active Planning Subscale of The Attitudes of Coping With Stress Inventory have been used. Data were analyzed by using t-test, Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. The results of t-test indicate that students' resilience does not differ significantly by gender. In this research, significant positive correlations between resilience, optimism, self efficacy and problem solving coping total scores were observed for total sample and girls and boys. The results of multiple regression analysis have indicated that optimism, self efficacy, problem solving coping are the significant predictors of resilience for total sample and girls and boys.

Abstract: In South Africa, the field of scale development and utilization in social work is referred to as “ecometrics,” that is, the measurement of ecological constructs. There is, however, a lack of ecometric tools for social workers, particularly regarding strengths or resilience. Given the high vulnerability of South African youth, this article describes the design and validation of a youth resilience measure. The Youth Ecological-Resilience Scale (YERS), a multidimensional, summated rating scale that measures youth resilience within an ecological framework, was designed and validated with a diverse sample of 575 young people, using ecometric techniques. The YERS is suitable for group administration and research and also for assessment of individuals when triangulated with other assessment methods. Several studies of youth transitions using the YERS are described as well as suggestions for its use in social work practice.

Abstract: Current registrations and measurements used in social services are criticized for not providing an accurate reflection of the social work practice. The Service User Psychological Empowerment Scale (SUPES) was developed with input from both service users and social workers in order to provide an alternative measure. The SUPES is a 28-item scale that can be used to measure the intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral dimensions of psychological empowerment among service users. The SUPES was tested among a sample of 349 service users in the setting of Public Centres for Social Welfare (PCSWs) in two Belgian cities. Through factor analysis, the SUPES was found to be valid and reliable in assessing the different dimensions of psychological empowerment among service users. Future research should evaluate the effects of social work interventions by assessing developments in the psychological empowerment of service users in the course of receiving social assistance.

Abstract: In this study, the validity of the recently developed 28-item Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) was examined. Survey data from a representative sample of 6,723 Norwegian senior high school students between 18 and 20 years of age were used for this purpose. Validity and reliability were investigated by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, correlations with other relevant variables, and internal consistency measures. The results supported the construct and convergent validity of the five factors of a modified 23-item version of the scale, which also yielded acceptable psychometric properties. The paper concludes that the modified READ is a valid measure assessing relevant resilience factors with relatively few items, thereby serving as a valuable tool in resilience and risk-factor research.

Abstract: Within the field of children's mental health, there is increasing emphasis on the idea that young people who experience mental health difficulties should be encouraged to take an active role in shaping not only their own treatment but also mental health services and systems. The terms empowerment and, to a lesser extent, self-efficacy have been used to describe consumers' confidence and capacity for taking on this active role. Measures of mental health empowerment and self-efficacy have been developed for adults with mental illnesses and for parents and caregivers of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders; however, no such measure exists to assess empowerment among youth who themselves experience serious mental health difficulties. This article describes the development of the Youth Empowerment Scale-Mental Health and provides initial evidence of its reliability and validity.

A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice
二分法充斥在人們的生活，面臨複雜的社會實像時，人類社會傾向於建立僵化的二分，如善與惡、安全與不安全、朋友與敵人。但令人難以理解的是我們的注意力總是集中在負向否定那面：壞、不安全、敵人等。早期社會工作通常集中於案主病理評估並形成處遇，這樣的過程容易將焦點集中於缺點及弱點上並限制服務的方式。優勢觀點不要求工作者〝診治〞案主，並不需要提供臨床上的診斷，而是以案主的想望為基準。優勢觀點就如Mary Richmond所說的：個體擁有他們自己的想望及目的，而不是被動地適應這個世界。

Developing Counseling Objectives and Empowering Clients:A Strength-Based Intervention
本文的目的在於描述一個後現代(postmodern)處遇，有助於與案主在非病理學的方法中建立合諧關係，發展優勢觀點的諮商目標，辨識案主的優點，以及將他的問題外顯化。於是我們討論此處遇結合以專業諮商及後現代觀點來接近案主的問題，且能在敘事理論中被表達出來。因為重視社會脈絡不是傳統諮商所堅持的，而本文介紹的諮商處遇其強調發展性的處遇模式、多元文化的關心及以優勢為基礎的取向，所以診斷病理學與失序的觀點必須與之劃分開來。運用外在化問題並強調問題如同外在事物，不是個人的一部份，藉此可以增強案主的能力取對抗他們的問題。這篇文章提供一個以優勢觀點為基礎的處遇方式，減少負面的自我標籤並協助案主自發、正向、以行動為導向的諮商目標。 詳細內容

Abstract: From an ecological perspective, this study aimed to examine the relationship between a sense of community and life satisfaction as moderated by personal resilience and partner resilience among Chinese older adults. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 258 Chinese couples (age range 60–97 years) completed measures related to sense of community, resilience, and life satisfaction. The results showed that (a) sense of community was positively associated with life satisfaction after controlling for personal resilience, partner resilience, and other covariates, and (b) a three-way interaction between sense of community, personal resilience, and partner resilience emerged to predict life satisfaction. Specifically, the effect of sense of community on life satisfaction under the condition of low personal resilience–low partner resilience was weaker than it was under other conditions. Tailored interventions to enhance community resources, individual resilience, and couples’ strengths are recommended to promote the life satisfaction of Chinese older adults.