Definition

The practice of helping individuals or families with their specific problems and needs, often in a social work context.

Example

The social worker focused on casework to assist families in crisis.

Conversation

I heard you got a new job in social work, right?

Yeah, I'm focusing on casework for families in need.

That sounds really rewarding!

It is! Helping people directly makes a big difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Casework is formed from "case" (from Old French *cas*, meaning an instance or occurrence) and "work" (from Old English *weorc*, meaning activity or labor). The term refers to the work done on specific instances or cases, particularly in social work or legal contexts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'case' as an instance or situation that needs attention, and 'work' as the effort put into addressing that situation. Together, casework means the effort put into handling specific instances.

Visually Confused Words