This book brings together several valuable papers from different parts of the world, addressing social work with minorities in the areas of disability, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Collectively, these make an important contribution to developing theory, and practice awareness of how social work education with minority groups is framed, evidenced, and experienced. The perspectives and different strands of work presented within this book offer new insights and a better understanding of how a diverse set of social justice issues confronting social work education have led to the development of different types of interventions both in the classroom and in practice contexts. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal Social Work Education.

The experiences of African Americans in urban communities are distinct from those of other ethnic groups, and to be truly understood require an in-depth appreciation of the interface between micro- and macro-level factors. This sweeping text, an outgrowth of a groundbreaking urban social work curriculum, focuses exclusively on the African-American experience through field education, community engagement, and practice. It presents a framework for urban social work practice that encompasses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by this community. From a perspective based on empowerment, strengths, and resilience; cultural competence; and multi-culturalism; the book delivers proven strategies for social work practice with the urban African-American population. It facilities the development of creative thinking skills and the ability to ìmeet people where they are,î skills that are often necessary for true transformation to take root. The book describes an overarching framework for understanding and practicing urban social work, including definitions and theories that have critical implications for working with people in such communities. It encompasses the contributions of African American pioneers regarding a response to such challenges as poverty, oppression, and racism. Focusing on the theory, practice, and policy aspects of urban social work, the book examines specific subsets of the urban African-American population including children, adults, families and older adults. It addresses the challenges of urban social work in relation to public health, health, and mental health; substance abuse; criminal justice; and violence prevention. Additionally, the book discusses how to navigate the urban built environment and the intersection between African Americans and other diverse groups. Chapters include outcome measures of effectiveness, case studies, review questions, suggested activities, and supplemental readings. Key Features: Fills a void in the literature on urban social work practice with African Americans Presents the outgrowth of a renowned urban curriculum, field education, research, community engagement, and practice Fulfills the requirements of the CSWE in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards regarding diversity Synthesizes micro, mezzo, and macro content in each chapter Provides contributions from African-American pioneers in urban social work practice

`This is an exciting and valuable book. In considering the role and importance of cultural competence in professional practice with diverse populations, it provides a refreshing and much needed approach to social work theory and practice′ - Kwame Owusu-Bempah, Reader in Psychology, University of Leicester Anti-Oppressive Social Work: A Guide for Developing Cultural Competence aims to improve social work training and practice by arguing that a thorough understanding of people′s values, social norms and family arrangements are crucial to achieving culturally sensitive practice. The book moves beyond traditional conceptions of anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice by exploring the cultural heritages of some of the main ethnic minorities living in the United Kingdom, and by identifying the many forms that racism can take. The book includes: " an introduction to the context and history of ethnic minorities living in Britain " a discussion of the nature of racism " individual chapters on: communities with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, and China. " a separate chapter on economic migrants, refugees and asylum seekers " a range of practice examples which encourage students and practitioners to identify general principles which underpin cultural competence. Critical, yet acessible, the book opens up possibilities for more culturally aware and more effective social work practice. It will be essential reading for all those training to become social workers as well as practitioners wishing to engage with fresh perspectives on anti-oppressive practice. Siobhan Laird is a lecturer in social work at the University of Sheffield. She has previously worked in practice and academic roles in Northern Ireland and Ghana.

Social Work and Minorities examines the new challenges presented to Social Workers throughout Europe by the complex problems occasioned by increased migration and settlement and the growing awareness of the specific needs of refugees and asylum seekers. Contributors use illustrative examples from throughout Europe to examine key concepts such as: globalization, assimilation, visibility, multi-culturalism, racism, marginalization and social exclusion. Social Work and Minorities will be an essential resource for social work students, practitioners and educators working with migrant communities throughout Europe.

Latinos are now the largest ethnic minority population in the United States and still they encounter a great deal of misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination. Utilizing a strengths-based perspective, Social Work Practice with Latinos addresses the unique needs of this diverse population. Written by practitioners and scholars from many disciplines, this book discusses social issues of consequence to Latinos and specific strengths and risk factors of the Latino community. They then offer methods that utilize these strengths to ensure a culturally-competent approach to practice with Latino populations. Each chapter is accompanied by key questions for personal and group reflection to facilitate discussion and understanding of these vital themes. The editors have nearly three decades of combined experience working with Latino populations inside and outside the United States. Drawing on this experience, they integrate these varied perspectives to prepare students and practitioners for practice with this richly diverse community.

Social Work Research with Minority and Oppressed Populations presents new developments in social work research methodology that reflect the increased efforts and sophistication of social work practitioners and researchers in studying social work with minority and oppressed populations. It includes research principles that can be generalized across different multicultural groups and suggests answers to fundamental research questions that will advance further knowledge about working with minority and oppressed populations. After reading this book, readers will be sensitive to issues of special concern to these populations and have concrete suggestions at hand for developing prevention programs and implementing social work interventions.