International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World is a comprehensive introduction that places social work history, practice, policy, and education within an international perspective.

A rapidly growing number of social workers are expressing an interest in and concern for global situations adversely affecting the well-being of millions of people. This book aims to encourage and inform such involvement by drawing together the practice wisdom gradually emerging within the broad scope of international social work practice.

Global knowledge is increasingly essential for all aspects of social work. Today's professionals respond to concerns including permeable borders, the upheavals of war, displaced workers, natural disasters, international adoption, and human trafficking. Everywhere, social workers work with service users and colleagues from diverse cultures and countries. Globally relevant concepts such as human rights, development, and inclusion offer new perspectives to enhance policy and practice and facilitate the international exchange of ideas. This handbook is the first major reference text to provide a solid foundation of knowledge for students and researchers alike. The extensive collection of 73 chapters confirms the integral and necessary nature of international social work knowledge to all areas of practice, policy, and research. Chapters systematically map the key issues, organizations, competencies, training and research needs, and ethical guidelines central to international social work practice today, emphasizing the linkages among social work, development, and human rights practice. In-depth country case studies and policy examples encourage readers to understand how their practice in social work touches on international issues, regardless of whether the work is done at home or abroad. Representing all regions of the world, a wide range of contributors that are leaders in their fields have put together an exhaustive collection that represents the state-of-play of international social work today.

Written by the director of the countrys first center for international social work studies, the original edition of this book set the stage for recent years exponential increase of interest in international issues for social workers. This second edition is a thorough revision of that definitive text, and it expands on the sections most valuable to teachers, adds evocative photos from the authors own collection, and provides a wealth of new information to bring the book up-to-the-minute in usefulness. A comprehensive treatment of international social work, the book emphasizes global interdependence and professional action, themes that provide the context for an engaging examination of social work issues in a global perspective. The books four sections introduce major concepts and issues in international social work, review the global history of the social work profession as a whole, discuss global ethics, practice and policy, and values, and look ahead to the bright future of international exchange and development. From direct service to policy and administration, International Social Work provides a thorough overview of the international dimensions of social work practice, and is sure to remain the essential text for all social work students and practitioners, providing a sound foundation for future academic and career exploration.