Definition
An approach led by what matters most to people, recognising that they are the experts in their lives. It looks beyond deficit-based labels and focuses on what people, families and communities have, their capabilities and aspirations, and how they can work together, rather than just looking at what they 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.
The bigger picture
‘Strengths-based’ has become a buzz-word and is often seen by local councils as a way of ‘reducing dependency’ and ‘managing demand’, rather than as a way of listening to and understanding and responding to what matters most to people, building on people’s strengths and on what’s working well, and meeting people’s human needs with alternatives to traditional, restrictive services.
Saying it differently
It might be more helpful to talk about starting with what matters most to people, and to focus on relationships.