What is the deficit approach in family service delivery?

The deficit approach in family service delivery focuses on identifying and emphasizing the problems or challenges that families face in order to access necessary services. This perspective tends to concentrate on the difficulties, limitations, or needs of families rather than their strengths or potential. By highlighting these issues, service providers can create a clear understanding of what assistance is required, which can facilitate access to support.

In this approach, the rationale is that recognizing the problems helps caseworkers and service organizations design targeted interventions to support families. However, it often overlooks the strengths and capacities that families may possess, which can be vital for effective service delivery. Thus, while the deficit approach can lead to accessing services, it may inadvertently contribute to a negative perception of the families involved.

It's important to recognize that focusing solely on deficits can hinder the empowerment of families, as it may not promote a holistic view of their situations. In contrast, other approaches that emphasize strengths and self-sufficiency aim to foster a sense of capability and resilience in families, encouraging them to work towards solutions.