First published in 1998, this pioneering text examines how social, political and organisational changes in Ireland have shaped mental health social work practice in the late twentieth century. The co-editors have gathered together a range of contributors who provide knowledge and expertise in a variety of disciplines and practice settings which helps reveal the complex relationship between mental health social work, the citizen and the state in Ireland, North and South. The volume includes chapters on a range of current issues facing mental health social workers and practitioners drawing on various sources in Ireland, Europe and North America. These include psychiatric social work practice, mental health policy, mental health social work and the law, community care policies, addictions work, and work with older people.

During a period of great economic and political change and uncertainty this book offers a timely evaluation of social work in Ireland. Social Work in Ireland: Changes and Continuities has brought together a range of academics and professionals to provide a comprehensive analysis of social work in the Republic of Ireland. It addresses key questions such as 'How is social work in Ireland responding to rapidly changing social, cultural and economic circumstances?'; 'How will the new relationships between the state/NGO/private sectors impact on the provision of social services?' and 'How does, and will, social work respond to the needs of specific service user groups?' In addressing these questions the book explores key areas of practice, including child welfare, domestic violence, mental health, working with migrants and minority ethnic groups, substance misuse, probation services, and work with older people and people with a disability. This book is an essential read for students of social work and social care in Ireland and will also be of great interest to qualified practitioners in both the social work field and other social care professions.

Unique new book providing an overview and critical analysis of developments in Irish mental health policy, practice and law from 1945 to the present day, in the context of key emerging theoretical concepts. Written by leaders in the field, the book is presented in three distinct sections, which examine: The context for mental health care and support in 21st-century Ireland Emerging developments in mental health service delivery and law The implications of current trends for mental health policy, practice and law in Ireland in the future. Addresses key issues relating to recent changes in approaches to mental health care and implications for mental health practitioners, such as: The shifting discourse around conceptions and treatment of mental distress The move from expert-led care to recovery-orientated, partnership-based support The challenge posed to service development by minority and marginalised groups The changing interface between the legal and mental health care systems The complexity of economic evaluation of mental health services The paradox of mental health service provision in a risk-averse society. Reviews the Mental Health Act 2001, the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Irish Government s mental health policy, A Vision for Change. Presents an invaluable resource, based on recent academic and informally published literature, in the field of mental health in Ireland. Written For: Undergraduate and postgraduate students in mental health nursing, psychology, social work, occupational therapy and psychiatry Also suitable for students of medicine, social policy, disability studies, speech and language therapy and anyone with an interest in mental health "

Social workers and other professionals working in the area of mental health often face complex and difficult practice dilemmas shaped by increasingly demanding policy and legal contexts across the U.K. Jim Campbell and Gavin Davidson focus on the post-qualifying role played by mental health social workers in this book. The authors draw on theoretical and research perspectives on the subject, before outlining how professionals can achieve best practice.

Since the publication of the first edition of this classic text, the major reforms in social work education resulted in the National Occupational Standards Framework (NOSF), which requires all social workers to demonstrate competence in a number of key areas. This practical text book covers all areas of the NOSF including social work ethics, residential care practice, child protection, risk analysis and protecting adults with learning difficulties. Numerous case studies effectively convey competent practice in social work practice, and relate core areas of competence explicitly to the relevant section of the framework. Professionals and students involved in social work training, as well as new practitioners will value this book as an indispensable resource.