Arts in Social Services

Towards a Systematic Understanding of Social Services

Taught by: David Bronkema

This session will present an overview of the systems and organizations working to meet social needs around the world. It will identify the types of organizations (grassroots, nongovernmental organizations, government, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector), their drives and motivations, the systems and networks they have created, the types of issues they address and approaches they use, and the relationships they enter into with each other.

The Life of a Child in Social Service

Taught by: Trapeta Mayson

Participants will discuss the diverse profiles of children in social service. Family history, mental health diagnosis, environmental and community concerns, limited resources, family dynamics, school and learning issues will be highlighted. The importance of working with children from a strength based perspective will be stressed.

Main ideas presented:

• Children in social service face the same challenges as adults when attempting to navigate the system to get their needs met; but due to their age and limited access to resources, they are often under-served.
• Working with children from a strength based perspective and recognizing their abilities to develop a strong sense of resiliency is instrumental in helping to meet children’s needs.
• The social service model needs to be adjusted to fit into the non-traditional family dynamics and challenging school and community settings