This work is a critical analysis of the various aspects of social work education and practice. It argues that social work is still a profession searching for a firm identity and a clear and respectful image. The incorporation of science and scientific approach into social work education and practice appears to be the key for the profession to continue to grow and gain its rightful place in the professional and academic communities. Lastly, this book is intended to generate productive dialogues to advance the profession and its educational processes.

Conceptual and Practical Research and Statistics for Social Workers prepares students to intuitively theorize and utilize research and statistics within their social work practice. The book fosters the skills, savvy, and knowledge students need to interpret, apply, and produce studies within the discipline, enhancing their ability to become better consumers and producers of social work research. The book features two main sections, Research and Statistics, and its organization reflects the basic research process. The text begins with coverage of research questions and design and then introduces various data collection methods and instruments. Students then learn how to effectively analyze data and report and disseminate key findings. Throughout, readers build their understanding of methodological, ethical, and logical concepts in research and statistics, become familiar with basic needs assessment and program evaluation, develop the ability to choose appropriate statistics, and more. Employing everyday language, social work examples, metaphors, humor, and visual mapping, Conceptual and Practical Research and Statistics for Social Workers helps students tap into their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop key competencies. The text is an ideal resource for both undergraduate and graduate-level programs in social work.

A fundamental handbook to the family health model Family Health Social Work Practice: A Knowledge and Skills Casebook is a comprehensive guide to an emerging practice paradigm in the social work field. Edited by pioneers of the family health approach (who also contribute several chapters each), this book introduces the theoretical model and skills of the practice, including a framework for developing a family health intervention plan, illustrated by case scenarios. Issues vital to any family health intervention are addressed in 10 case studies that further explain the application of the practice model. Family Health Social Work Practice stresses a holistic orientation to assessment and intervention from a health perspective that includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of family life. With its focus on practice theories, practical information, and evaluation strategies, the book provides a strong foundation for skills development in the family health model. A collection of articles from the leading practitioners and academics in the field gives a thorough and thoughtful examination to issues ranging from domestic violence to substance abuse to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Family Health Social Work Practice also reviews the philosophy behind the family health approach, summarizes its effectiveness, and examines other critical concerns, such as: child maltreatment mental health spiritual diversity aging agency management One of the few casebooks to present practical intervention plans with accompanying case scenarios, Family Health Social Work Practice is an essential resource for students and professionals in the social work and human services disciplines, and an unrivaled reference for libraries. Helpful tables and figures make the information easy to access and understand.

The profession of social work has, since its inception, stressed the importance of the family system in practice and policy development. Even though the family has always been central to effective social work practice, the framing of the family system from a holistic health perspective is new to the field. This collection develops a family health perspective that will facilitate effective social work practice and policy development.

Family health is an emerging practice orientation within the field of social work. A family health orientation practice utilizes a holistic approach that examines family strength and stress inside and outside the family system. How families perceive these conditions and their ability to adapt and change will greatly determine how concerns are managed by the family system. A critical role of the social work practitioner is to help families deal with these pressures at both the micro and macro levels.

The family health perspective examined in this collection deals with assessment and intervention through a family health approach; research and evaluation on family health; family health and cultural diversity; family health and social policy; and social service delivery through a family health approach.

