Introducing Social Work [Hardcover]

In this lively introduction suitable for students at any level, Lena Dominelli explores the extraordinary scope and importance of social work. Using engaging examples from contemporary social work practice, she clearly answers questions about what social work is, how social workers work in a variety of settings and the clients they are likely to deal with. She tackles head on the dilemmas social workers face in their day-to-day work and the challenges of working with limited resources and marginalized social groups such as the elderly, the homeless and abused children.

This work will affirm the valuable contribution social workers can make to human wellbeing and demonstrate how the promise and potential of social work can be, and is, realized.Acknowledgements.

Introducing Social Work.

Chapter One: What is Social Work?.

Chapter Two: Working with Children, Young People and their Families: Child Saviour or Child Snatcher?.

Chapter Three: Working with Older People: Market-Driven Facilities or Universal Services?.

Chapter Four: Disabled People: Human Tragedies or Disabling Societies?.

Chapter Five: Mental Ill Health: Care in Institutions or the Community?.

Chapter Six: Homeless People: Independence or Social Neglect?.

Chapter Seven:.

People Who Misuse Substances: Addictions or Responses to Difficult Life Circumstances and Relationships?.

Chapter Eight:.

Offending Behaviour: and Working with Offenders: Rehabilitation or Warehousing?.

Chapter Nine:.

Disaster Interventions: Immediate Relief or Long-Term Reconstruction?.

Conclusions:.

Universal Services for All or Residual Services for the Few?.

Bibliography.

Author Index.

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