Handout #9
FAMILY STRENGTHS
List as Many Strengths as Possible for each Family Member
Denise / Robert / Jack
Character Strengths vs. Mobilized Strengths
“The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot
be changed without changing our thinking. If we want to change
the world, we have to change our thinking.”
Albert Einstein
______
Character Strengths are defined as self identified characteristics or descriptions of the individual, family, community, and social supports as a source of resilience, pride, hope, empowerment, beliefs within a cultural framework.
Statement to elicit response:
Mobilized Strengths are defined as how the inventoried strengths can be used/mobilized/put into action by the individual and family to support and enable them to endure and cope with difficult situations, and to bounce back in the face of significant trauma. These strengths can be used to achieve the identified outcomes of the family.
Statement to elicit response:
Example:
Mother
Character Strengths / Mobilized StrengthsI am really close to my sister. / a. My sister is willing to provide respite for son twice per week after daycare
b. I can call my sister anytime when I feel stressed out to calm me down
c. My sister gives me hand me down clothes for my son
Child:
Character Strengths / Mobilized StrengthsI love to play soccer. / a. When I feel frustrated I go outside and practice kicking the ball and I feel better.
b. I can talk to my soccer coach about my family problems
c. I have made a lot of friends on the team and I can spend time with them on the weekends.
Adapted from Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group Workbook, Alabama
Moving Character Strengths to Mobilized Strengths
Role Play
Denise/Mother
Character Strengths / Mobilized Strengthsa.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
Jack/Child 1
Character Strengths / Mobilized Strengthsa.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
1
ESNBP: Effectively Assessing Behaviors to Meet the Unmet Needs of Children and Families for SCSWs
University of California Los Angeles -Center on Child Welfare
Oct 2011