The authors discuss the results of a study that recorded the extent to which prescriptions and proscriptions for interpersonal practice are specified in the literature and the types of justifications used to substantiate these directives. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
This paper draws on an ESRC project that explored how multi-disciplinary teams work together in their practice with children. The specific aim of this paper is to examine the role of the social worker in such teams by focussing on some of the possibilities and tensions. It is concluded that, despite the many challenges, social work has a positive role to play in developing the joined up policy and practice agenda.
Feminists have long challenged social workers to address issues of equity and justice in clinical practice. This article presents a case study of a family services program, the Institute for Family Services (IFS), whose intention is to do just that. At IFS, power issues are central to all therapeutic conversations and to the structure of the program. Findings from interviews with staff members and clients and observation of the program illustrate how the program sets out to reveal and influence issues of power, privilege, and oppression. Fundamental and unique to this model are the use of same-gender therapy groups, social education, and community sponsors.
Through this practice note, I share some of my reflections and learning of becoming a practice educator. The experience has enhanced my skills as a social worker and team manager and now as a social work doctoral student. Based on my observations of supervision as a practice assessor and my experience of having many different managers throughout my career, I have noticed when social workers move into management without a practice educator qualification, the supervisory relationship experience is a different one than that of a practice educator – turned manager. I question why this is. Is reflective supervision only reserved for students? I am suggesting that it should not be. Each supervisor should be supported and enabled to connect with their Art, as supervision is a form of Art.
This article addresses the significant role multicultural social work institutes can play in the development of social work practice. Such an institute can be a powerful source for researching, evaluating, and expanding social work knowledge and practice, educating and training human service professionals, analyzing and disseminating information critical to policy and professional development, and initiating and participating in change processes that reflect heightened awareness of and appreciation for diversity. The case of San Francisco State University's Institute for Multicultural Research and Social Work Practice is used to illustrate how each of the above-mentioned points were achieved. This article traces the three major phases the institute went through during its first 7 years of history: initiation and establishment, development, and maintenance and growth. It reveals that to be successful, institutes must engage in strategic planning and continuously evolve and change to meet new challenges and developments.
Over the past forty years, Britain has witnessed a decline in religious attendance, observance and worship, particularly within the Christian faith. This social trend is also starting to affect second generation Punjabi Sikhs and Gujarati Hindus. For others, in particular, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims, religion is central to how many conduct and live their lives.A small-scale survey was carried out with social work students studying in Bradford, England to elicit their views about the impact of faith and beliefs on practice. National and local statistics provide a picture of the make-up of the local population by ethnicity and religion.A questionnaire was used to find out the importance of their religious belief, if any, to determine any anxieties in relation to placement, to provide examples of any conflicts or ethical dilemmas concerning religious beliefs and practice and to suggest ways of preparing and equipping social workers to work with diverse faiths and communities.It appears that religion and spirituality is a neglected area of social work. This preliminary work suggests the need for further research in a number of areas in order to promote culturally competent practice.
