Abstract The word ‘welfare’ is difficult to define because it combines within it a range of ideologies and actions. Two conclusions are drawn from this: first, that social services should be regarded as contributors to, but not providers of welfare; second, that the study of social work and social administration should be concerned not only with the relationship of ‘service’ to ‘need’ but also with societal movements and pressures which determine the emergence of both. The article reviews the professed values of the welfare state, particularly ‘social equality’ and the problems associated with its achievement, namely public attitudes, and the discontinuity between intention and practice in the welfare services. The implications for social work education and practice are considered. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

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journal article

LitStream Collection

Which Way For ‘Radical’ Social Work?

MEANS,, ROBIN

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057053pmid: N/A

Abstract This paper attempts to show that ‘radical’ social work needs to develop a more sophisticated analysis of the conflict between social work clients and the ‘conforming’ working class. The ‘radical’ literature is criticized for tending to locate the origin of such conflict in the socialization experiences of the latter group. It is argued that the basis of conflict can often lie in the competition for scarce resources in a market economy and this is illustrated by reference to housing struggles in the redevelopment areas of a large Midlands city. Social work support for client deviance may serve to worsen such divisions unless more ways are found to link up different sections of the working class. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

journal article

LitStream Collection

Agency Function and Social Work Principles

HOWE,, DAVID

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057057pmid: N/A

Abstract The concept of agency function is examined in relation to the nature of the social work task. It is often the case that agency function is seen more as a problem for social work and not as one of its characteristics. It is argued in this paper that the agency itself is not responsible for the apparently delicate state of present day social work, but that on the contrary, the failure to appreciate social work's relationship to society and social processes in part accounts for its uncertain condition. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

journal article

LitStream Collection

Temporary Foster Care

KUFELDT,, KATHLEEN

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057058pmid: N/A

Abstract In order to improve outcomes in temporary foster care the author believes there is a need to develop alternative models for practice that would (a) define the social work task (b) specify in operational terms how that task would be accomplished and thus would be amenable to empirical testing. (Temporary foster care is defined as the provision of substitute family life for a child received into care, where there is a clear intention to re-unite the natural family at a future date). This article deals with the essential preliminaries to the development of a practice model. The first part surveys the relevant literature; part two develops a theoretical framework for practice around three themes which are considered central to a consideration of foster care. These are the separation experience, the place of the natural family, and role clarification. Other crucial variables such as the age of the child, the nature of the problem, or the parents' potentiality for change are not dealt with within these papers, but are nevertheless seen as important issues to be considered at the stage of designing a model for practice. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

journal article

LitStream Collection

Help for Those Bereaved by Suicide

SHEPHERD, D., M.;BARRACLOUGH, B., M.

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057059pmid: N/A

Abstract Thirty-one people widowed by the suicide of a spouse were asked about their needs following the bereavement. All had needs of some kind, most of them being met by relations. Nevertheless, more help could easily have been given by professional people. We make proposals here aimed at increasing the awareness of those who cope with the aftermath of suicide. They could do more to ease the burden for survivors. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

journal article

LitStream Collection

Accommodation and Homelessness on Release from Prison

CORDEN,, JOHN;KUIPERS,, JO;WILSON,, KATE

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057060pmid: N/A

Abstract This paper presents some of the results of a Home Office sponsored research project in which men discharged from prison were interviewed before and after release. The findings compare pre-arrest and post-release accommodation and demonstrate than many men are likely to be in poorer accommodation after release than they were before arrest. This content is only available as a PDF. © Oxford University Press

journal article

LitStream Collection

The Therapeutic Imagination: A Comment

VALK,, MARGARET

1979 The British Journal of Social Work

doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a057061pmid: N/A