A strengths-based assessment is most likely to include evaluation of which area?

• A. Competence in Social Functioning.
• B. Medical History.
• C. Financial Resources.
• D. Past Criminal History.

Answer: (A)

At the heart of a strengths-based assessment is looking for what the person can do and how they function in social contexts. This approach centers on competencies, abilities, and resources that help the person navigate relationships, communities, work, and daily life. Evaluating competence in social functioning directly taps into how well someone interacts with others, maintains supports, communicates effectively, and fulfills social roles, which are core indicators of resilience and available strengths.

Medical history, while important for overall understanding, focuses on health conditions and past diagnoses rather than the person’s current social capacities. Financial resources describe material assets, which are relevant but not the primary lens for a strengths-based view. Past criminal history relates to behavior in the past and risk considerations, again not the central emphasis of identifying present social functioning strengths.