Social Work in Northern Ireland

Written in an accessible style, this book highlights the distinctive aspects of social work policy and practice in Northern Ireland. It covers the historical development of social work, explores the challenges that have arisen from delivering key personal services both during and post-conflict and addresses the new imperatives created when the devolution settlement transferred into the hands of local decision makers. Exploring many major themes - including integrated health and social services, social exclusion, community development, devolution and working across borders - the book demonstrates how the experience in Northern Ireland can provide lessons for national and international theory and practice. It will be essential reading for academics and students of social work and social policy in Northern Ireland and a valuable resource for practitioners and policy makers.