The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of the social workers in High-risk family initial assessment process and factors that affect the initial assessment. This study uses the case of the Service Program for High-risk Family in a county in central part of Taiwan to inquire the questions stated above. Using in-depth interviewing method, the researcher interviews six social workers of the program and analyzes their experiences with qualitative research method. The discussion of the results will focus on the following three aspects: (i) the initial assessment of high-risk families by social workers; (ii) awareness and reflection from social workers; and (iii) factors that affect the initial assessment. The study finds that in the initial assessment for high-risk family, social workers not only identify the risk factors in the family, but also see family's strengths and opportunities. Other findings related to social workers’ professional competence are: while confronting with the limitations of professional competency as well as constraint of external environment, social workers are nonetheless managing to find strengths and possibilities from themselves and external environment. The study will propose implications and suggestion for practices in providing services for high-risk family.
