Social Work Practice Research Articles

Producing spaces of care in public urban places: Discovering relations between social workers’ work knowledge and social spaces

Abstract Social work studies have been attentive to the significance of space and place, but few have explored the relationship between space and social workers’ ‘work knowledge’. The literature on professional discretion has focused on ways in which bureaucratization, rules, and procedures structure and limit the ability to engage meaningfully with clients in social work practices. This study builds on findings from observations of and interviews with social workers employed in NGO-based services doing outreach work in public urban places. These social workers have ample room to make autonomous judgements in their everyday work. While communication is fundamental in deciding how to engage with recipients of care, this article explores how space is significant for care practices. The study examines relations between ‘work knowledge’ and space by drawing on theoretical perspectives from institutional ethnography and Lefebvre’s spatial analysis. This conceptual approach assists in making visible central processes, skills, and knowledge involved in social work practices easily ignored when observing institutional aspects that organize social work practices. The study finds that social workers’ negotiation of how to best provide care is constituted by spatial aspects, as well as how social workers simultaneously engage in transforming space through their practices.

Social Work and Sexual Minorities: The Health and Psychosocial Realities of Queer Men in Nigeria and Its Implication for Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT Background Nigeria is a nation characterized by diverse cultures, religions, and policies that often foster discrimination, oppression, and violence against sexual minorities. This hostile environment can significantly impact social work practices involving these groups. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the health and psychosocial realities of queer men in Nigeria and their implications for social work practice. Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 28 participants, including 16 queer men and 12 social workers, and analyzed thematically. Results The findings revealed experiences of discrimination and insecurity, which contribute to both physical and psychological health issues. Additionally, the study highlighted a lack of understanding and acceptance among social workers regarding practices involving sexual minorities in Nigeria. Discourse The results highlight how queer individuals may experience limited access to healthcare and receive limited support from social workers in advancing their healthcare needs. Conclusion It is recommended that social work education incorporate discussions around working with sexual minorities, as a better understanding of this population will enhance acceptance, improve practice, and encourage advocacy for reform in discriminatory policies and practices.

Facilitating best clinical practice in domestic violence work with hospital social workers

ABSTRACT Background Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a major public health issue mainly affecting women and children. Health services are an important site in the identification and initial response to DFV. Social Workers often lead the psychosocial response to DFV. This study aimed to explore the experiences of internal referrers to a hospital-based social work led DFV Service. Methods Qualitative study design. Participants were purposively sampled from health professionals referring to the DFV service at a single, tertiary metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia and invited to participate in an online focus group. The focus groups explored participants’ experiences of referring to a specialist DFV service and any practice change that occurred from working with the service. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results A total of 10 internal referrers participated across two focus groups; all were social workers. Four key themes were identified; i) integration of the DFVS with existing services; ii) consultation and complexity, iii) professional development and iv) the importance of social work values. Integration of the DFV service into the Social Work Department enhanced professional relationships and avenues for collaboration. Responsive consultation helped to build social workers’ skills and confidence and to manage their anxiety when dealing with safety concerns and addressing complex needs, such as the needs of people with mental health conditions or violence experienced by multiple perpetrators. Education from the DFV service further assisted referrers with developing their knowledge and skills in identifying various forms of violence, assessing risk and providing intervention. Alignment of social work values enabled a shared practice lens especially in trauma informed care. Discussion A social work-led hospital-based DFV Service has benefits for the practice of hospital and health social workers who identify and provide the initial response to DFV. Implementation of such models in practice provides opportunities for increased awareness, assessment and responsiveness to the complex needs of people experiencing DFV.

Bridging the gap: A collaborative model for forensic social work dissemination and translation

Abstract Forensic social workers play an integral role in upholding human rights and social justice in criminal and juvenile legal settings, including in policing, courts, corrections, forensic mental health, and treatment facilities. These practitioners have organizational and ethical responsibilities to provide research-based and empirically informed interventions. However, research has shown a disconnect between research and practice in social work, including in the forensic social work arena. This article explores dissemination and translation strategies as mechanisms to bridge the research–practice gap. Forensic social workers should support the development of knowledge through scientific research, but they should also be equipped to disseminate and translate research that will address complex needs seen in the criminal legal system and with system-involved communities at micro, meso, and macro levels. The proposed collaborative model positions dissemination and translation as strategies to uphold evidence-informed practice, with important implications for practice, education, and community contexts, including the geographic- and identity-based communities most involved in and affected by criminal and juvenile legal practices.

