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Symposium Introduction
The strength perspective is familiar in human services. It rests on the belief that individuals receiving support possess inherent talents, skills, and resources (individually and/or collectively) to overcome adversity and thrive. However, questions remain about how this approach operates, what proven best practices exist, and how it can be effectively applied to those facing complex challenges like mental illness, domestic violence, or homelessness. Is it a genuine commitment or merely a politically correct gesture?
We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting an International Symposium on strengths-based practices from January 9, 2025 (starting on Thursday afternoon) to January 11, 2025 (Saturday). This symposium aims to address these questions and advance the strength perspective. We will foster a transdisciplinary approach, inviting experts to share their successful service "stories" from Hong Kong and the region. Critically, we will evaluate emerging evidence and explore innovative approaches.
Join us as we delve into the strength perspective, challenge existing paradigms, and shape the future of human services. Together, let's uncover the untapped potential within individuals and communities to build a more empowering, inclusive, and flourishing society.
Highlights (5+3+11+5)
Join us for an exciting symposium featuring 5 keynote presentations and 3 plenary lectures, alongside 11 dynamic parallel sessions that cover a diverse array of topics and types of human services. On Saturday, 11 January, 2025, don’t miss the unique opportunity to participate in an agency field trip, where you can visit an organization (out of 5 options) implementing strengths-based perspectives in real-world settings.
Be part of this inspiring event and enhance your knowledge and network!
Who Should Attend the Symposium?
The International Strengths Symposium is particularly suitable for health professionals, human and social services practitioners (e.g., peer support workers), educators/ teachers, counselors, social workers, and behavioral health practitioners (e.g., creative art therapist, music therapist), as well as those working with individuals at different developmental stages, including young people and older adults. Participants will benefit from engaging discussions, innovative practices, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing strengths-based approaches in their fields.
In 2010, Professor Samson Tse introduced the Strengths Model to Hong Kong's Mental Health Service and provided guidance to professionals on how to effectively apply the Strengths Model Case Management (SMCM). He also played a key role in establishing the SMART institute in October 2016. The SMART institute is a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at HKU and three non-governmental organizations, namely Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Caritas Rehabilitation Service, and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. Lately, the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and SideBySide became new member organizations of the SMART unit.
The primary mission of this institute is to promote recovery among people affected by mental health conditions from a non-pathological perspective by applying, researching, and training on the SMCM. We aim to implement SMCM, developed by Professor Charles Rapp and Dr. Rick Goscha of The University of Kansas (Lawrence, US), in Hong Kong’s mental health service to foster recovery-oriented practices from a strengths perspective.
Furthermore, the unit gathers evidence-based outcomes and processes to assess the implementation of the model, while also offering specialized training for professionals, peer support workers, and members of multi-disciplinary teams.
In 2010, Professor Samson Tse introduced the Strengths Model to Hong Kong's Mental Health Service and provided guidance to professionals on how to effectively apply the Strengths Model Case Management (SMCM). He also played a key role in establishing the SMART institute in October 2016. The SMART institute is a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at HKU and three non-governmental organizations, namely Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Caritas Rehabilitation Service, and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. Lately, the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and SideBySide became new member organizations of the SMART unit.
The primary mission of this institute is to promote recovery among people affected by mental health conditions from a non-pathological perspective by applying, researching, and training on the SMCM. We aim to implement SMCM, developed by Professor Charles Rapp and Dr. Rick Goscha of The University of Kansas (Lawrence, US), in Hong Kong’s mental health service to foster recovery-oriented practices from a strengths perspective.
Furthermore, the unit gathers evidence-based outcomes and processes to assess the implementation of the model, while also offering specialized training for professionals, peer support workers, and members of multi-disciplinary teams.