Mass-migration, conflict and poverty are now persistent features of our globalised world. This reference book for social workers and service providers offers constructive ideas for practice within an inter-disciplinary framework. Each chapter speaks to a skill and knowledge area that is key to this work, bringing together myriad voices from across disciplines, interspersed with the vital perspectives of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants themselves. The book discusses the specific challenges faced when working in the community, and where people have suffered torture, in the context of social work practiced from an ethical value-base. Staying up to date with the latest developments in policy; and addressing key specific skills needed to work with people affected by borders, this book is a valuable resource for both practitioners and students.

This hands-on guide provides accessible, insightful advice for practitioners who find themselves working with asylum seekers and refugees. Part I covers the essentials of understanding refugees' experiences including what they are coping with now they are in the UK, definitions, entitlements and restrictions, equality, positive action, and practical engagement including improving access to services and overcoming language barriers. Part II prepares professionals for meeting a wide range of needs, including housing, poverty, health and mental health, and training and employment. It also cover issues and opportunities when working with child and young refugees. This pragmatic book accompanies social workers, medical staff, educators, charity workers and housing professionals in their daily work, and illustrates the perspective of refugees themselves. A passionate and compassionate response to the needs of displaced people, it is an excellent starting point for all those working to create a safe and welcoming environment where refugees and asylum seekers are supported.

The practical and ethical challenges facing human service professionals working with refugees, asylum seekers and other people subject to immigration controls are discussed in this much-needed book. The contributors explore the tensions that exist between traditional anti-oppressive values and the role professionals increasingly play as 'gate keepers' to services. Drawing from the experience of practitioners working in child protection and family support, disability, the criminal justice system, asylum teams and immigration tribunals, Social Work, Immigration and Asylum will prepare professionals working in these and related fields to deal with the complex situations of people subject to immigration control and to develop interventions appropriate to their differing needs.

Rather than focusing on specific groups, this book takes a pan-cultural perspective that focuses on the common experiences of refugees and immigrants. It presents a best-practice for each problem area defined.

A growing number of people immigrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, displaced individuals, and families lead lives that transcend national boundaries. Often because of economic pressures, these individuals continually move through places, countries, and cultures, becoming exposed to unique risk and protective factors. Though migration itself has existed for centuries, the availability of fast and cheap transportation as well as today's sophisticated technologies and electronic communications have allowed transmigrants to develop transnational identities and relationships, as well as engage in transnational activities. Yet despite this new reality, social work has yet to establish the parameters of a transnational social work practice. In one of the first volumes to address social work practice with this emergent and often marginalized population, practitioners and scholars specializing in transnational issues develop a framework for transnational social work practice. They begin with the historical and environmental context of transnational practice and explore the psychosocial, economic, environmental, and political factors that affect at-risk and vulnerable transnational groups. They then detail practical strategies, supplemented with case examples, for working with transnational populations utilizing this population's existing strengths. They conclude with recommendations for incorporating transnational social work into the curriculum.

Praise for the first edition: “This book is an optimal tool for instructors and students of graduate classes in social work and related disciplines.” -Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health “This book is a major contribution to social workers and their clients as it addresses advocacy on behalf of immigrants and refugees during a social,economic, and political period that restricts immigrants’ rights and service access.” -Dr. Diane Drachman, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut School of Social Work “This text is a great tool toward raising awareness of the many issues immigrants face, and helping them find solutions.” -Frank Sharry, Executive Director, America’s Voice The leading textbook on social work with immigrants and refugees, this is the only book to address the intersection of legal, policy, and advocacy issues,in addition to the clinical skills needed to help these populations. This second edition has been updated to reflect key policy changes at the state and federal levels affecting social work with immigrants and refugees. The authors have expanded their coverage of transna tionalism, microaggressions, and public health and community issues, and each chapter features updated case studies on the most critical issues immigrants face today: legal processes, physical and mental health issues, employment difficulties, family conflicts, and more. Key Features: Completely updated to reflect the latest developments in immigration law and policy Includes updated case studies, discussion questions, and abundant reference material Provides the multidisciplinary perspective of lawyers, social workers, clinicians, administrators, and academics Addresses issues specific to elderly immigrants, immigrant children, LGBT immigrants, and victims of international trafficking All-new appendix features sample questions asked at naturalization interviews

Social work increasingly finds itself at the frontline of issues pertaining to immigrant and refugee settlement and integration. In this timely book, Kathleen Valtonen provides the first book-length study on the challenges these issues create for the profession. Drawing on a wide range of research in migration which is not widely available to social workers or included in social work literature, she offers readers an opportunity to explore the capacity of the profession to take a primary role in the course and outcome of settlement. The book fills a gap in the social work literature by providing scholars, practitioners and students with a critical knowledge base that will strengthen their ability to engage with issues of immigration and integration and to open up options for effective practice with growing numbers of immigrant and refugee clients.