An empowerment approach is the organizing framework for this text which examines the nature of oppression, who does it and why, from the standpoint of biological and social psychological aspects. The impact on victim/survivors is explored through the inclusion of brief personal narratives recording grueling consciousness-raising experiences. This book is appropriate for courses in oppression, racism, and policy analysis. A small paperback, it can be used as a supplement to a course such as human behavior and the social environment. Divided into two parts, the first of which focuses on oppression and the second on the twin concept of injustice, Confronting Oppression and Restoring Justice, has as its major task the addressing of the age-old question for social workers, How can we avoid participating in the oppression? Or, working from the outside, How can we help the casualties of economic restructuring or the victims of structural or interpersonal violence? Examples of exemplary programs and actions to confront oppression and injustice are provided.

"Although Restorative Justice Dialogue is not a long text, it is an impressive achievement. Each chapter is rich in content, as Umbreit and Armour blend theory, practice, empirical research, and case studies to discuss a range of topics from specific models of restorative justice to the role of facilitators in restorative justice dialogue." --PsycCRITIQUES "Restorative Justice Dialogue presents a thorough and comprehensive explanation and assessment of the current state of restorative justice in the world." --Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics "[A]n evidence-based description of the history, practices, and future of restorative dialogue that is informed by the values and principles of law, social work, and spirituality. This is an impressive achievement." --Daniel W. Van NessPrison Fellowship International, Washington, DC "I know of no other book that provides such a complete review of the various and emerging restorative practices and the phenomenal growth of this movement worldwide." --David Karp, PhDSkidmore College "The combination of two outstanding and widely recognized restorative justice researchers, practitioners, and authors has produced a text that is destined to be a major resource." --Katherine Van Wormer, PhDUniversity of Northern Iowa This book provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding restorative justice and its application worldwide to numerous social issues. Backed by reviews of empirical research and case examples, the authors describe the core restorative justice practices, including victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, and peacemaking circles, as well as cultural considerations, emerging variations in a wide variety of settings, and the crucial role of the facilitator. Together, authors Umbreit and Armour bring the latest empirical research and clinical wisdom to those invested in the research and practice of restorative justice. Key topics: Spiritual components of restorative justice Victim-offender mediation Family group conferencing Peacemaking circles Victim-offender dialogue in crimes of severe violence Dimensions of culture in restorative justice Humanistic mediation Application to domestic violence, higher education, and incarceration

Unique in its use of a human rights framework, Social Work and Social Welfare goes beyond American borders to examine U.S. government policies-including child welfare, social services, health care, and criminal justice-within a global context. Guided by the belief that forces from the global market and predominant political ideologies affect all social workers in their practice, the book addresses a wide range of relevant topics, including the refugee journey, the impact of new technologies, war trauma, environmental justice, and restorative justice. As a general textbook, the content is organized to follow outlines for basic, introductory, and more advanced courses examining social welfare programs, policies, and issues.

First ed. published under title: Challenging oppression.

Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Micro Level draws on a resilience model to explore the dynamics of human behavior across the life span. Biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions are covered. Illustrations and vignettes from social work, psychology, literature, philosophy, and current events highlight the turning points in our lives. Critical thinking questions are provided. The result is an essential book that bridges theory and practice in accordance with the 2015 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards.

Restorative Justice Today: Applications of Restorative Interventions takes a hard look at the issues and concepts surrounding restorative justice and current restorative practices used in a broad range of areas today. In a time when the cost of prisons and jails is on the rise resulting in more offenders being kept out of the community, this timely and contemporary book exposes readers to a range of restorative practices that can be implemented. The authors, renowned experts in the area of restorative justice, provide information not found in other restorative justice texts.