This article integrates key concepts of a strengthsnbased practice approach and social work practice with people with mental retardation and their families. Principles of a strengths approach are discussed with its impact on the engagement process, nature of the worker-client relationship, assessment, 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 approach into agency-based practice are addressed.
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