A key element of the social work process is the selection of intervention methods, informed by psychological and sociological theories, and social work assessments. Through skills of observation and assessment, social workers are able to analyze and explain situations, develop hypotheses about potential outcomes, and select intervention methods to achieve desired outcomes. Implementing intervention methods requires skills in communication and knowledge in building, maintaining and sustaining relationships, as well as critical reflection and analysis in order to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness (whether through formal or informal evaluative methods). Initial qualifying programmes can provide the foundational knowledge of social work intervention methods, although opportunities to practice a range of methods may be limited.