Bernard Stritih

Among other features that distinguish social work from other professions, the knowledge produced by the “science of social work” differs from the knowledge of classical professions. This knowledge is supposed to serve to solve the life situations which people so far had solved according to customs and knowledge related to family socialization. The question is, what meaning users do find in professional procedures and what is the success rate of solving their problems. Users may get the feeling that they have lost their own decision-making competence in life situations. This is the fundamental paradox of social work and limits of its professionalization. Social work must avoid the danger of isolating itself from people and imposing its solutions, because today it is becoming increasingly clear that many drugs and solutions are more dangerous than the disease itself. Therefore social work should not try to replace spontaneous forms of assistance and networking between people.

Tone Brejc

Labeling practice based on the normative model of evaluation, creates in "the disabled" an ambivalent motivation towards the existing social assistance mechanisms and leads into a vicious circle of increasing marginalization. At the same time, this practice is part of the ideological apparatus of society, as it leads to the emergence of "secondary deviation" and interprets socially produced defects as personal failure of individual. A change in attitude towards work disability means above all, to agree to a new paradigm of social inclusion, based on a new sociality or "non-production orientation" in interpersonal relationships. The disabled have a right to participate in social development in accordance with their internal needs, and society should address the disabled integrated into general development policy. Relatively increased costs to ensure their well-being would be offset by quality socio-psychological and, indirectly, material benefits, which contribute to social balance and progress.

Ksenija Ramovš

The author describes her therapeutic experience in two clubs of recovering alcoholics, emphasizing in particular the dilemma of the temporary and artificial nature of each professionally led group in contrary to the fundamental experience that recovering alcoholics must be permanently interconnected. Then she describes her experiences and insights in overcoming this dilemma through the systematic transition of the stabled patients into independent companion groups of treated alcoholics. Overall, she states the eight basic facts and the eight steps of the work program of the comrade groups. This program is based on the findings of Hudolin's alcohol school and its Rugelj's social andragogical method, as well as the experiences of Alcoholics Anonymous. In the concluding part, she states the previous experience in the work of comrade groups.

Branka Knific

For a year and a half, seven professionals have been organizing work in groups of residents of the Izola retirement home. These groups have the character of a self-help group. Work is organized in four groups, with meetings once a week according to the outlined program. In addition, several other forms of activities have been introduced, which offer residents the opportunity to relax. This form and method of work is a novelty in working with the elderly in the retirement homes. Another important and extraordinary feature is that professionals from four different institutions take part in the common work. For a year and a half now, seven professional workers have been organizing work in groups of residents of the Izola home, which have the character of a self-help group. Work is organized in four groups, which meet once a week and in which the work takes place according to the outlined program. In addition to the described work, several other forms of activities have been introduced, which offer residents the opportunity to relax. With its form or method of work, the activity is a novelty in working with the elderly in DU. Another important feature is that professionals from four different institutions are involved in the work, which is also not usual. Relationships among members of these groups and professionals are relaxed and offer personal satisfaction to all of them.

Bojan Regvar

Graphology as the science of knowing one's personal characteristics on the basis of a suitable manuscript can be a qualitative support to social work. With its help, a social worker can better assess the intellectual, character and social level of a person. Graphology can be used in social work mainly in the wider field of work with the family, for example in the selection of foster parents, adoptive parents, guardians, in divorce proceedings and in marriage counseling, perhaps also in working with alcoholics. It is already possible to use professional graphological services in Slovenia, but so far there has been no interes and willingness of social workers and institutions to use this old and world-renowned skill at their professional work.

Jasna Bauman, Karl Destovnik

Sabina Šilc

Branka Knific

Blaž Mesec

Blaž Mesec

Blaž Mesec