Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Strengths and asset-based approaches in social care focus on what individuals and communities have, and how they can work together, rather than on what individuals or communities cannot do or do not have. The terms 'strengths' and 'assets' are often used interchangeably to apply to either individuals or communities. Personal strengths and assets can include relationships, experience, skills and aspirations. Community strengths and assets can include knowledge, people, spaces, networks and services.

Strengths-based practice involves the person who uses services and the practitioners who support them working together to achieve the person's intended outcomes, in a way that draws on the person's strengths. The quality of the relationship between those providing support and those being supported is particularly important, as are the skills and experience that the person using support brings to the process (Strengths-based approaches, Social Care Institute for Excellence).

Strengths-based (or asset-based) approaches focus on the person's strengths (including personal strengths, and social and community networks) and not on their deficits. Strengths-based practice is holistic and multidisciplinary, and works with the individual person to promote their wellbeing.

Sometimes called assets-based approaches. These involve the person who uses services and the practitioners who support them working together to achieve the person's intended outcomes, in a way that draws on the person's strengths. The quality of the relationship between those providing support and those being supported is particularly important, as are the skills and experience that the person using support brings to the process (see Social Care Institute for Excellence's Care Act guidance on strengths-based approaches). See also NICE's quick guide on evidence for strengths and asset-based outcomes.

A social care term focusing on what a person is able to do, rather than what they cannot.

An assessment that looks at your strengths and what you are able to do, rather than on your weaknesses. The focus is on your abilities, and on what keeps you well and helps you remain independent.

This guide summarises the process and the key elements to consider in relation to using a strengths-based approach. It should be read in conjunction with the Care and Support (Assessment) Regulations 2014 and Chapter 6 of the statutory guidance.

Prevention services based on a strengths-based approach support an individual’s independence, resilience, ability to make choices and wellbeing.

This guide will be updated and links to further good practice will be added when available.