Social Work in a Global Context engages with, and critically explores, key issues that inform social work practice around the world. Social work can take many forms, and is differently understood in different parts of the world. However, at base, it can be seen as a profession which strives to advance the causes of the vulnerable and marginalised with the aim of promoting social justice, equality, and human rights. This text provides examples of social work in a wide range of countries, informing our understanding of what social work is. It looks at how practice changes or stays the same, and at the impact of policy, as experienced by service users as well as by practitioners working in challenging circumstances. It also meaningfully reflects on the strengths and challenges that are enabled by diversity. Divided into four parts, this wide-ranging text discusses: - what social work means in four different countries -some examples of the impact social and political context can have on social work practice - how social workers see and work with the vulnerable - the future for social work, from disaster work to involving service users. Social Work in a Global Context is the first truly international book for all those interested in comparative and cross-cultural understandings of social work.

This title was first published in 2001. This volume, adopting a Scottish perspective, concentrates on welfare issues in the UK. The book acknowledges the fact that the Scottish legislative base has, historically, been different from the rest of the country, and explores the impact of these differences upon the nature of welfare institutions and service provision. The contributors also critically investigate the important changes being implemented in Scotland within the disaggregated local authority structure, exposing the resource implications for service providers. The book tackles policy issues ranging from poverty and social security to health care, education and criminal justice. An analysis of the relevant laws is incorporated into every chapter, together with an investigation of the crucial implications of social and welfare policies for family structure, class and ethnicity.

This title was first published in 2001. This volume, adopting a Scottish perspective, concentrates on welfare issues in the UK. The book acknowledges the fact that the Scottish legislative base has, historically, been different from the rest of the country, and explores the impact of these differences upon the nature of welfare institutions and service provision. The contributors also critically investigate the important changes being implemented in Scotland within the disaggregated local authority structure, exposing the resource implications for service providers. The book tackles policy issues ranging from poverty and social security to health care, education and criminal justice. An analysis of the relevant laws is incorporated into every chapter, together with an investigation of the crucial implications of social and welfare policies for family structure, class and ethnicity.

This book endeavours to explore and depict the myriad shades of social work as conceptualised and practised in different parts of the world. It makes a modest attempt at examining and critically analysing some of the current social work issues and policy drivers.

Children have a much higher chance of permanently leaving care if they have strong family and peer group links outside their care home. Reflecting current political and policy priorities, Residential Child Care focuses on new developments designed to promote these family and network relationships. The book examines both care policies and individual schemes which involve families and other network members in the planning and care of children looked after in residential units or children's homes. The book provides guidelines on how to broaden the focus of residential care from staff-children relationships within the institution to more diffuse social networks of family and peers and outlines the principles which underpin the new emphasis on external social contacts.

Including examples of innovatory ideas and good practice from abroad, Residential Child Care shows why encouraging families to maintain an active role in the welfare of their children in care is so important, and explores the implications for child welfare systems as well as individual establishments, managers and practitioners.