Genograms in social work
In social work, a genogram is an assessment tool, not just a family tree. It maps a family across three generations and layers in the emotional bonds, health history, strengths, and risks that shape a client's situation, so patterns and supports are visible at a glance.
Free to start · No signup · Export to PDF, PNG & Word
What a social work genogram needs
Whether it is for a placement assessment or a coursework assignment, these are the parts graders and case files expect.
-
Three generations
Map at least the client, their parents, and grandparents so patterns across the family system become visible.
-
Correct standard symbols
Squares, circles, relationship lines, and deceased markers, drawn to the conventions graders and case files expect.
-
A clear index person
Mark the client at the center so the assessment reads from their perspective, not as a flat family tree.
-
Emotional bonds
Close, distant, conflicted, or estranged relationships, drawn as a second layer over the structure.
-
Strengths & risks
Note health, mental-health, and substance-use history plus key life events that inform safety and support.
-
A submittable export
A clean PDF, PNG, or Word file you can hand in for coursework or drop into a case record.
A social work example
A three-generation genogram with the client as the index person. Structure first, then the emotional bonds and history that drive the assessment.
Symbols & templates you'll use
Use the standard symbol set so your genogram reads correctly for any assessor, and start from a layout instead of a blank canvas.
- At least three generations with the client as the index person
- Marriage, separation, divorce, and child relationship lines
- Emotional bonds: close, distant, conflicted, or estranged
- Significant health, mental-health, and substance-use history
- Key life events: births, losses, separations, and moves
- Genogram symbols The complete key: every shape, line, and marker you need for an assessment.
- Genogram templates Ready-made starting points, including cultural and three-generation layouts.
- Building one for a course on culture or external supports? See the cultural genogram and ecomap vs genogram guides.
How to build one
Three steps, whether you draw it yourself or let AI build the first draft from your case notes.
-
Add the family
Type or paste the case details, upload a file, or record a voice note. AI reads names, dates, and relationships into the canvas.
-
Connect & annotate
Place relationship lines, emotional bonds, and health markers with the correct standard symbols, with the client as the index person.
-
Refine & export
Tidy the layout, then export to PDF, PNG, or Word to submit for an assignment or add to a case file.
Social work genogram questions
What is a genogram in social work?
In social work, a genogram is a structured family map used in assessment. It records family structure across at least three generations, plus the emotional bonds, health and behavioral history, and the strengths and risks that shape a client's situation. It helps a worker see patterns and supports that a written history alone would miss.
What should a social work genogram include?
Most assignments and assessments expect at least three generations, the correct standard symbols, a clearly marked index person (the client), relationship lines for marriage, separation, and children, and a layer of emotional bonds such as close, conflicted, or estranged. Many also note significant health, mental-health, or substance-use history and key life events.
What is the difference between a genogram and an ecomap in social work?
A genogram looks inward at the family system across generations: who is related and how they relate. An ecomap looks outward at the connections between a person or household and the systems around them, like school, work, healthcare, and community. Social workers often use both together, the genogram for family structure and the ecomap for external supports and stressors.
How many generations should a social work genogram include?
Three generations is the standard for social-work coursework and casework. That is usually enough to reveal repeating patterns, such as health conditions, caregiving roles, or relationship dynamics, while keeping the diagram readable for a case file or assignment.
Can I export a genogram to hand in or add to a case file?
Yes. With Genogenie you can export to PDF, PNG, or Word, so you can submit a clean, correctly-symboled genogram for an assignment or drop it straight into a case record.
Is the genogram maker free for students and social workers?
Yes. You can build and export a genogram for free with no account required, which covers most coursework and practice needs. Paid plans add unlimited projects, premium templates, and clinical privacy features.