Social Work with Families: Perceptions of Social Casework Among Clients of a Family Service Unit

Based on a study of 27 families and their social workers, this book provides insights into consumer opinions of social services and the evaluation of social work practice. It highlights the experiences of family members and the attributes and activities that they found helpful and appropriate in social workers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1975, this groundbreaking work emerged from a comprehensive study involving the memories and perceptions of twenty-seven families known to a Family Service Unit, as well as their most recent social workers. The significance of this book lies in its invaluable contribution to our understanding of consumer opinions regarding social services at the time. In particular, it sheds light on crucial factors pertinent to the evaluation of social work practice and the establishment of success criteria.

The family members, through excerpts from tape-recorded interviews, vividly portray their experiences of encountering problems, seeking assistance, and ultimately becoming 'clients.' They offer insightful accounts of the help they have received and articulate the personal qualities and actions that have proven valuable and appropriate in the social workers they have interacted with.

This book holds immense value for social workers, social work students, and individuals engaged in social policy and administration. While its insights may be contextualized within the historical framework of its publication, its timeless themes and valuable lessons remain relevant today. By delving into the perspectives of the families involved, this book provides a profound understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals seeking support and assistance from social services. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding of the client-social worker relationship, improve practice outcomes, and contribute to the development of more effective social policies and interventions.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032533704