Modernity, Postmodernity and Social WorkHOWE,, DAVID
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056103pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY For so long in search of a common base, there are early signs that social work's intellectual outlook is fragmenting. The unity that was once sought in both theory and practice as well as policy and organziation is being abandoned. A child of modernity, social work now finds itself in a postmodern world, uncertain whether or not there are any deep and unwavering principles which define the essence of its character and hold it togerther as a cohernt enterprise. The article outlines some of the characteristics of modernity and postmodernity, relating them to the rise of social work, its formation within modern society, and its current condition in what many observers believe is a postmodern world. There are three ‘visions’ within which people look to leam the ’truth‘ of things, including matters of fact and matters of value: those centred in God's word (revelation); those centred in the minds of men and women (reason); and those de-centred and dispersed withing language, meaning and culture (relativism). This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
The New American Social Work Gospel: Case Management of the Chronically Mentally IIICNAAN, RAM, A.
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056104pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Case management is currently the most popular mode of service delivery in the United States, especially in community programs for chronically mentally ill people. Proponents of case management claim that it is cost-effective and that it assures provision of necessary services to clients. In this paper I do not challenge its effectiveness but argue that case management neither empowers clients nor is it free of drawbacks. Given that many countries tend to model the United States, foreign social workers and other human service professionals should first examine the usefulness of case management vis-à-vis their own cultural and economic contexts, especially in the light of its many drawbacks. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
Residential and Foster Care in the European Community: Current Trends in Policy and PracticeCOLTON,, MATTHEW;HELLINCKX,, WALTER
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056105pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY This article compares residential care, foster care and their alternatives in the countries of the European Community. The following common trends in policy and practice are examined: the decline of residential child care; changes in the population of separated children; the trend towards small-scale provision; the development of an ecological perspective; increasing differentiation of care provision; professionalization; and alternatives to residential and foster care. The pace of development is uneven across EC countries. Overall, the trends high-lighted are more apparent in the northern countries than in the southern states. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
Ambiguity and User Involvement: Issues Arising in Assessments for Young People and their CarersDAY, PETER, R.
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056106pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY Issues for service users and professional staff arising from contemporary community care policies emphasizing user involvement are reviewed. Against the background of a key expression of these policies, the Disabled Persons' Act of 1986, methods of providing assessments involving young people with learning disabilities were analysed. Problems identified for further study included difficulties arising for young people due to lack of experience and immaturity, the low expectations of their parents or carers, problems arising from the culture of services and how assessments may be developed which provide seriously disabled users themselves with ways of expressing their wants and needs. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers
Success or Failure? Outcomes of Bailees at Hope House HostelWATSON, F., A.
doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056107pmid: N/A
Abstract SUMMARY This article reports research on the short-term outcomes of a sample of male bailees at Hope House bail hostel (not its real name) from 1987 to 1990. The research aims were to: (a) discover if hostel records could be used to evaluate work and determine whether clients had ‘successfully’ completed residency, (b) determine if hostels are more or less likely to succeed with some clients rather than others, and (c) see if this method might prove useful in developing a ‘client profile’ for success or failure. The sample was divided into ‘successes’ and ‘failures’, based on simple criteria developed with hostel staff. Each group was then correlated with a number of other factors staff identified as significant determinants of success, as well as standard vaiables. While no clear profile emerges of either ‘success’ or ‘failure’, some trends are reported. Most significantly, none of the sample charged with sexual offences, arson or drug offences were among the failure group, while violent offenders were disproportionately represented among the failures. The article concludes that research on a nationally representative sample could identify a profile of characteristics useful for screening potential bailees. Using this, the percentage of successes could be improved. This content is only available as a PDF. © 1994 The British Association of Social Workers