Full Description
Disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity across the world, causing significant destruction to individuals and communities. Yet many social workers are ill-prepared for the demands of this field of practice. This book discusses the role of social workers in disaster work, including in disaster-preparedness, during the disaster and in post-disaster practice.
It addresses the complexities of social work disaster practice, noting the need for social workers to understand the language of trauma and to respond effectively. The authors discuss disaster theory and practice, drawing out elements of practice at macro-, meso- and micro-levels and at various stages of the disaster. They examine the factors that shape vulnerability in disasters and draw out the possibility of post-traumatic growth. The final section discusses strategies for self-care in disaster practice, noting the organisational and personal strategies that can be adopted to facilitate the wellbeing of workers in the field.
With real-life case studies from top scholars in the field, this book is essential reading for social work practitioners working in the field of disaster practice, as well as social work students and academics. It will also be useful to other health professionals who wish to understand this field of practice.
Contents
List of case study authors; Introduction; Part I - Theories for practice in disaster social work; Chapter 1 - Social work and the environment: an historical overview; Chapter 2 - Global policy contexts; Chapter 3 - Providing conceptual clarity; Chapter 4 - Theories of social work and the environment: incorporating disasters; Part II - Practice theories; Chapter 5 - Disaster social work practice; Chapter 6 - Community-based practice: working at the meso-level; Chapter 7 - Trauma, grief and loss - meso- and micro-levels of disaster practice; Chapter 8 - Social workers and disasters: organisational contexts; Part III - Vulnerability, resilience and intersectionality; Chapter 9 - Factors shaping vulnerability; Chapter 10 - Gender and disasters; Chapter 11 - Vulnerable populations; Part IV - Social workers engaged in disaster practice; Chapter 12 - Social work and self-care; Chapter 13 - Shaping social work disaster practice; Index
