Rural Social Work Practice

To some the news that rural America still exists may be a surprise. Whilerural areas have undergone dramatic changes over the last halfcenturytraditional social... » 

To some the news that rural America still exists may be a surprise. Whilerural areas have undergone dramatic changes over the last halfcenturytraditional social problems persist. Moreover many of the social issues andproblems associated with urban populationsfrom AIDS to drug addictionare alsofound in contemporary rural America. This comprehensive and muchneeded volumeexplores the particular challenges associated with rural social work. Withcontributions from practitioners researchers and academics this worksynthesizes and analyzes current trends in rural social work practice andconsiders the most effective ways to serve rural communities.Following an introduction defining what is meant by rural the contributorsconsider the history and development of rural social work from its beginningsto the presentday influence of the Internet and other new informationtechnologies in helping clients. Other recent trends examined include the workof nonprofit organizations and the effects of welfare reform on poor ruralareas. In addressing various aspects of intervention in rural social work theauthors explore the multiple roles of rural social agency administrators andefforts at building stronger communities through community practice.Coverage of specific client populations and fields of practice includesservices for rural mental healthcare the chronically mentally ill healthcarefor minorities and the challenges facing the elderly in rural areas. Thecontributors also consider issues affecting gays and lesbians living in ruralcommunities and the role of religiosity and social support in the wellbeing ofHIVAIDS clients. The book concludes with a consideration of the unique issuesassociated with educating social workers for rural practice. «