Reconstructing social relationships in post-earthquake community: social work intervention in Qin Jian Ren Jia, Dujiangyan

Abstract

Based on a study of Qin Jian Ren Jia, a community consisting of mainly temporary dwellings in Dujiangyan, this paper illustrates how social work services should be carried out to assist the rebuilding of the community after it was devastated by an earthquake. It describes first the backdrop for social work intervention, the nature of the projects delivered, and the importance of the lessons learned. It suggests that in order for any social work service to function effectively, social work must be incorporated into the government administrative structure for delivering aid to occupy a particular niche. It also proposes that for any service project to work efficiently in a disaster struck community, the project must have a long-term goal aiming at improving community management. Furthermore, it argues that group work is more conducive in rebuilding social relationships, and in turn, they will further enhance the development of social activism and positive energy for mitigating community problems. To these ends, it is most important to ensure social work services and expertise relevant to local contexts so that services rendered in rebuilding community can become professionalized, specialized and sustainable.