Abstract

Working with lesbians and gay men is a largely neglected area of social work practice. This book provides social workers and other professionals with an overview of a number of key challenges and concerns that play a significant part in the lives of lesbians and gay men. Despite positive changes in legislation, social work can still fail to meet the needs of lesbians and gay men, and remains a marginalised area in practice, research and teaching. This book promotes an understanding of these issues and proposes ideas for social work practice that are inclusive of lesbians and gay men in assessment and the provision of services.

The book clearly links knowledge and practice and is structured in such a way so that theories relevant to social work practices with lesbians and gay men are covered before specific areas of practice are addressed. Key topics include:

-The historical, legal, policy and theoretical context

-A reappraisal of anti-discriminatory practice

-Religion

-Family and kinship

-Relationship-based social work

-Social work with adults

-Social work and mental health

-Social work with children and families

Throughout the book, the authors encourage the reader to adopt a critical and reflective approach to social work. They present their ideas for effective practice that facilitates the individual and collective potential of lesbian and gay social work clients and carers. The book is essential reading for all qualifying social work students and practitioners working with lesbians and gay men.
For the increasing numbers of social workers wishing to develop evidence based practice and skills in supporting lesbians and gay men, this book provides valuable background and context. The authors present a timely call for a radical approach to practice, and illustrate this in work with many user groups.

King's College London

This is a welcome new publication, throwing critical light on theory and practice relevant to social work with lesbians and gay men.
Kim Wright, Director of Adult Social Care
London Borough of Hackney and National Lead on Equalities and Diversity for ADASS

'The book rightly places the sexuality of lesbians and gay men within the wider context of all sexualities. The authors have achieved this by explaining the historical, political and social aspects of gay and lesbian lifestyles. They do this in a manner that is easily understood.'