Which of the following is NOT a stage in the problem-solving process in social work?

In social work, the problem-solving process is typically structured around several key stages that guide practitioners in assessing client needs and developing effective interventions. The stages commonly recognized include engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Engagement is the initial stage where the social worker establishes a relationship with the client, which is crucial in building trust and understanding the client's needs. Implementation refers to putting the agreed-upon plans into action, where interventions are executed to address the identified issues. Evaluation is the final stage in which the effectiveness of the interventions is assessed, allowing for adjustments and further planning as needed.

Rehabilitation, while an important concept in social work and often associated with specific programs or services, is not characterized as a separate stage in the problem-solving process. Instead, it can be seen as a potential goal or intervention focus within various stages but does not represent a distinct phase in the overall process of problem solving in social work. Thus, identifying rehabilitation as not being a stage reinforces an understanding of how structured approaches in social work practice are categorized to facilitate effective intervention.