From: Mike Epstein
Date: 1/18/99
Time: 4:57:58 PM
Remote Name: 129.93.94.213
Dear PsychMom Sorry that it has taken me so long to respond to your posting, but there was a technical problem which limited my ability to send responses. While I advocate strength-based assessment, I also recognize the need and professional responsibility to also document limitations and weaknesses. I do not see this issue as either/or. Assessment should move forward where limitations are documented that allow a child access to services and then IEPs and treatment plans are developed based on the limitations noted AND the strengths. I believe all too often we as professionals focus on the deficits of children that we forget to look for the strengths of the children. Also, I do not see that strength-based assessment is related to the issue of labeling. Labeling a child serves a very important function, namely it allows children to access services. Strength-based assessment should not influence that decision. However, after that decision has been made, strength-based assessment can be used to plan services and evaluate the outcome of services. If you have further comments let me know. Mike Epstein
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