McMahon, Anthony (2014) Emerging issues for social work practice. In: Francis, Abraham P., (ed.) Social Work in Mental Health: areas of practice, challenges and way forward. SAGE Publications, New Delhi, India, pp. 301-308.

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Abstract

[Extract] Recovery, well-being and social justice are not what people think of as emerging issues in mental health social work practice. Yet, the idea of mutual relationships, the best outcome for the client to function in his/her family and his/her society, a just, fair and supportive society in which to live are concepts as old as social work itself and still of importance today. Recovery, well-being and social justice are emerging issues for each generation of people with mental health concerns. The issues of those who suffer mental illness are about their own functioning, their relationships with loved ones and their community and their ability to gain some control over what may often be a fairly chaotic life. Workers who can ensure that the sufferers can have hope, meaning and purpose as they live their life are what they want.

Not all emerging issues are new. In many ways, any discussion of emerging issues for social work practice is going to go over old ground. The issues that have been discussed in the past are still prevalent. For example, 'Mental health problems account for a large proportion of the disease burden among young people in all societies' (UNICEF 2011: 27) and 'health systems have not yet adequately responded to the burden of mental disorders; as a consequence, the gap between the need for treatment and its provision is large all over the world' (WHO 2013: 5). The incidence of mental health issues and an inadequate response have been, are, and will continue to be emerging issues for social work practice. In that sense, old issues are also emerging issues.

Item ID:	34449
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-81-321-1740-7
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2015 02:38
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160701 Clinical Social Work Practice @ 50% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111714 Mental Health @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920209 Mental Health Services @ 50% 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920299 Health and Support Services not elsewhere classified @ 50%
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