Abstract

Central to a social worker's role is the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, but social workers can often feel anxious and unsure of how to approach anti-discriminatory practice.

This book, grounded in practice experience, is an accessible guide to diversity issues in social work. Packed with tools and models for practice, it considers the concept of diversity and how people differ, provides a model for understanding discrimination, and discusses cross-cultural communication, including the impact and use of language. The authors also explore different learning styles and how to work constructively when personal preferences differ. Practice vignettes and exercises for the reader are included throughout the book.

This book is essential reading for social work students, practitioners, managers, practice teachers and assessors, and trainers, as well as those in allied professions.

Linda Gast is an independent trainer and consultant in the social care and criminal justice fields, and is an Associate of In-Trac Training and Consultancy. She provides training on diversity, equal opportunities, gender issues and working with hate crime offenders. Anne Patmore is an independent social worker, trainer and practice assessor, and is also an Associate of In-Trac Training and Consultancy. She has worked in child and family social work and trains on various topics including equality and diversity, safeguarding children, and working with disabled children.
In my current work as a mentor I have drawn upon the practical approach of this book. I has enabled me to explore with my mentees cultural differences between workers and service users and how that may affect the progress of the case. It has been a valuable resource in diversity awareness as well as an enjoyable way of identifying and coming to terms with our own preconceived ideas. This book is an important addition in any social workers personal tool kit or office based library.
Professional Social Work
‘I’m delighted to see a series that is accessible and that deals with the knowledge and skills needed to work creatively with the everyday concerns and complex issues encountered in direct social work practice. This series offers indispensable coverage of key issues.’
Pamela Trevithick, Visiting Professor in Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, UK