Bridging the chasm between the disabled and a just and fair society takes skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of the issues. Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues presents leading social work experts providing insightful, effective strategies to address the current gaps in the system between social work and those individuals with disabilities. Diverse perspectives on all levels of social work practice are integrated with the basic tenets of social justice, accessibility to services, and human rights. Specific challenges and issues are addressed in work with disabled populations. Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues examines the social construction of disability that connotes inferiority and highlights practical strategies for change. This creative resource gives social work educators, students, and practitioners the opportunity to embrace diverse and creative ways for integrating a generalist social work model in their work with various size systems that are related to disability. Chapters include extensive references, appendixes, tables, and figures to clearly illustrate topics. Topics in Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues include: model curriculum on disabilities that incorporates diverse perspectives of social work practice with individuals who have physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities protecting the legal rights of children and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) empowering disabled individuals for civil rights to have access to community living the academic process of helping students who are disabled achieve their academic goals components of the Americans with Disabilities Act-and key decisions made by the Supreme Court strategies of intervention for macro change historical overview of family policy and practice as it relates to children and adolescents who are disabled the biopsychosocial framework as an assessment tool to develop interventions the use of the therapeutic relationship and psychodynamic and ecological approaches to social work practices helping clients with disabilities develop adaptive religious and spiritual beliefs disability protests and movements and their implications on social work practice the Capacity Approach and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as social work tools basic guidelines for undertaking research about and with people who have disabilities Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues is a valuable, unique resource for social work educators, students, and practitioners.

Bridging the chasm between the disabled and a just and fair society takes skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of the issues. Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues presents leading social work experts providing insightful, effective strategies to address the current gaps in the system between social work and those individuals with disabilities. Diverse perspectives on all levels of social work practice are integrated with the basic tenets of social justice, accessibility to services, and human rights. Specific challenges and issues are addressed in work with disabled populations. Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues examines the social construction of disability that connotes inferiority and highlights practical strategies for change. This creative resource gives social work educators, students, and practitioners the opportunity to embrace diverse and creative ways for integrating a generalist social work model in their work with various size systems that are related to disability. Chapters include extensive references, appendixes, tables, and figures to clearly illustrate topics. Topics in Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues include: model curriculum on disabilities that incorporates diverse perspectives of social work practice with individuals who have physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities protecting the legal rights of children and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) empowering disabled individuals for civil rights to have access to community living the academic process of helping students who are disabled achieve their academic goals components of the Americans with Disabilities Act-and key decisions made by the Supreme Court strategies of intervention for macro change historical overview of family policy and practice as it relates to children and adolescents who are disabled the biopsychosocial framework as an assessment tool to develop interventions the use of the therapeutic relationship and psychodynamic and ecological approaches to social work practices helping clients with disabilities develop adaptive religious and spiritual beliefs disability protests and movements and their implications on social work practice the Capacity Approach and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as social work tools basic guidelines for undertaking research about and with people who have disabilities Disability and Social Work Education: Practice and Policy Issues is a valuable, unique resource for social work educators, students, and practitioners.

Teenage parenting, particularly mothering, is commonly seen as both personally and socially undesirable. Governments across the world demonstrate concern about teenage pregnancy figures, setting targets and sponsoring campaigns to lower rates of teenage pregnancy and this view is reflected across society and throughout the media.
"Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood "explores a broad range of perspectives on pregnancy and parenting at a young age from a number of international and cultural contexts, and looks at interventions and examples of good practice. Bringing together contributions from leading international academics in the field, this book discusses amongst other topics:
- sexual health and unwanted pregnancy among adolescents
- young mothers as peer educators in school-based sex education
- teenage pregnancy and social exclusion
- the needs of young girls with emotional and behavioral problems
- teen fathers - deconstructing patriarchy and masculinity
"Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood" explores the contexts in which the critique of young parenthood is often conducted. It draws attention to the assumptions underlying policy positions and argues that these limit an effective consideration of adolescent sexuality and gender roles in society. It is invaluable reading for academics and postgraduate students, as well as policy makers and practitioners in health, sex education, youth care and related areas.

