Social Casework

This is a basic book in social casework. Its thesis is that among all the complexities within the subject matter and operations of casework there are certain constant elements, forces, and processes which give coherence and unity to its practice. Mrs. Perlman identifies and analyzes these constants and views them within the logical framework of problem-solving. In turn, problem-solving as a casework process is examined in its likeness to normal human problem-solving efforts. The result is an approach to learning and thinking about casework which is at once organized, synthesized, and imaginative. The book's usefulness is enhanced by the author's lucid and pointed style.

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Papers written for the Charlotte Towle Memorial Symposium on Comparative Theoretical Approaches to Case work Practice.

Although deconstruction has become a popular catchword, as an intellectual movement it has never entirely caught on within the university. For some in the academy, deconstruction, and Jacques Derrida in particular, are responsible for the demise of accountability in the study of literature. Countering these facile dismissals of Derrida and deconstruction, Herman Rapaport explores the incoherence that has plagued critical theory since the 1960s and the resulting legitimacy crisis in the humanities. Against the backdrop of a rich, informed discussion of Derrida's writings -- and how they have been misconstrued by critics and admirers alike -- The Theory Mess investigates the vicissitudes of Anglo-American criticism over the past thirty years and proposes some possibilities for reform.

Originally published in 1968, Language of Social Casework considers the way in which social workers commonly neglect language. It is suggested that part of this neglect is due to the ways in which social workers and their critics envisage the activity of social work. The traditional criticisms of philanthropy and social work, are, therefore reviewed, and an attempt made to describe some common responses to them on the part of the practitioners. This is followed by an examination of two terms that are of some importance in the language of casework: the ‘generic-specific’ concept, and the idea of the ‘settings’ of casework. But casework is also described in terms borrowed from other ‘contexts: it is seen as ‘art’ or ‘science’, as a ‘therapy’ or the offer of ‘friendship’. Each of these descriptions is considered in the last two chapters of the book. The book also includes a brand new and fully updated preface by the author, contextualising this 1968 publication, in light of advancements made in the past 50 years.

Authority in Social Casework reviews the various settings in which social work is practiced. This book describes the presence of some component of authority in all casework situations while distinguishing the modes suitable to each setting and to the various needs of clients. Organized into three parts encompassing 10 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the practice of social casework in an authority setting. This text then examines the different concepts of authority as they affect the casework process. Other chapters consider the ways in which authority inheres in the role and function of workers in various casework settings. This book discusses as well the ways in which the nature of the setting determines the types of authority its workers possess. The final chapter deals with the use of a more assertive casework methods of support, which depends on the accurate assessment of the degree of maturity indicated by the client. Caseworkers will find this book useful.

First published in 1998. This volume is IX in the international library of sociology collection and focuses on social casework principles and practice. The text attempts to describe some of the main problems facing caseworkers as they both try to help their clients and to theorize about their methods and objectives to discern the knowledge they use and apply; and to appraise the significance of the social agencies in which they work.

This brief is a practical reference contextualizing social casework methodology in a specifically Caribbean cultural and historical context. It emerged from the experiences of human services workers and educators working in the Caribbean. The concepts of social welfare policy and programs are relatively new to the Caribbean as historically Christian-based organizations and local communities took the responsibility of caring for those in need. As social problems grew more complicated and threatened the security of the nation (e.g., gang violence), it became clear that governments of these small island states needed to provide a systematic approach in dealing with these social problems to help their citizens have a better quality of life. Social Casework Methodology: A Skills Handbook for the Caribbean Human Services Worker outlines a systematic approach that human services workers will find useful while working with clients in the Caribbean. It also is an easy-to-use text that defines social casework methodology, components of the methods, case histories, and exercises for social work students interested in working in the human services sector in the Caribbean.