Social work's roots trace back to late 19th century movements like the Charity Organization Society and Settlement House Movement. These initiatives laid the groundwork for addressing poverty, promoting social reform, and developing systematic approaches to helping those in need.

Key figures like Jane Addams and Mary Richmond shaped social work's evolution into a profession. Their contributions, along with Progressive Era reforms, led to the establishment of formal education programs, professional standards, and organizations like the National Association of Social Workers.

Early Social Work Movements

Charity Organization Society and Settlement House Movement

• Charity Organization Society emerged in late 19th century to coordinate charitable efforts
  • Focused on individualized casework and scientific philanthropy
  • Introduced "friendly visitors" to assess needs and provide guidance to poor families
  • Emphasized self-help and moral reform over direct financial assistance
  • Pioneered systematic record-keeping and data collection in social services
• Settlement House Movement developed as a community-based approach to social reform
  • Established neighborhood centers in poor urban areas to provide services and education
  • Promoted social integration and cultural exchange between classes
  • Offered programs such as childcare, healthcare, and adult education
  • Advocated for broader social and political reforms to address root causes of poverty

Influential Figures and Progressive Era Reforms

• Jane Addams played a pivotal role in the Settlement House Movement
  • Co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, serving as a model for settlement houses
  • Advocated for women's rights, child labor laws, and immigrant rights
  • Became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931
  • Influenced social work education and practice through her writings and activism
• Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) marked a period of widespread social and political reform
  • Addressed issues such as child labor, workers' rights, and public health
  • Introduced social legislation like workers' compensation and minimum wage laws
  • Expanded government involvement in social welfare programs
  • Led to the creation of juvenile courts and child protection services

Foundations of Professional Social Work

Mary Richmond and the Development of Social Casework

• Mary Richmond contributed significantly to the professionalization of social work
  • Authored "Social Diagnosis" in 1917, establishing a systematic approach to casework
  • Developed methods for gathering and analyzing information about clients' situations
  • Emphasized the importance of social environment in understanding individual problems
  • Promoted the use of scientific methods in social work practice
• Social casework evolved as a core method in professional social work
  • Focused on individualized assessment and intervention
  • Incorporated psychological theories and therapeutic techniques
  • Developed specialized approaches for different populations (children, families, elderly)
  • Laid the foundation for evidence-based practice in social work

Professionalization and Establishment of Social Work Organizations

• Social welfare emerged as a broader concept encompassing various social services
  • Included public assistance programs, social insurance, and community development
  • Expanded beyond charity to address structural causes of social problems
  • Incorporated principles of social justice and human rights
  • Led to the development of social policies and welfare state institutions
• Professionalization of social work occurred through several key developments
  • Establishment of formal social work education programs in universities
  • Creation of professional standards and ethical codes
  • Development of specialized knowledge and skills unique to social work practice
  • Recognition of social work as a distinct profession by government and society
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) formed in 1955
  • Merged seven previously separate social work organizations
  • Established a unified code of ethics for the profession
  • Advocated for social work licensure and continuing education requirements
  • Promoted the advancement of social work research and best practices