The Housing Problem and Social Work

Abstract

A typology of housing problems was outlined in chapter 1 as an aid to understanding the individual circumstances which clients present to social work agencies. It was argued that problem solving strategies must develop from what is perceived to be the location of the problem: housing conditions, which should be amenable to improvement or adaptation; changing relationships between household members, which commonly end in break-up and the need for someone to move; or an individual’s need for support or capacity to cope with their living conditions. It is the third which has probably caused the most debate among social workers: what level of independence should clients be expected to attain, after being institutionalised or otherwise disabled? Why and how should families and individuals be helped to manage in damaging environments where they have no choice but to stay, because of social attitudes towards people with problems?