Psychosocial support is a crucial component of social work practice in Kenya, particularly when addressing the complex needs of vulnerable populations affected by trauma, displacement, or social upheaval. Developing a psychosocial support plan enables social workers to provide structured, culturally sensitive interventions that promote emotional well-being and social reintegration. This chapter focuses on the foundational concepts necessary for crafting effective psychosocial support plans, including understanding the specific terms that guide the design and implementation of interventions in diverse settings.

2.1 Meaning of terms

Three terms are used throughout the planning of psychosocial support: the support plan, the support setting and the support contract. A social worker uses them every time a new client is taken on, so each must be understood clearly before the later topics on setting, contracting, interventions and objectives are studied. This topic gives the meaning of each term, its purpose and how the three fit together. Example: a worker supporting a family after the death of a parent first agrees the terms of work in a contract, arranges a suitable place for sessions and then writes a plan that sets out what will be done and by whom.

Psychosocial support plan

A psychosocial support plan is a written document that sets out how a client's psychological and social needs will be met. It is prepared after assessment, with the client, and states the needs found, the goals, the activities, the people responsible and the time for review. It turns assessment findings into action and is the guide that the worker and client return to during the support process.

• Purpose: It gives structure to the support, so that work is planned and goal-directed and not casual.
• Client involvement: The plan is made with the client, so that the goals are the client's own and not imposed by the worker.
• Coordination: It tells other helpers, such as health workers, teachers or community leaders, what each will do, so that services do not overlap or leave gaps.
• Priorities: It puts the most urgent needs first, such as safety or shelter, before longer-term goals.
• Monitoring: It states how progress will be checked and when the plan will be reviewed and changed.
• Basic parts: Client details, summary of needs, goals and objectives, interventions, responsible persons, resources, timeline and review dates.

Psychosocial support setting

The psychosocial support setting is the place and circumstances in which support is given: the physical space, the atmosphere, the arrangements for time and the social context around the sessions. It includes the agency counselling room, the client's home, a community meeting place, a rehabilitation centre, a children's home, a temporary shelter after a disaster, or a telephone or video call. The setting affects how safe the client feels and how openly the client speaks.

• Physical setting: The room or place, its privacy, seating, light, cleanliness and accessibility.
• Social setting: Who is present or nearby, and the family and community context of the client.
• Organisational setting: The agency's rules, resources and the services it can link to.
• Cultural setting: Language, customs and beliefs that shape what is acceptable.
• Types: Settings may be institutional, such as a centre; community-based, such as a village meeting place; emergency, such as a camp; or remote, by phone or video.
• Effect on results: A private, safe and welcoming setting supports honest talk and recovery, while a noisy, public or unsafe place weakens trust.

Psychosocial support contract

A psychosocial support contract is an agreement between the worker and the client that states what each will do and how the work will be carried out. The parts of a contract and how it is made are taught under Psychosocial support contracting.

• Purpose: It protects the client and the worker by making expectations clear from the start.
• Form: It may be written or spoken, but a written record helps both sides to remember what was agreed.
• Parties: The worker, the client and, where needed, a parent, guardian or the agency.
• Consent: The client freely agrees, with the terms explained in a language the client understands.

How the three terms work together

The contract sets out the basic rules of the relationship, the setting provides the place where support takes place, and the plan states the goals and actions. Taken together they make psychosocial support organised, ethical and safe for the client.

Chapter Summary

This chapter explored the fundamental concepts related to psychosocial support planning, beginning with clear definitions of key terms such as psychosocial support plan, setting, and contract, which establish the framework for effective intervention. It detailed the essential components and strategies that shape a psychosocial support setting, emphasizing the environment and resources necessary for successful assistance. The discussion on psychosocial support contracting highlighted the importance of agreements between providers and recipients to ensure clarity of roles and expectations. Various psychosocial support interventions were examined, illustrating practical approaches to address emotional, social, and psychological needs. The chapter concluded by outlining the objectives of psychosocial support, which focus on promoting well-being, resilience, and recovery among individuals and communities. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive guide for developing and implementing effective psychosocial support plans in diverse contexts.