Which approach in social work emphasizes prevention rather than only intervention?

The approach that emphasizes prevention rather than only intervention is trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care is rooted in understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, with the goal of creating environments that promote healing and resilience. This method prioritizes prevention by recognizing potential trauma triggers and working proactively to address them, rather than solely focusing on treatment after trauma has occurred.

This approach encourages practices that build protective factors and emotional safety for clients, helping to prevent further trauma before it happens. By integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, trauma-informed care creates a supportive framework that not only addresses the effects of trauma but also empowers individuals to avoid future adverse experiences.

Community engagement, while important, is more about involving community members in the decision-making processes and does not specifically focus on preventive measures related to trauma. Clinical social work generally deals with assessing and treating mental health issues rather than emphasizing prevention. Restorative justice, although beneficial for repairing harm and building community relationships, typically centers on addressing the consequences of wrongdoing rather than a broad focus on prevention.