Social workers take pride in their commitment to social and economic justice, peace, and human rights, and in their responses to related inequalities and social problems. At a time when economic globalization, armed conflict, and ecological devastation continue to undermine human rights and the possibilities for social justice, the need for linking a structural analysis to social work practice is greater than ever.
The second edition of this popular social work practice text more fully addresses the connection between social justice and human rights. It includes a discussion of social work's role in promoting peace and responding to environmental problems. It also places a greater attention on the links between social work theories/concepts and practice skill/responses.
The text has been updated and revised throughout with four new chapters: social work and human rights, cultural competence and practice with immigrant communities, social work and mental health communities, and practice with couples and families. Detailed case studies demonstrate the integration of theory, policy, and practice.
List of Figures and Tables
List of Abbreviations
Foreword, Roland Lecomte
Preface
The Challenge for Social Work
Organization of the Chapters
Acknowledgements
Part One: Structural and Theoretical Framework
Chapter 1: Social Work, Social Welfare, and the Global Economy
The Global Capitalist Economy
Neoliberalism
The Role of the Military
Imposed Structural Adjustment Programs
What do International Trade Agreements Have To Do with Social Work?
Unemployment, Poverty, and Social Protection
Measuring Poverty
Understanding Individual and Social Problems in a Structural Context
The Role of the State
Chapter 2: Pursuing Social Justice, Human Rights, and Peace
The United Nations and the Emergence of Human Rights
Social Work and the United Nations
The Development of Human Rights
Militarism, Armed Conflict, and Non-State Terrorism
A War with No End
Opposing Militarism
Social Injustice is Killing People
Social Justice and Human Rights: The Challenge to the Profession
Call to Action
Chapter 3: Historical Developments in Social Work
The Early Years: Responding to Poverty and Establishing Legitimacy
Charity Organization Societies
Settlements
Establishing the Foundations of the Profession
The Diagnostic and Functional Schools
Professional Associations
Specialization and Fragmentation
Responses during the Great Depression
Social Work in the Era of Retrenchment
In Search of a Generalist Practice Framework
Functional Systems Theory
Marxist Systems Theory
Divisions in Social Work
Postmodernism
Chapter 4: Structural Social Work: Theory, Ideology, and Practice Principles
The Context of Social Work Practice
Theory, Models, and Approaches
Taking Ideology into Account
Organizing Frameworks
Structural Social Work
The Role of Social Structures
Principles and Practices of Structural Social Work
1. Defence of the Client
2. Collectivization
3. Materialization
4. Increasing Client Power in the Worker-Client Relationship
5. Enhancing the Client's Power through Personal Change
A Summary
Chapter 5: The Importance of Inequality and Social Location
Taking Social Class into Account
Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Diversity
Women's Long March to Equality
Women's Work
Unlearning Sexism
Women's Rights are Human Rights
Sexual Diversity
Persons with Disabilities
The Impact of Inequality and Discrimination
Addressing Injustice
Chapter 6: Legal and Ethical Social Work Practice
Social Work Code of Ethics
Malpractice
The Process of Ethical Decision-making
Informed Consent
Confidentiality
Duty to Warn
Duty to Report
Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships
Guidelines for Record Keeping
Ethical Responsibilities to the Workplace
Ethical Responsibilities for Social Change and Social Justice
Part Two: Practice Within a Structural Context
Chapter 7: The Helping Process: Assessment and Intervention
Agency Context
Personal and Political Tuning-In
The Helping Relationship
Clarifying the Social Work Role and the Process of the Interview
The Assessment
Human Needs and Human Rights
Assessment Format
Assessment Tools
Family Tree/Genogram
Eco-map
Social Network Map
Life Line
The Contract
Ending the Interview
Chapter 8: Facilitating Empowerment and Change
Empowerment
Power and Powerlessness
The Change Process
Connecting the Structural and the Personal
Critical Thinking and Consciousness-raising
Skills of Reflection and Action
1. The Skill of Empathy
2. Posing Relevant Questions
3. Self Disclosure/Sharing a View
4. Reframing/Restorying
5. Identifying Strengths
6. Communicating Effectively
7. Presenting a Challenge
Chapter 9: Immigrant and Refugee Settlement: Culturally Sensitive Practice
Social Work and Settlement
The Immigration and Refugee Process
Categories of Immigration/Refugee Status
Convention Refugees
Immigrants
Arrival, Settlement, and Integration
An Unwelcoming Environment
Health Concerns
Cultural Diversity and Relevant Practice Responses
Cultural Competency
The Role of Spirituality and Religion
Chapter 10: Social Work Practice in Mental Health
Understanding the Stress/Disease Connection
Mental Health Concerns
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The Sickening of Society
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Considering Gender and Culture
Stigma
Psychotropic Medications
Central Nervous System and Psychopharmacology
1. Antipsychotic Medications
2. Antidepressant Medications
3. Mood-Stabilizing Drugs
4. Anti-Anxiety Medications
5. Psychostimulants
Medication Management
A Case From Practice: Peter from Sudan
Context
Background
Social Work Assessment and Plan
Engagement/Developing a Relationship
Drug Overuse and Addiction
Loss
Chapter 11: Supporting Families and Couples
The Importance of Healthy Relationships
Working with Families
Starting Out with the Family
Attachment Theory
Case Example: A Family in Ontario
Working with Couples
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Chapter 12: Use of Groups for Empowerment and Support
Planning the Group
Personal Preparation
Group Structure
Group Membership
Location and Time of the Group
Working with a Co-facilitator
Attending to Special Needs
Getting Started
Personal/Political Tuning-In
Introductions
Guidelines and Ground Rules
The Group Session
Helping Members Tell Their Story
Use of Contracts
Use of Homework
Giving Feedback
Use of Structured Activities
Critical Thinking and Problem-Posing
Ending the Session
Challenges in Group Work
Lack of Participation
Promoting Co-operation
Diversity and Conflict
Group Closure
Chapter 13: Community-Based Social Work Practice
Approaches to Community-based Practice
Assessment and Strategies for Change
Entering the Community
Identifying Concerns/Needs and Social Action
Community Functioning
Empowerment through Participation
Arts and Performance in the Disability Community
Fighting for Social Justice
Chapter 14: The Workplace, Professional Associations, and Union Membership
The Workplace
Organizational Analysis
The Professionalization and Regulation of Social Work
Social Work Regulation
The Struggle for Regulation in Ontario
The Role of Unions
The Way Forward: Social Work, Social Justice, and Human Rights
Appendices
Appendix A: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Appendix B: Canadian Association of Social Workers, Code of Ethics
Appendix C: Canadian Association of Social Workers, Guidelines for Ethical Practice
Appendix D: Reflecting on Your Family
Bibliography
Index
