In much of the Western world, the concerns of rural people are marginalized and rural issues are neglected. Indeed, most social work literature implicitly assumes an urban context. Increasing political, academic, and professional interest in rural policy and rural services is beginning to demonstrate that the 'urban' models of practice may be unworkable in the countryside. This stimulating book addresses the gap in evidence-based material on modes of rural social work practice. The book draws upon a rich variety of material to show why rural social work is such a challenging and absorbing field of practice. It uses studies from the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK to explore the problems and possibilities of rural practice. It addresses key issues in the recruitment, education, training, and support of rural social workers. Additionally, it shows how working in rural areas requires a more ambitious and socially engaged approach to practice that is both demanding and rewarding for prac

First published in 1998, this volume explores the Australian welfare system in the 1980s through the lens of being 'bushed': lost, tired, confused and don't know which way to go. Numerous key factors have hindered the development of Australia's welfare system along with the ability of rural Australians to access formal welfare services which have frequently been inappropriate to their needs and lifestyles. These include a fragmented and centralised policy and service system for decision making, information, control and accountability, a highly professionalised welfare workforce and a 'provision' approach to social care built on the assumption that it is best provided by a network of formal services which are largely disconnected from natural sources of support.

In much of the Western world, the concerns of rural people are marginalized and rural issues are neglected. Indeed, most social work literature implicitly assumes an urban context. Increasing political, academic, and professional interest in rural policy and rural services is beginning to demonstrate that the 'urban' models of practice may be unworkable in the countryside. This stimulating book addresses the gap in evidence-based material on modes of rural social work practice. The book draws upon a rich variety of material to show why rural social work is such a challenging and absorbing field of practice. It uses studies from the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK to explore the problems and possibilities of rural practice. It addresses key issues in the recruitment, education, training, and support of rural social workers. Additionally, it shows how working in rural areas requires a more ambitious and socially engaged approach to practice that is both demanding and rewarding for prac