Learn how to include multiculturalism in disability-related social work! International Perspectives on Disability Services: The Same but Different presents different cultural and societal contexts on services for people with disabilities. This book covers a range of topics on disabilities related to physical status, emotional conditions, and community settings. This useful introductory reference will help you develop culturally sensitive disability services both locally and overseas, and it will promote better understanding of people with disabilities. This book is a unique examination of services for people with disabilities as they exist in several countries. Until recently, cultural context was used to describe race or ethnicity, but this innovative text recognizes people with disabilities as a worldwide community that is advocating for equality and respect. International Perspectives on Disability Services focuses on the need for human and social services that endorse capability and empowermentpromoting the person rather than the disability. In International Perspectives on Disability Services, you'll learn about: using the term culture to describe the community of people with disabilitieshow cultural sensitivity and competency can be applied to the disability culture the dynamics of a transcultural relationship between psychotherapist and deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals the recent development in aphasia treatmentLife Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA)and the international perspective of communication therapy a comparison of attitudes among social work students in the United States and Japan toward people with disabilitiespeople with disabilities are not yet integrated into Japanese society, but both groups showed room for needed improvement a comparison of disability-related services and experiences in the United States and in Germanychild-raising leave, child-raising money, and Kindergeld (child money) helps support parents financially for the first few years, but the United States has more options for integrated schooling later in life Hong Kong's 25-year-old objective to encourage community integration and normalization for people with disabilities to live in the community the primary support network of family, community leaders, and shaman for people with disabilities among Hmong Americans in Northern California The informative reports, research findings, case studies, and international comparisons offer new directions for human service professionals and students to help them better meet the social, psychological, and cultural needs of people with disabilities. International Perspectives on Disability Services provides clear-cut evidence that disability-oriented social workers need to improve their perspectives as the disability culture gains momentum as a social entity. This book is a must-read for anyone who works or provides disability-related services, as well as for people with disabilities who need more information on other countries' services.

This book provides a scholarly discussion of arguably the most important advance in U.S. public health services since Medicare 50 years ago - how the Federal program known as the Patient Care and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) or "Obamacare" became law. It addresses ACA in terms of its impact on improving health and behavioural health services for key diverse populations in America, including people with disabilities, consumers, women, racial and ethnic minorities, and veterans and their families. From the very beginning, ACA was controversial and the topic of heated political debate at both state and national levels. This book examines more closely how the legislation was developed, including the political history of the act; the many advocacy efforts at the national level and the community-based action strategies at the grassroots level; how ACA will affect a broad cross-section of America; the integration of health and behavioural health services as a key component of ACA; the financing of ACA and parity for behavioural health services. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation.

Effectively engage clients in working for personal changeSocial Work Practice with Children and Families presents the framework for family health social work and its applications in various practice environments. This vital textbook provides a unique blend of academic deliberations and practical service guidelines. Case examples or discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter to facilitate more in-depth understanding and discussion among graduate and undergraduate students, professors, and educators in health and human service areas.Social Work Practice with Children and Families is organized into two major sections entitled "Practice Interventions" and "Policy, Programs, and Emerging Families." This book will supply you with intervention and change strategies for promoting the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual growth and development of the family unit and each of its members, resulting in its holistic well-being. The book covers a wide variety of family dynamics that you will encounter, including gay/lesbian parents, single parents, and grandparents as caregivers. In this resource, you will also find case studies, adaptive strategies, and intervention models for working with families dealing with: abuse and violence disability loss and grief HIV/AIDS migrating and seasonal farm work and more!Social Work Practice with Children and Families will show you how to adopt and use family health social work practice methodology and models in your casework. As a supplemental text, it will help you harness the resources of the household, the government, and the community to develop interventions and services that promote the interests andwelfare of your clients and their loved ones.

