SOCIAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATION

Discuss the concept and components of social welfare administration.

Concept of Social Welfare Administration (SWA):

Social welfare administration is the process of planning, organizing, and managing programs
that help improve people's well-being, especially those in need. It involves helping people like
the poor, elderly, children, disabled, or unemployed get access to services such as healthcare,
education, food, housing, and protection.

In short, it is the management of social service programs to ensure they reach the right people
effectively.

Components of Social Welfare Administration:

There are four main components:

1. Planning
o This is where goals are set, and strategies are developed to meet the needs of
the people.
o Example: Planning how to distribute food to families during a drought.
2. Organizing
o Arranging resources like people, money, and equipment to run programs
smoothly.
o Example: Assigning social workers to different communities.
3. Staffing
o Hiring and training the right people to do the job.
o Example: Recruiting counselors for youth programs.
4. Directing and Coordinating
o Giving guidance and making sure all parts of the program work together.
o Example: Making sure all departments (like education, health, and housing)
cooperate.
5. Budgeting
o Managing the money for the program, ensuring funds are used wisely.
o Example: Allocating enough funds for medicine in a free clinic.
6. Reporting and Evaluating
o Keeping records and checking if the program is achieving its goals.
o Example: Reviewing if a school feeding program reduced dropout rates.

Explain Principles of social welfare administration.

1. Fairness/ equality- Everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of their background,

gender, age, or status. (Treat everyone equally and justly).
 2. Efficiency- Services should be provided in a way that uses resources wisely and reaches
as many people as possible.
3. Effectiveness- Ensure programs actually improve people's lives.
4. Transparency- Be open and honest about how decisions are made.
5. Accountability- Social workers and administrators should be honest and responsible in
their work, and their actions should be open to review.
6. Social Justice – Resources and services should be distributed in a way that helps reduce
inequality and support the most vulnerable.
7. Human Dignity – Every person should be respected and treated with care and
compassion.
8. Participation – People should be involved in making decisions about the services or help
they receive.
9. Adaptability – The system should be flexible and ready to change based on people’s
needs or new challenges in society.

