Several community capacity-building approaches are available, each with a number of common domains (Castillo et al, 2019). Developing the community involves changing the way people view the system. In traditional service systems, clients are taught about their problems and how to value services as the answer to those problems (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1996). The individual uses services and often consumes energy and creativity to outwit or bypass the system, rather than creating solutions within the system (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1996). When working with a community, changing the focus to an approach that uses the community's assets acknowledges and recognizes that the community already has strengths.
An asset-based development approach supports and builds on the work of the community and embraces the strong neighbourhood-rooted traditions of organizing, economic development and planning (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993, 1996). It involves using resources more effectively, both internally and externally, which is done best when the community is itself fully mobilized and invested in the service (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993, 1996).
It focuses not on what is absent from a community, but rather on what is present in the community.
It finds solutions internally by concentrating on building the agenda and the problem-solving capabilities of local parties, and stresses the importance of a local definition, investment, creativity, hope and control.
It makes an ongoing effort to build and rebuild relationships between all parties—health care providers/settlement sector providers, local residents, local institutions and local associations.
Approaching community development with an asset-based approach emphasizes the community's ability to jointly identify problems and activate solutions, which can help protect against negative health outcomes and promote health status (Morgan & Ziglio, 2007).
Asset-based approaches to mental health add value by identifying the range of protective and health-promoting factors that act together to support health and well-being. They promote the population within the community as co-producers of health rather than simply as consumers of services. As a result, this strengthens the capacity of individuals and communities to realize their potential for contributing to their own health development (Morgan & Ziglio, 2007).