Rural Social Work

A comprehensive overview of domestic and global social welfare policy Written by a team of renowned social policy experts sharing their unique perspectives on global and U.S. social welfare policy issues, Social Work and Social Policy helps social workers consider key issues that face policymakers, elected officials, and agency administrators in order to develop policies that are both fair and just. Designed as a foundational social welfare policy text, this important book meets the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Encouraging readers' critical thinking on various issues, each chapter begins with an overarching question and «what if» scenarios, and ends with a set of suggested key terms, online resources, and discussion questions. Recognizing that policy work requires practitioners to be as fully versed as possible with the issue at hand, Social Work and Social Policy thoroughly explores: Social welfare policy as a form of social justice The evolution of the American welfare state Human security and the welfare of societies Social policy from a global perspective Challenges for social policies in Asia Welfare reform and the need for social empathy The U.S. Patriot Act and its implications for the social work profession Human rights and emerging social media Compelling and broad in scope, Social Work and Social Policy is an indispensable text for students and a valuable resource for practitioners concerned with creating social policy and governmental action guided by justice for all.

This book is well written and inclusive with a realistic approach to problems encountered in schools today. Practical and useable interventions are included which makes this text a valuable resource to the school social worker. -Terry Housteau-Hill, LSCW, Lead Consultant, Knox County School Social Services «An invaluable resource . . . [and] extremely reader-friendly.» -Michelle Alvarez, MSW, LCSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work University of Southern Indiana School Social Work thoroughly covers all aspects of this burgeoning field, from the history and function of school social workers and up-to-date, empirically and developmentally supported interventions to effective methods for implementing and evaluating school social work programs. Educational policy and legislation, community-based interventions, and prevention programs are also covered. Supported by case vignettes and discussion questions that engage the reader in every chapter, this book: * Provides proven and promising programs for change in classrooms, schools, families, neighborhoods, and communities * Equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively in the unique political environment of the school * Outlines the school social worker's essential role as a consultant to faculty and administrators as well as creator and mediator of school and community collaborations that enhance the academic success of at-risk students In addition, this book provides current assessment methods for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions; recently developed standardized measures designed to assess change at the classroom, school, family, neighborhood, and community levels; guidelines for successfully planning, implementing, and evaluating new programs based on Comprehensive Quality Programming (CQP) strategies; and detailed information on the most current student-focused violence prevention programs. Complete with lists of Internet resources and other references at the end of each chapter, School Social Work is a valuable tool for students and a hands-on resource for school social workers, psychologists, counselors, and administrators.

The need has never been more crucial for community health providers, programs, and organizations to have access to training in addressing the unique behavioral health challenges facing our veterans, active duty military, and their families. Handbook of Military Social Work is edited by renowned leaders in the field, with contributions from social work professionals drawing from their wealth of experience working with veterans, active duty military, and their families. Handbook of Military Social Work considers: Military culture and diversity Women in the military Posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans Traumatic brain injury in the military Suicide in the military Homelessness among veterans Cycles of deployment and family well-being Grief, loss, and bereavement in military families Interventions for military children and youth Offering thoughtful advice covering the spectrum of issues encountered by mental health professionals working with individuals and families, Handbook of Military Social Work will contribute to the improvement of efforts to help our military personnel, veterans, and their families deal with the challenges they face.

A practical approach to understanding social work concepts in action that integrates theory and practice In this updated edition of the classic social work text, students and instructors have access to real-world demonstrations of how social work theories and concepts can be applied in practice. The case studies in this book bridge the gap between the classroom and the field by allowing students to discover the when, why, and how of social work principles. Brief but comprehensive topic overviews are brought to life by case studies that apply general theories to the work of social work. Each of the book's nine sections cover an essential area of social work, encompassing the micro, mezzo, and macro levels Highly readable explanations are followed by 3-5 case studies relating theory to the living practice of real social workers Topics include Generalist Practice; Family Therapy, Treatment of Adults; and Diversity Approaching each topic from a variety of different theoretical bases, this essential text allow students to learn by concrete example, experiencing social work concepts as they are applied in the profession today.