DESCRIBE THE FUNCTIONS AND SCOPE OF SOCIAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATION

Functions of Social Welfare Administration:
1. Planning- Identifying social problems and deciding on suitable welfare programs or
services to address them (Developing policies and programs to address social issues and
meet community needs).
2. Organizing- Arranging resources such as staff, funds, and facilities to implement welfare
activities.
3. Implementation- Executing policies and programs through various agencies and
organizations.
4. Coordinating- Ensuring collaboration among different agencies, organizations, and
sectors involved in social welfare. Example: Linking NGOs, hospitals, and schools in child
welfare programs.
5. Budgeting- Managing financial resources and preparing budgets for social programs.
Example: Allocating funds for feeding programs or elderly care.
6. Resource Management- Allocating financial, human, and material resources efficiently
to maximize impact.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation-Tracking the progress of welfare programs, assessing their
effectiveness, and making necessary adjustments.
8. Research and Data Collection- Gathering information to inform policy decisions and
program development.
9. Advocacy- Promoting social justice, rights, and policies that benefit marginalized or
vulnerable groups.
10. Training and Development- Enhancing the skills of personnel involved in welfare
services.
11. Legal and Ethical Oversight- Ensuring programs comply with laws and uphold ethical
standards.
Scope of Social Welfare Administration
 1) Services for Vulnerable Groups- Children, elderly, disabled persons, and marginalized
communities.
2) Health and Medical Services- Promoting health, preventing disease, and providing
medical aid.
3) Educational Programs- Facilitating access to education for underprivileged groups.
4) Economic Support- Providing financial aid, employment services, and poverty alleviation
measures.
5) Housing and Shelter- Ensuring adequate housing for the homeless and low-income
groups.
6) Rehabilitation Services- Assisting persons with disabilities or those recovering from
trauma or addiction.
7) Community Development- Empowering communities through participatory planning
and development.
8) Disaster Relief and Emergency Services- Provides food, shelter, and support during
natural disasters or emergencies.
9) Poverty Alleviation-Involves social safety nets like cash transfers, food programs, and
job creation.
10) Policy Formulation- Developing and implementing social welfare policies at local,
national, and international levels.
11) Research and Policy Analysis- Studying social issues and evaluating the impact of
welfare programs.
EXPLAIN THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL WORK ADMINISTRATION
The evolution of social work administration reflects the changing landscape of social welfare,
organizational structures, and professional practices over time. Here's an overview of its
development:
1. Early Foundations (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
 Social work emerged as a profession focused on charity and philanthropy.
 Administration was informal, often managed by volunteers, religious organizations, or
charitable groups.
 Focus was on individual case work rather than systemic management.
2. Professionalization and Formalization (1920s–1940s)
 Growth of social work as a recognized profession led to structured training and
standards.
 Introduction of formal agencies and organizations to deliver social services.
 Emergence of administrative roles focused on organizing services, staff supervision,
and resource management.
3. Expansion and Complexity (1950s–1970s)
 Increased government involvement, leading to the development of public welfare
agencies.
  Growth of specialized services (e.g., child welfare, mental health, community
development).
 Administrative focus shifted toward policy implementation, program development,
and service delivery efficiency.
4. Modern Trends (1980s–Present)
 Emphasis on community-based, client-centered, and evidence-based practices.
 Adoption of management theories such as systems theory, organizational behavior,
and strategic planning.
 Integration of technology and data-driven decision-making.
 Focus on advocacy, social justice, and holistic approaches to social welfare.
Key Features in the Evolution
 Transition from informal to formalized management structures.
 Shift from charity-based to rights-based approaches.
 Increasing professionalism and specialization.
 Adoption of modern management principles to improve efficiency, accountability, and
effectiveness.
ACTIVITIES FOR SOCIAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATION.
1. Program Planning and Development- Identifying social problems and needs (e.g. poverty,
child welfare). Setting goals and objectives for social welfare programs. Designing and
implementing social welfare programs/ policies to address community needs.
2. Resource Mobilization- Securing funding through government grants, donations, and
partnerships.
3. Community Outreach and Engagement- Conducting awareness campaigns, workshops, and
meetings to involve community members.
4. Case Management and Counseling- Providing support and guidance to individuals and
families in need.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation - Assessing the effectiveness of programs and services to ensure
goals are met.
6. Policy Formulation and Advocacy- Developing policies to promote social justice and
advocating for marginalized groups.
7. Training and Capacity Building- Organizing training sessions for social workers, volunteers,
and staff.
8. Record Keeping and Documentation -Maintaining accurate records of cases, activities, and
program outcomes.
9. Collaboration with NGOs and Government Agencies- Partnering with various organizations
for comprehensive service delivery.
10. Public Awareness Campaigns- Promoting social welfare issues through media and
community events.
11. Research and Data Collection-Gathering data to identify social issues and evaluate
interventions.
12. Legal and Ethical Compliance- Ensuring programs comply with legal standards and ethical
practices.
PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS OF A SOCIAL WELFARE EXECUTIVE
I. Empathy and Compassion: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others,
fostering trust and rapport with clients and communities.
II. Excellent Communication Skills: Clear, empathetic, and persuasive communication to
interact effectively with diverse populations, stakeholders, and team members.
III. Strong Interpersonal Skills: Building positive relationships, teamwork, and conflict
resolution abilities.
IV. Patience and Tolerance: Handling challenging situations and diverse populations with
patience and understanding.
V. Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusting to changing circumstances, policies, and
community needs.
VI. Emotional Stability: Must remain calm and composed, especially when dealing with
distressing situations. Helps in managing stress and making rational decisions under
pressure.
VII. Leadership and Initiative: Motivating teams, making decisions, and taking proactive
steps to address social issues.
VIII. Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding confidentiality, honesty, transparent, and
guided by strong moral principles. Upholds confidentiality and respects the dignity of all
individuals.
IX. Problem-Solving Skills: Analyzing social issues critically and devising effective
interventions.
X. Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and understanding diverse cultural backgrounds and
practices.
XI. Resilience and Stress Tolerance: Managing emotional and physical stress associated
with social work challenges.
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SOCIAL WORKER WELFARE AN EXECUTIVE

1. Leadership Skills- Ability to guide teams, manage staff, and inspire collective action.
2. Communication Skills- Clear verbal and written communication to interact with
clients, colleagues, government bodies, and NGOs, includes active listening, public
speaking, and report writing.
3. Organizational & Management Skills- Capable of planning, scheduling, budgeting, and
coordinating multiple activities. Ensures smooth functioning of social welfare
programs.
 4. Problem-Solving & Decision-Making- Analytical thinking to assess situations and
create effective solutions. Important in responding to social issues or crises efficiently.
5. Interpersonal Skills- Builds strong relationships with clients, staff, and partners.
Encourages trust, collaboration, and effective team dynamics.
6. Advocacy & Negotiation Skills- Speaks up for the rights and needs of individuals or
communities. Engages in policy discussions or negotiates resources for welfare
programs
7. Knowledge of Social Policies & Laws- Understanding of welfare policies, human
rights, child protection, gender equality, etc. Ensures actions are lawful and ethically
grounded.
8. Emotional Intelligence- Manages one's emotions and understands others’ emotions.
Helps in conflict resolution and dealing with sensitive cases.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)- Ability to track progress, assess outcomes, and
report on program impact. Helps in improving effectiveness and accountability.
10. Digital and Technical Skills- Competency in using software for case management, data
analysis, report writing, and communication. Knowledge of social media and digital
platforms is also helpful for outreach.
11. Counseling and Support Skills- Providing emotional support and guidance, conducting
assessments and follow-ups
12. Cultural Sensitivity and Tolerance- Respecting diverse backgrounds and beliefs
Promoting inclusivity
13. Teamwork and Collaboration- Working effectively with colleagues and other agencies
Building partnerships for community development
14. Adaptability and Stress Management- Adjusting to changing circumstances.
Managing emotional stress inherent in social work

