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Qualitative research continues to excite interest in social work inquiry spurring, in the process, a corresponding interest in social justice research. Yet, much remains to be done concerning the development of innovative frameworks for doing social justice social work research. Lack of effective research tools stymies social workers' efforts at responding appropriately to the needs of culturally diverse service users and the structures that oppress them. This article introduces an integrated framework of critical cultural competence and anti-oppressive practice for doing qualitative social work research. Juxtaposing the cultural sensitivity powers of critical cultural competence with the social justice values of anti-oppressive practice enhances understanding of the salience of culture in human behavior, while promoting deeper appreciation of difference and the effects of oppression as experienced through social identities.

• Summary: This article examines the continuing marginalization of sexual orientation in social work practice. Taking the findings and recommendations of a small scale exploratory study as our starting point, we review United Kingdom (UK) research on social work and sexual orientation and illustrate the contradictions and constraints in implementing effective strategies for change. We explore the potential of cultural competence as a framework for developing anti-heterosexist practice. • Findings: Current cultural competence frameworks have potential for developing anti-heterosexist practice through attention to awareness and understanding of attitudes, knowledge and skills. But they are limited by weak attention to underpinning theory, to the application of principles in practice, the complex reality of multi-cultural membership and the application of cultural competence at an organizational level. • Applications : These findings have utility for social work students, educators and trainers, for the development of professional standards, for social work practice and supervision, and for organizations in creating inclusive learning and working environments and resisting heterosexism in social work.

AbstractWe explored whether the strength of caseworkers' engagement with families in the child‐welfare system was associated with the caseworkers' academic degrees, job responsibilities and environments, and/or ethnicity. We extracted data from a national data set describing 1,714 caseworkers. Results confirmed significant association between caseworkers' confidence in their engagement with families and (a) master's‐ and bachelor's‐level social work education, (b) adequate supervision at work, (c) cultural‐diversity training, (d) job focus (screening/investigation, out‐of‐home placement, or reunification), and (e) homogeneous race/ethnicity of caseworker and client.

In this case study, the author discusses the use of secondary data in completing a dissertation that explores the impact of cultural competence on treatment outcomes for depressed youth of color. The challenges faced in the PhD process, as well as the pros and cons of the use of secondary data, are also discussed. In addition, the author bullets several things to consider with the use of secondary data to complete one's dissertation.

The different pathways chosen to efficiently and effectively provide relief to those struggling with mental health challenges reflect different assumptions about the human condition and have led to disagreements over which intervention strategies are best suited to particular individuals or populations. Evidence-based practice and culturally competent services, as discussed within the United States, have been characterized as opposites. However, neither approach captures all of the elements that embody the full treatment experience. This article offers a framework that includes the personal identity of the practitioner and the organizational context as two elements that serve as active agents in the helping relationship, although they have rarely been included in the discourse about evidence-based practice or cultural competence. Suggestions for practice, education, and research are included based on this analysis.