Written in an accessible style, this book highlights the distinctive aspects of social work policy and practice in Northern Ireland. It covers the historical development of social work, explores the challenges that have arisen from delivering services both during and post conflict and addresses the new imperatives created after the devolution settlement. Exploring many major themes - including social exclusion, devolution and working across borders - the book demonstrates how Northern Ireland's experience can provide lessons for national and international theory and practice.
Deirdre Heenan is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. She has written extensively on ageing, disability and social capital.Derek Birrell is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. He has written extensively on devolution, quangos and local government.
Introduction; Historical context; Sectarianism and social work;Violence and social work; The integration of health and social work; Social work and Community development; Cross-border social work; Poverty and social work; Devolution and social work; Conclusion.
"Students will benefit from this text in terms of how it relates to the policy-driven agenda. It will also be useful for youth work students in terms of comparing two related professions." Tony Morgan, University of Ulster