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOCIAL WORK ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT:

Social Work Administration.
 Focuses on policy development, advocacy, and overall organizational vision
 Involves setting organizational goals aligned with social justice and community needs.
 Emphasizes ethical considerations, resource allocation, and program planning.
 Often includes leadership roles that shape the mission and societal impact of social
services.
 May be involved in public policy advocacy and program evaluation.
Social Work Management
 Concentrates on day-to-day operations and administrative tasks within social service
agencies.
 Includes supervision of staff, budgeting, staff scheduling, and service delivery.
 Aims to ensure efficient and effective implementation of programs.
 Deals with performance management, client service coordination, and compliance with
regulations.
 Focuses more on organizational efficiency and operational effectiveness.
In summary:
Administration is broader, strategic, and policy-oriented, guiding the organization's mission and
societal role. Management is more operational, focused on implementing policies, supervising
staff, and ensuring service delivery.
PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS OF A SOCIAL WELFARE EXECUTIVE
1. Empathy and Compassion- Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering
trust and rapport with clients.
2. Communication Skills: Clear, respectful, and active listening skills to engage with diverse
populations and collaborate with stakeholders.
3. Patience and Tolerance: Maintaining calm and understanding attitudes when dealing with
challenging situations or individuals.
4. Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding honesty, confidentiality, and moral principles in all
professional dealings.
5. Problem-Solving Ability: Creative and analytical thinking to assess situations and develop
effective intervention strategies.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility: Capacity to adjust approaches based on changing circumstances
or diverse client needs.
7. Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to motivate, coordinate, and work collaboratively with
colleagues and community members.
8. Resilience and Stress Tolerance: Managing emotional and physical stress effectively to
sustain performance in demanding environments.
9. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for diversity and awareness of different cultural backgrounds
and perspectives.
10. Commitment and Dedication: Genuine interest and motivation to improve social conditions
and assist vulnerable populations.
EXPLAIN THE BASIC METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK
The basic methods of social work are structured approaches that social workers use to help
individuals, groups, and communities solve problems, improve well-being, and achieve social
justice. There are three primary methods of social work:
1. Casework (Individual or Personal Work): A method focused on helping individuals deal with
personal and social problems one-on-one.
- Focuses on helping individuals or families address their personal issues and challenges.
- Involves assessment, counseling, guidance, and advocacy to empower clients to solve their
problems and improve their situations.
2. Group Work: A method that involves helping people through group interactions to develop
social skills and mutual support.
- Involves working with groups of people who share similar issues or interests.
- Aims to foster mutual support, develop social skills, and promote collective problem-solving
through structured activities and discussions.
3. Community Organization: A method aimed at helping communities identify their needs,
mobilize resources, and work together for collective improvement.
- Focuses on mobilizing community members to identify their needs and take collective action.
- Aims to bring about social change, improve community facilities, and empower communities
to address their own problems.
4. Social Planning:
- Involves analyzing social issues and developing policies or programs to address them at a
broader societal level.
- Often used in collaboration with government agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to
design effective interventions.
5. Research: Uses systematic investigation to understand social problems, evaluate programs,
and develop effective practices.
- Provides evidence-based insights to inform social work interventions and policies.
6. Supportive (Secondary) Methods: In addition to the main methods, social workers also use
supportive methods such as:

 Social Welfare Administration – managing social service programs and institutions.

 Social Work Research – studying social issues to improve practices and policies.

EXPLAIN TYPES OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THEIR DELIVERIES.

1. Child Welfare Services

o Focus on the protection, development, and well-being of children.
o Include foster care, adoption, child protection, and early childhood education.
2. Health and Medical Services
o Aim to ensure access to healthcare, mental health support, and rehabilitation.
o Provided through hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, and mobile units.
3. Educational Services
o Support access to quality education and special education for children with
disabilities.
o Include school feeding programs, scholarships, and adult literacy.
4. Housing and Shelter Services
o Help people access affordable housing or emergency shelters.
 o Include public housing projects, rental assistance, and homeless shelters.
5. Disability Services
o Support people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
o Include therapy, vocational training, and assistive equipment.
6. Elderly Care Services
o Focus on the health, comfort, and support of senior citizens.
o Include home care, day centers, and retirement homes.
7. Employment and Income Support
o Help people gain employment or financial support.
o Include job training, unemployment benefits, and cash transfers.
8. Family and Community Services
o Strengthen family units and community networks.
o Include family counseling, parenting education, and community outreach.
9. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Services
o Help individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
o Include detox centers, rehabilitation programs, and support groups.

