Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice ─ Social Problems and Practice Issues

Covers key social problems and practice-related issues

The last two decades in social work have seen tremendous strides in field research, from the development of improved research designs to more accurate methods of problem measurement and outcome analysis. Drawing upon these significant advances, the two-volume handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice brings together empirically validated interventions for many of the psychosocial problems most frequently encountered by social workers in their daily practice.

Unlike other books in the field that employ a theory-based approach to treatment, this handbook focuses on the best-supported methods of helping clients with particular problems irrespective of theoretical biases, offering clinicians a valuable compendium of practice guidelines for treatment.

Edited and authored by recognized experts in the field, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is clearly written and organized for easy reference. Volume Two covers key social problems and practice-related issues including:
* Crime, homelessness, and unemployment
* Domestic violence and sexual abuse
* Family conflict and preservation
* Practice approaches for older clients
* Empirically based supervision


With information that is at once accessible and up to date, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is a vital source of guidance for today's clinical social workers and other practicing mental health professionals, as well as students.

"One of the best tools to promote the values of the [social work] profession is that of empirical social work practice. 'Telling the truth' is one of these values, and discovering the truth is something that empirical research is very good at. This book presents credible reviews of contemporary empirical literature pertaining to selected behavioral, affective, and intellectual disorders, and their psychosocial assessment and treatment. That such a book is now possible is a striking affirmation of the merits of the approach to social work called empirical clinical practice."
---- from the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice

John S. Wodarski, PhD, is Director of Research and a Professor at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville. He has edited or authored over nineteen books, including Adolescent Sexuality and Maltreatment and The School-Age Child.

Bruce A. Thyer, PhD, is Professor and Dean of the Department of Psychology at Florida State University. His research focuses on evidence-based practice, evaluation research, behavior analysis, mental health, substance abuse, and social work theory, practice, and education.

PART I. SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

Chapter 1. Social Problems: A Cost-Effective Psychosocial Prevention Paradigm (John S. Wodarski).

Chapter 2. Child Maltreatment (Peter Lyons).

Chapter 3. Educationally Disadvantaged Children (Catherine N. Dulmus and John S. Wodarski).

Chapter 4. Violence in the Schools (Lisa A. Rapp and John S. Wodarski).

Chapter 5. Adolescent Sexuality (John S. Wodarski).

Chapter 6. Preventing HIV Disease in Adolescents (Charles W. Mueller, et al.).

Chapter 7. Substance Abuse (Nancy J. Smyth).

Chapter 8. Crime (Lisa A. Rapp and John S. Wodarski).

Chapter 9. Urban Decline and Family Homelessness (Namkee G. Choi).

Chapter 10. Unemployment (Anna Celeste Burke).

Chapter 11. Marital Conflict, Domestic Violence, and Family Preservation (M.E. Betsy Garrison and M.A. Keresman).

Chapter 12. The Impact of Race in Social Work Practice (Marvin D. Feit, et al.).

Chapter 13. Practice Approaches with Older Clients (Nancy P. Kropf, et al.).

Chapter 14. Retirement (Virginia L. Fitch, et al.).

Chapter 15. Promoting Self-Management of Chronic Medical Problems (Jan Ligon).

Chapter 16. Hospice Care (Michael J. Holosko and D. Rosemary Cassano).

Chapter 17. Treating Chronic Grief (Thomas A. Artelt and Bruce A. Thyer).

PART II. PRACTICE ISSUES.

Chapter 18. Prevention (Steven P. Schinke and Kristin C. Cole).

Chapter 19. Measurement of Social Problems (Walter W. Hudson and Annatjie C. Faul).

Chapter 20. Empirical Approaches to Case Management (Patricia G. Moseley and Kevin L. Deweaver).

Chapter 21. Empirical Approaches to Social Work Supervision (Thomas A. Artelt and Bruce A. Thyer).

Chapter 22. Obstacles to Conducting Empirically Based Practice (Michael J. Holosko and Donald Leslie).

Index.