An Introduction to Family Social Work

This text provides beginning students with the knowledge and skills necessary for family social work. Not a family therapy text, it is intended for students who will work with families, but who will not necessarily undertake advanced training in family therapy. Chapters 1 and 2 present a philosophical perspective and provide an understanding of family functions. Chapters 3 and 4 treat family assessment, and Chapters 5 through 10 lead students through the actual process of working with families. The concluding chapters discuss gender and culturally sensitive practice and cover special situations that family social workers may encounter in working with children and adults.

Dr. Collins is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. He is also a part-time family therapist, and spent ten years as a volunteer family therapist and supervisor. His research and areas of interest include social work education; social work practice couples, families, and individuals of all ages; child abuse; family violence; teaching and learning issues; program and case level evaluation; and case management. Dr. Collins has authored and co-authored numerous articles and texts.

Dr. Catheleen Jordan is Professor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she has taught in the master's and doctoral programs since 1985. Her areas of expertise are family assessment and treatment, clinical research, and family-work issues. She currently serves as chair of the Direct Practice Sequence and Secretary of the Board for NASW-Texas. She is co-author of additional texts, including FAMILY PRACTICE: BRIEF SYSTEMS METHODS FOR SOCIAL WORK and FAMILY TREATMENT: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE WITH POPULATIONS AT RISK.

Dr. Heather Coleman is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and a practicing clinical social worker for more than 15 years. Her research areas include social work education (child and family) and her areas of interest include family violence, family preservation, gender issues, First Nations and addictions, human sexuality, and clinical practice. Dr. Coleman currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and texts.