Methods of Delivery of Social Services

1. Institutional Delivery
o Services provided in a formal setting like schools, hospitals, or care homes.
o Examples: Orphanages, rehabilitation centers, and government clinics.
2. Community-Based Delivery
o Services brought directly into the communities where people live.
o Focus on participation, empowerment, and local solutions.
o Examples: Community health workers, local youth centers, outreach programs.
3. Home-Based Delivery
o Services delivered at the client’s home, especially for the elderly, disabled, or
chronically ill.
o Examples: Home nursing, meals on wheels, home visits by social workers.
4. Outreach Services
o Proactive efforts to reach people who may not seek help themselves.
o Examples: Mobile clinics, street social workers, awareness campaigns.
5. Digital or Remote Delivery
o Services provided through technology such as phone calls, apps, or online
platforms.
o Examples: Online counseling, e-learning, mobile health alerts.
6. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
o Collaboration between government and private sector or NGOs.
o Enhances service reach, funding, and innovation.
Public policy refers to the set of actions, laws, regulations, and decisions made by a
government to address issues affecting the public. These policies are created to solve problems,
promote the welfare of citizens, and guide the behavior of individuals and organizations in
society.

Key aspects of public policy:

1. Government-led: It is made by national, county, or local governments.

2. Problem-solving: It responds to issues such as health, education, security, economy,
environment, etc.
3. Decision-making: It involves setting priorities, allocating resources, and implementing
programs.
4. Guided by laws and regulations: It may result in laws, rules, taxes, or funding programs.

Examples:

 A law requiring children to attend school.

 A program offering free healthcare for pregnant women.
 A tax policy to support infrastructure development.

Types of Public Policy in Kenya

1. Economic Policy-These are policies that deal with how the government manages the
country’s money and economy.
Purpose: To promote economic growth, job creation, and development.

2. Social Policy-These policies aim to improve the well-being of people, especially in areas like
health, education, housing, and social welfare.
Purpose: To reduce poverty, promote equality, and improve quality of life.

3. Environmental Policy-These policies focus on protecting the environment and using natural
resources wisely.
Purpose: To ensure sustainable development and conserve nature.

4. Agricultural and Rural Development Policy-These guide how the government supports
farming and rural areas.
Purpose: To improve food security, increase productivity, and reduce rural poverty.

5. Infrastructure and Transport Policy-These are about building and maintaining roads,
railways, housing, and cities.
Purpose: To support movement of people and goods and promote urban development.
6. Security and Defense Policy-These deal with maintaining peace, protecting citizens, and
defending the country.
Purpose: To ensure safety and uphold law and order

7. Foreign and Diplomatic Policy-These guide how Kenya interacts with other countries.
Purpose: To promote international cooperation, trade, and peace.

8. Governance and Administrative Policy-These relate to leadership, government operations,

devolution, and public service.
Purpose: To improve service delivery, fight corruption, and enhance accountability.

9. Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy-These promote research, technology, and

innovation in various sectors.
Purpose: To support modern solutions for development.
Examples:

Here are the key factors and considerations involved in public policy development
1. Problem Identification and Agenda Setting- Recognizing and defining the issue that requires
governmental action.
- Prioritizing problems based on urgency, impact, and public concern.
2. Agenda Building - Gaining attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
- Framing the issue to align with political, social, or economic priorities.
3. Policy Formulation- Developing potential solutions and strategies.
- Conducting research, analysis, and consultations with experts and stakeholders.
- Considering various policy options and their implications.
4. Policy Adoption- Selecting a specific policy proposal for implementation.
- Securing political support through legislation, executive orders, or other mechanisms.
5. Policy Implementation- Putting the policy into action through relevant agencies or
organizations.
- Allocating resources, establishing procedures, and managing logistics.
6. Policy Evaluation- Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness and impact of the policy.
- Collecting data, feedback, and making necessary adjustments.
Important Considerations:
Stakeholder Involvement: Engaging citizens, interest groups, and affected parties.
Legal and Constitutional Framework: Ensuring compliance with laws and constitutional
provisions.
Economic Impacts: Assessing costs, benefits, and fiscal sustainability.
Political Context: Considering the political climate, power dynamics, and public opinion.
Ethical and Social Values: Upholding principles of justice, equity, and human rights.
Feasibility and Implementation Capacity: Evaluating administrative capabilities and resources.
Environmental Sustainability: Incorporating ecological considerations where applicable.