Routledge Social Work and Faith-based Organizations

Product Description Faith-based organizations continue to play a significant role in the provision of social work services in many countries but their role within the welfare state is often contested. This text explores their various roles and relationships to social work practice, includes examples from different countries and a range of religious traditions and identifies challenges and opportunities for the sector. Social Work and Faith-based Organizations discusses issues such as the relationship between faith-based organizations and the state, working with an organization’s stakeholders, ethical practice and dilemmas, and faith-based organizations as employers. It also addresses areas of debate and controversy, such as providing services within and for multi-faith communities and tensions between professional codes of ethics and religious doctrine. Accessibly written by a well-known social work educator, it is illustrated by numerous case studies from a range of countries including Australia, the UK and the US. Suitable for social work students taking community or administration courses or undertaking placements in faith-based organizations, this innovative book is also a valuable resource for managers and religious personnel who are responsible for the operation of faith-based agencies. Review "In conclusion, the book contains a wealth of information about an important area of social work and social welfare provision that is to date under researched and, perhaps, often little understood. As such, it can be of value to all involved in social work, whether as qualifying students, practitioners or those in management and policy formulationand it may open the door to further research into the wealth of settings and agencies within which social work is practised." - Nigel Elliott, Independent Social Worker, Journal of Social Work Practice 'This is a valuable book that acknowledges the importance of faith-based organisations and social work. It is the culmination of a major research project in which social workers in Australia and Scotland were interviewed. Throughout the text the “voices” of these social workers come through as they reflect on themselves and their practice in such agencies. Intertwined with this is a comprehensive analysis of the literature.' - Peter Camilleri School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Australian Social Work About the Author Beth R. Crisp is a Professor in the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin University, Australia where she is the discipline leader for social work.