Beyond Reform and Abolition: Navigating the Complexities of Indigenous Child Welfare

Despite the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act nearly 50 years ago, Indigenous children are persistently disproportionately represented within the child welfare system, yet continue to be overlooked in the debate between abolition and reform in the social work literature. Purpose: As these disparities continue to widen, social workers fail to recognize the unique struggles of Indigenous children and families upon encountering the child welfare system. Design: The present work provides a historic overview of Indigenous child welfare interaction, grounds discussions in coloniality, and implicates social work’s complicity in perpetuating the genocidal fiscal economy of Native child trafficking. Results: Through a lens of Indigenous child welfare, we sift through the abolitionist versus reformist debate, introduce the Indian Child Welfare Act as an example of a non-reformist reform, and conclude with implications for social work practice.

Research on the effectiveness of utilizing social workers in building a community-based society

Local welfare capabilities in Japan have reduced and this means that social problems are increasing. For example, the 8050 problem, double care and social exclusion are all on the rise. Action is required through a community-based approach to welfare. Associate Professor Takashi Kohno, Graduate School of Integrated Human and Social Sciences, Faculty of Integrated Human Studies and Social Sciences, Fukuoka Prefectural University, is interested in the benefits of a community-based society and how this can be achieved. Although the Japanese Government has proposed the realisation of a community-based society, there hasn’t been clarification on the role of social workers and other professionals in achieving this. Kohno believes it is necessary to refine care management methods that could adjust and provide appropriate services and social resources according to people’s needs. In one project, he explored the effectiveness of utilising social workers in building a community-based society and set out to clarify how social work practice can be effectively developed to realise this kind of society. Kohno and the team analysed the results of questionnaires from comprehensive support centres and municipal social welfare councils and found that the social work functions were care management, interprofessional work and the promotion of collaboration through leadership and facilitation. In addition to the micro level function of care management, through which formal and informal services and social resources that are tailored to client needs are provided, meso-level functions build a system for distributing resources and budgets and it’s crucial to organically develop these functions.

Living without privilege in Czech society: Building social work knowledge from lived experiences of inequalities

Abstract Social work research has increasingly focused on the intersectionality of social identities and categories, which can create unique forms of disadvantage. This study addresses the underexplored dimension of privilege within systems of inequality, focusing on how wealth inequality, anti-Roma racism, and structural barriers shape the lives of young people at risk of poverty in the Czech Republic. Grounded in a qualitative, multi-generational approach and critical communicative methodology, the study aims to explore the lived experiences of young people and their families facing systemic inequalities. The findings reveal that a lack of family assets, compounded by an unregulated housing market and pervasive racism and discrimination against Roma families, severely limits life opportunities and shapes the trajectories of the young people involved. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrate resilience in navigating systemic barriers, with some actively seeking pathways to social mobility. This study provides critical insights into the mechanisms that perpetuate inequalities and the strategies participants use to navigate them, while proposing anti-poverty and anti-racist strategies to advance social justice in social work education and practice.

The engagement in policy practice of social workers in Germany and Switzerland—A comparative study

Abstract This article presents the results of a cross-sectional quantitative study that, for the first time, examined the engagement of social workers in policy practice (PP) in Germany (n = 1,917) and Switzerland (n = 1,770). The study focused on the following research questions: To what extent do social workers in Germany and Switzerland differ in their (1) identification with political social work, (2) PP engagement, (3) PP skills, (4) received PP training during their studies, and (5) received organizational support for PP? The results suggest that most social workers in both countries strongly identify with the political dimension of social work as outlined in the profession’s global definition. However, the findings indicate rather low levels of PP engagement, PP skills, PP education, and organizational support for PP among respondents in both samples. While this gap between the normative claim and actual involvement in PP was evident in both groups, Swiss respondents were slightly but significantly less involved in all measured domains except for PP education. After a broad and detailed description of the respondents’ involvement in PP, the article concludes with implications for social work practice, education, and further research.