Learn how to include multiculturalism in disability-related social work! International Perspectives on Disability Services: The Same but Different presents different cultural and societal contexts on services for people with disabilities. This book covers a range of topics on disabilities related to physical status, emotional conditions, and community settings. This useful introductory reference will help you develop culturally sensitive disability services both locally and overseas, and it will promote better understanding of people with disabilities. This book is a unique examination of services for people with disabilities as they exist in several countries. Until recently, cultural context was used to describe race or ethnicity, but this innovative text recognizes people with disabilities as a worldwide community that is advocating for equality and respect. International Perspectives on Disability Services focuses on the need for human and social services that endorse capability and empowermentpromoting the person rather than the disability. In International Perspectives on Disability Services, you'll learn about: using the term culture to describe the community of people with disabilitieshow cultural sensitivity and competency can be applied to the disability culture the dynamics of a transcultural relationship between psychotherapist and deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals the recent development in aphasia treatmentLife Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA)and the international perspective of communication therapy a comparison of attitudes among social work students in the United States and Japan toward people with disabilitiespeople with disabilities are not yet integrated into Japanese society, but both groups showed room for needed improvement a comparison of disability-related services and experiences in the United States and in Germanychild-raising leave, child-raising money, and Kindergeld (child money) helps support parents financially for the first few years, but the United States has more options for integrated schooling later in life Hong Kong's 25-year-old objective to encourage community integration and normalization for people with disabilities to live in the community the primary support network of family, community leaders, and shaman for people with disabilities among Hmong Americans in Northern California The informative reports, research findings, case studies, and international comparisons offer new directions for human service professionals and students to help them better meet the social, psychological, and cultural needs of people with disabilities. International Perspectives on Disability Services provides clear-cut evidence that disability-oriented social workers need to improve their perspectives as the disability culture gains momentum as a social entity. This book is a must-read for anyone who works or provides disability-related services, as well as for people with disabilities who need more information on other countries' services.

A fundamental handbook to the family health model!Family Health Social Work Practice: A Knowledge and Skills Casebook is a comprehensive guide to an emerging practice paradigm in the social work field. Edited by pioneers of the family health approach (who also contribute several chapters each), this book introduces the theoretical model and skills of the practice, including a framework for developing a family health intervention plan, illustrated by case scenarios. Issues vital to any family health intervention are addressed in 10 case studies that further explain the application of the practice model.Family Health Social Work Practice stresses a holistic orientation to assessment and intervention from a health perspective that includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of family life. With its focus on practice theories, practical information, and evaluation strategies, the book provides a strong foundation for skills development in the family health model. A collection of articles from the leading practitioners and academics in the field gives a thorough and thoughtful examination to issues ranging from domestic violence to substance abuse to the Americans with Disabilities Act.Family Health Social Work Practice also reviews the philosophy behind the family health approach, summarizes its effectiveness, and examines other critical concerns, such as: child maltreatment mental health spiritual diversity aging agency managementOne of the few casebooks to present practical intervention plans with accompanying case scenarios, Family Health Social Work Practice is an essential resource for students and professionals in the social work andhuman services disciplines, and an unrivaled reference for libraries. Helpful tables and figures make the information easy to access and understand.

Teenage parenthood is generally considered a 'bad thing' in Western Europe and the US, but there has been little discussion of the cultural differences in how teenage parenthood is viewed and what sorts of policy and practice interventions are therefore appropriate. The debate of teenage pregnancy and parenthood continues to be a topical media and political issue, and a contested policy area. Covering the controversial issues, this book contributes to the debate, filling the gap in the current market. The strong chapter selection looks at areas such as: education; social policy and welfare reforms in the UK and US; issues for young fathers; child sex abuse; and girls with emotional and behavioral difficulties. This is invaluable reading for those working on government strategies to reduce teen pregnancies and those working in sex education and youth care.

This book provides a scholarly discussion of arguably the most important advance in U.S. public health services since Medicare 50 years ago - how the Federal program known as the Patient Care and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) or "Obamacare" became law. It addresses ACA in terms of its impact on improving health and behavioural health services for key diverse populations in America, including people with disabilities, consumers, women, racial and ethnic minorities, and veterans and their families. From the very beginning, ACA was controversial and the topic of heated political debate at both state and national levels. This book examines more closely how the legislation was developed, including the political history of the act; the many advocacy efforts at the national level and the community-based action strategies at the grassroots level; how ACA will affect a broad cross-section of America; the integration of health and behavioural health services as a key component of ACA; the financing of ACA and parity for behavioural health services. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation.