Empowering Families with Mentally Ill Members: A Strengths Perspective

Family is an important social agency that meets the various needs of its members. By building on the strengths of family when it is facing challenges, one can enhance the value of families. Empowerment is a part of strengthening the families. It refers to a state where in the individuals experience feelings of being worthy and competent, having power and control. The strengths perspective based on an empowerment approach compels the social workers and clients to collaborate as partners. Families with mentally ill certainly face many challenges. Yet, they also have the resources, knowledge and skills to call upon in times of crisis. Hence by recognizing and building on the families strengths and empowering them, one can help families in improving their lives.