Linguistic Autonomy in a Monolingual Social Imaginary: Social Work Practitioners’ Sense-making of the Role of Language in Migrant ‘Integration’

The article studies how public policies of migrant ‘integration’ are enacted and made sense of in the street-level welfare state from the perspective of social work practitioners performing integration work and with a focus on language and language skills acquisition. It draws from twenty-seven semi-structured individual interviews and reflective discussions after service user meetings with eleven social workers and social advisors in migrant integration services conducted between 2018 and 2019 in the Helsinki capital region of Finland. Results infer ambiguous, yet persistent, ideals of monolingualism in which Finnish language skills acquisition plays a central role and linguistic diversity turns into individual lack of skills and capacities through service user responsibilisation. Yet practitioners refer to the unfeasible situations this creates for service users as well as to their own struggles as practitioners within the monolingual service system.

Book Review: Police Social Work: Social Work Practice in Law Enforcement Agencies by George T. Patterson

Book Review: <i>Police Social Work: Social Work Practice in Law Enforcement Agencies</i> by George T. Patterson

Perspectives from the frontline: Exploring the implementation of legislative change into social work practice for brothers and sisters in care in Scotland

Abstract Legislative changes aiming to protect and support relationships between brothers and sisters in Scotland’s care system came into force in July 2021. These changes strengthened existing duties on local authorities to ensure siblings live together if they are in care, and to support them to keep in touch if they cannot live together. Drawing on literature and theory concerning policy implementation in a social work practice context, particularly the concept of ‘street-level bureaucracy’, this small-scale qualitative study used focus groups with social workers (n = 7) from three Scottish local authority areas one year after the enactment of the legislative changes, and thematic analysis of the findings, to explore the implementation of legislative change into practice. The findings highlight a range of factors facilitating implementation, including increased momentum from broader care system reform in Scotland and enhanced focus on sibling relationships in care planning and review processes. Limited resources were seen to constrain implementation, particularly a lack of suitable placement options for larger sibling groups and limited time for social workers to spend supporting children to have contact with their siblings. The findings inform recommendations in relation to resources, training and learning, and assessment and planning, necessary to facilitate successful implementation efforts.

Integrating telehealth services in social work practice for vulnerable groups

The integration of telehealth services into social work practice offers significant opportunities to address the needs of vulnerable groups, including individuals in rural areas, low-income families, and people with disabilities. By overcoming barriers such as geographic distance and limited access to in-person services, telehealth enhances accessibility, efficiency, and personalization of care. This paper explores the potential of telehealth in key areas of social work practice, including mental health support, crisis intervention, and chronic illness management. It also examines challenges such as the digital divide, confidentiality concerns, and the need for professional training. Based on a review of current literature, recommendations for policy, technology, and practice are proposed to ensure equitable and effective telehealth adoption.

Developing culturally competent models for inclusive social work and healthcare interventions

Cultural competence has become a cornerstone of effective social work and healthcare practices in increasingly diverse societies. This review explores the development of culturally competent models to enhance inclusive interventions in these fields. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks and empirical studies, the paper examines key concepts, such as cultural awareness, humility, and intersectionality, while analyzing their practical applications in various settings. Current models, including the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence and the Cultural Competence Continuum, are critically evaluated to highlight their strengths and limitations. Challenges such as implicit bias, resource inequities, and the absence of standardized assessment tools are identified as significant barriers to implementation. The review also discusses innovative strategies, including technology-assisted training and community-driven approaches, as potential solutions to address these gaps.

Resistance as a coping strategy: an exploration of strategies employed by social work students to manage study and other commitments during placement

ABSTRACT Resilience is widely viewed as integral to social work practice because of the emphasis on strengths-based approaches with clients and their ability to overcome challenges. However, it is crucial to recognize that resilience is not solely an individual issue but is deeply intertwined with broader structural inequalities and disadvantages. As academics working in field education, we understand that social work students often face significant challenges, including the financial and emotional strain of completing long, mostly unpaid placements. This article highlights the strategies employed by social work students to cope with these challenges. Drawing on data from 409 social work students across five universities, students reported relying on support from educators and family, enabling them to problem solve during placement. Despite these efforts, many students admitted to struggling and feeling overwhelmed and had to sacrifice their wellness to meet placement requirements. From a critical social work perspective, the findings underscore the difficulties students face in managing their competing demands whilst on placement in the current economic climate and questions the usefulness of measuring resilience in this context. Social work students instead focused on resistance as a strategy to cope with their study and other commitments during placement which has resulted in collective action and lobbying for change.

