Part One - Social work practice and current issues. Social work: its role and task, Kate van Heugten--The art and science of social work, Marie Connolly--Social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: its origins and traditions, Mary Nash--Social work in context: e

This book presents an extensive analysis of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand. The authors examine past difficulties and successes, and contemporary issues relating to this field. The book is divided into three parts: practice and current issues (chapters 1 to 10); fields of practice (chapters 11 to 20); and professional issues (chapters 21 to 27). The following chapters specifically relate to the field of family violence. The first chapter relating to family violence is chapter 8, "Women's Issues in Social Work Practice and Policy Development", by Fiona Robertson. This chapter discusses the roles of gender in social work, and includes sections on women as victims of violence, and societal attitudes towards family violence. In chapter 9, "Men and Social Work", Ken McMaster examines gendered socialisation, masculinity and social work practice, and highlights approaches to working with men who are violent to women, and sexually abusive adult and adolescent males. The chapter entitled "Child Care and Protection Services in Child Welfare", by Marie Connolly, addresses issues surrounding statutory child care and protection social work. A discussion is included on changes to this process, such as family participation in decision-making, the dual role of the social worker, child protection Family Group Conferences (FGCs), foster care, residential care, Iwi Social Services, and adoption. Mike Doolan's chapter, "Youth Justice Services in Child Welfare", explains the statutory response to youth offending, which is another branch of child welfare. The author explores responses in this field including legislation, policy, and practice, intervention factors, and youth justice FGCs. This chapter concludes with the suggestion that successfully merging the two separate statutory child welfare fields of care and protection and youth justice may be difficult. The final chapter that addresses family violence is "Working With Family Violence as a Professional Issue", by Ken McMaster. This chapter begins by acknowledging that family violence is now recognised as a core social problem in Aotearoa New Zealand. Definitions and the prevalence of family violence are explained, as are a number of theories that influence understanding of this significant issue. Social policy and community initiatives are also described.

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