Fully revised and restructured, this fresh edition offers students and trainee social workers an incisive and authoritative introduction to the subject. As well as entirely new sections on theory and practice, the expert contributions which have shaped the companion’s leading reputation have been updated and now include innovative standalone essays on social work theory. Comprehensively reworked new edition comprising six substantive sections covering essential topics for trainee social workers – in effect, six books in one Includes an extensive introduction and chapters by leading experts on the focus and purpose of social work Provides a unified textbook for trainees and an invaluable professional reference volume Features a wealth of new material on theory and practice alongside detailed expositions of the social and psychological framework, stages in the human life cycle, and the objectives and core components of social work Each chapter lists five key points to remember, questions for discussion, and recommendations for further reading

Authoritative coverage of social work policy and practice from a global perspective In order for social and economic justice to flourish globally, a greater understanding of practice and policy efforts from around the world is essential for today's professional in the human services. International Social Work Policy and Practice: Practical Insights and Perspectives provides practitioners and students with contemporary examples and thought-provoking activities to promote in-depth insight and analysis of global social welfare issues such as poverty and the environment. Thorough and practical, this book examines social work policy and practice within the context of global interdependence and culturally appropriate modes of everyday practice. Its country-by-country coverage includes Peru, Mongolia, Portugal, Malawi, Costa Rica, and South Africa, following a consistent structure that, in addition to offering real-life examples, delves into the theoretical underpinnings, ethical dilemmas, policy concerns, and strategies for promoting social and economic justice. Each example of international practice-contributed by internationally recognized professionals who have lived and worked in the nation they are writing about-allows readers to immerse themselves in that country's cultural, social, historical, political, and economic context. Reflective exercises and Web-based, interactive activities give readers the chance to connect and apply what they've learned. Serving as an impetus for learning more about the unique struggles and strengths of those in countries around the world, International Social Work Policy and Practice offers intriguing firsthand observations and perspectives on the relevance of social work's leadership role in grappling with the human elements and challenges associated with globalization.

A comprehensive introduction to the field, with contributions from leading experts that illuminate the focus and purpose of social work. New edition of THE leading social work textbook for undergraduates Provides comprehensive coverage of all subject areas relevant to a career in social work Covers the reasons for social work, the application of knowledge to practice, the practice context, and its psychosocial framework Gives detailed coverage of the perspectives of service users, carers and the Disabled People’s Movement The book brings together material on children and families side-by-side with detailed accounts of work with adult service users Each chapter lists five key points, three questions for discussion, and three recommendations for further reading

A comprehensive introduction to the field, with contributions from leading experts that illuminate the focus and purpose of social work. New edition of THE leading social work textbook for undergraduates Provides comprehensive coverage of all subject areas relevant to a career in social work Covers the reasons for social work, the application of knowledge to practice, the practice context, and its psychosocial framework Gives detailed coverage of the perspectives of service users, carers and the Disabled People’s Movement The book brings together material on children and families side-by-side with detailed accounts of work with adult service users Each chapter lists five key points, three questions for discussion, and three recommendations for further reading

The social worker's guide to integrating theory and practice Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice teaches aspiring social workers how to apply theory in real world practice. Fully aligned with the Council on Social Work Education's 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the book links theory to practice with clear, concise instruction including a discussion of evidence-based practice. Twelve commonly-used theories are thoroughly explained, with discussion of the strengths and limitations of each, and applied to real work with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. The book includes case studies and first-person contributions from practicing social workers to illustrate the real-world scenarios in which different concepts apply. Critical thinking questions help students strengthen their understanding of the ideas presented. Tools including a test bank, PowerPoint slides, and an instructor's manual are available to facilitate classroom use, providing a single-volume guide to the entire helping process, from engagement to termination. Practice is a core foundational course for future social workers, but many practice texts focus on skills while neglecting the theoretical basis for social work. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice fills that gap by covering both skills and theory in a single text. Examines the applications of prevailing social theories Covers the most common theories used in micro, mezzo, and macro practice Helps readers understand well-established approaches like strengths perspective, humanistic and client-centered, task-centered, and solution-focused brief therapy Shows how to apply major theories including ecological/system, cognitive/behavioral, conflict, empowerment, narrative, crisis, critical, and feminist An effective social worker recognizes the link between theory and practice, and how the two inform each other to culminate in the most effective intervention and most positive outcome for the client. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice provides students with a roadmap to the full integration of philosophy and application in social work.

A lifespan approach presenting evidence-informed interventions for working with individuals and families Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families covers assessment of and intervention with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and families. It offers an array of pedagogical features within each chapter, as well as online resources and review questions at the conclusion of each chapter to help guide critical thinking about topics. Reflecting the current state of evidence-informed social work practice, each chapter's contributors emphasize the incorporation of wider forms of systematically collected data such as case studies, best or promising practices, and consumer-focused data. Reading this book will not only give readers the tools to work effectively with individuals and families, but also develop their skills in evidence informed practice. Comprehensive and insightful, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families is a student- and practitioner-friendly text identifying the best assessment tools and strategies available for social workers to successfully serve individuals and families facing a broad range of challenges.