New Perspectives On Poverty: Policies, Programs, and Practice

What is poverty? Who is at risk? What myths about poverty are pervasive in the United States? This textbook explores the contemporary realities and perceptions of poverty in America since 1908. The authors bring together theoretical, empirical, and clinical knowledge using reader-friendly and jargon-free language to discuss public and private approaches to poverty and how interest groups influence policies. Professors Giffords and Garber examine the varying ideologies of poverty and analyze the impact of it has on specific at-risk populations, including people who are homeless, persons with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, individuals with co-occurring disorders, and veterans and military families. This book challenges stereotypes and describes actionable interventions that can help change the face of poverty for the better. Features: defines poverty and social welfare in historical and contemporary contexts from multiple perspectives; relevant case studies along with additional resources and Internet links to help further understanding; thorough treatment of employment-related policies; practical interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels; discussion questions for full lectures, small groups, or personal reflection on specific topics

Elissa D. Giffords (DSW, MSW, Adelphi University) is professor of social work at Long Island University Post Campus. Her responsibilities include oversight of the LIU MSW program s policy sequence and the child welfare concentration. She also currently serves as chairperson of Nassau County Department of Social Services Commissioner s Advisory Council and program cochair of Nassau County Executive s Family Violence Task Force. Professor Giffords has previously served as a child protective services caseworker, homeless prevention coordinator, policy advocate, and direct service and outreach coordinator. She received the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) NYS Social Worker of the Year Award in 2008, became a New York Academy of Medicine fellow in 2010, and lectured on social work education at Nanjing University of Science and Technology in China in 2011.

Karen R. Garber (BSW, MSW, Adelphi University; JD, Touro Law Center) is a social worker, attorney, and adjunct professor at Long Island University. She currently manages the Office of Consumer and Public Information and is administrator for Adult Protective Services, Family and Children s Services, and Child Protective Services at the Nassau County Department of Social Services. Prior to her current administrative position, Garber worked exclusively in child welfare, directly overseeing programs that included foster care, adoption, persons in need of supervision, juvenile delinquents, mentoring, and independent living. In 2012, Garber represented Long Island University Post Campus in Nanjing, China, where she taught students about current social work practices in the United States.