Social work in a global context: The case of Ghana

This article examines the global dimensions of social work in Ghana, using systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. It explores how globalization affects social work practice, challenges, and opportunities in Ghana. It shows that social workers are vital for tackling social problems and enhancing service users’ well-being. It recommends indigenizing social work practices, promoting co-production, increasing social service funding, and improving social work education curriculum. The article aims to contribute to the understanding and development of social work as a global profession in Ghana.

Women’s empowerment and social work practice in Iran: understanding and addressing women’s vulnerability

Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and due to traditional values, social workers who provide support for vulnerable women in Iran must navigate within a system that often limits women’s agency and autonomy. Based on ten semi-structured interviews with experienced Iranian social workers, this article illuminates how women’s vulnerability and empowerment are perceived and how women’s vulnerability is addressed in the empowerment process. The findings offer valuable insights to enhance empowerment practice by reflecting on the impacts of cultural norms and values on women’s empowerment. They contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how social workers in Iran perceive and address vulnerability and empowerment.

Book Review: The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare by Meredith Hemphill and Abigail Nathanson

Book Review: <i>The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare</i> by Meredith Hemphill and Abigail Nathanson

Serial Dual Mediating Effects of Self‐Esteem and Peer Support in the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Life Satisfaction Among Refugee Children in Korea

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to verify the serial mediating effects of self‐esteem and peer support in the relationship between acculturative stress and life satisfaction of refugee children living in Korea and to explore social work implications for the adaptation and development of refugee children. Primary data from a 2023 study was used, based on 71 research participants (33 boys, 38 girls) included in the analysis. Results of the study are as follows: First, refugee children's acculturative stress had a positive effect on their life satisfaction. Second, self‐esteem and peer support had a serial dual mediating effect on the impact of refugee children's acculturative stress on life satisfaction. Based on these results, social work policy and practice implications were discussed in order to ameliorate acculturative stress and improve self‐esteem and peer support of refugee children living in Korea.

The influence of trust and job satisfaction on structural empowerment and social work competency

ABSTRACT This study examines the interrelationships among trust, job satisfaction, structural empowerment, and social work competency within the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare (JKM). Drawing on data collected from 407 social workers, the research investigates how trust and job satisfaction influence the four dimensions of structural empowerment: opportunity, information, support, and resources. The findings reveal that trust and job satisfaction play critical roles in enhancing access to these empowerment dimensions, which directly impact the competency levels of social workers. Specifically, social workers with higher trust in their organizations and greater job satisfaction report improved access to critical resources and support systems, leading to better professional knowledge, skills, values, and ethics. The study highlights the necessity of implementing welfare policies that promote trust-building, enhance job satisfaction, and provide robust structural support to empower social workers effectively. These insights offer practical recommendations for strengthening the social work framework, ensuring more competent and resilient practitioners capable of addressing community needs effectively. By prioritizing these factors, policymakers and administrators can create an environment conducive to optimal social work outcomes and sustainable community development. This research contributes to the understanding of empowerment dynamics and their critical implications for professional social work practice.

Increasing Competence to Address Spiritual Diversity in Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT Social workers comprise the majority of the mental health workforcein the United States, serving individuals with diverse religious andspiritual identities. While social workers receive trainingconcerning various dimensions of diversity, many report feelingunprepared to engage with clients’ religious/spiritual identities.This study examines the efficacyof a new religious/spiritual diversity training grounded in acultural competence framework. The researcher used a mixed-methodapproach to explore efficacy. Participants (N=44) reported anincreased sense of competence, particularly increasedopenness/curiosity regarding clients’ religious/spiritualidentities. Areas for future research include advanced clinicalpractice training, development of best-practice approaches for socialworkers’ collaboration with religious/ spiritual communities, andfurther investigation regarding clients’ experiences of theirsocial workers’ clinical competence with religious/spiritualdiversity.