Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

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Prepare for the SWES Individual Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

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Which is a key characteristic of preventive social work?

Intervention after crises occur
Fostering community engagement
Addressing risk factors before they lead to problems
Providing mental health services

The correct answer is: Addressing risk factors before they lead to problems

Preventive social work focuses on addressing potential issues before they develop into more significant problems. This proactive approach involves identifying and mitigating risk factors that can lead to negative outcomes for individuals, families, or communities. By intervening early, social workers aim to enhance resilience and well-being, create educational programs, and offer resources that support individuals in navigating life's challenges effectively. Fostering community engagement contributes to strengthening the social fabric and can be an important aspect of preventive practices, but it is not the central characteristic. Likewise, intervention after crises occur is reactive and does not align with the preventive focus. While providing mental health services is essential for overall well-being, it does not specifically encapsulate the essence of preventive measures aimed at avoiding problems from arising in the first place. Therefore, addressing risk factors proactively is what defines preventive social work as it emphasizes foresight and intervention at early stages.