Types of Recording

From the literature available on casework recording no

clear cut classification of records on the basis of their

types is available. However, for our understanding we

can give the following classification of recording.

(a) Process (b) Summary (c) Verbatim (d) Non-

Verbatim

Process Recording

Process recording is a form of recording used frequently

by the caseworker. In this type, the process of interview

is reported and is a rather detailed description of what

transpired with considerable paraphrasing. It preserves

a sequence in which the various matters were

discussed. It includes not only what both the worker

and the client said but also significant reaction of the

client and changes in mood and response. In this the

interview and observation go hand-in-hand. It may be

verbatim or non-verbatim reproduction.

Summary Recording

Summary is a good device for organising and analyzing

facts. Summary points into meaning and relative

importance of material gathered. A careful summary

made at appropriate intervals reduces bulk, clarifies

direction and saves the workers, time. Summary is

commonly assumed to be a review or recapitulation of

material that has already appeared in the record. It

may be either topically arranged or may appear as

condensed chronological narrative.

Mrs. Sheffield has defined summary in social casework

recording as “A digest of significant facts in the client’s

history which has previously been recorded”. Summary

could be a diagnostic summary, periodic summary or

closing summary.

The closing summary is a summary made at the time

the case is closed. To be most effective it should be

written by the worker who was responsible for the case

at the time of closing.

The periodic summary is simply the summary of material

previously recorded and is made at more or less regular

intervals or at the end of more or less definite episodes

in the family history.

Verbatim Recording

It is reproduction of factual data in the individual’s own

words. It is commonly used in casework because of its

accuracy and objectivity. However, it should not become

a mechanical reproduction of information because

casework as an art requires an intelligent selection

and rearrangement of material. As a part of training of

the worker, verbatim recording may be of value in

developing objectivity.

Non-verbatim /narrative recording

Narrative recording has been and still is a predominant

style of recording. It is the style found in newspapers

and magazines. It is the way we speak of the day’s

events, it is the way we write letters, and it is the ways

we keep diaries. Narrative form of recording is preferred

for reporting acts of practical helpfulness, events and

most collateral visits or conferences. It may be used for

the contents of the interview in all instances except

when the process itself and use of relationship have

special significance.