This book advocates the development of international social work, both as offering an important perspective on practice at local level and as a distinct form of cross-border and supra-national activity. The author argues that the effects of globalization and regional policies on the welfare sector have implications for the users of social services and community development programmes which require all social professionals to have a better understanding of these processes and consequences and of the international networks through which they themselves might operate. Some of the material used is of a comparative nature, for instance in relation to the education of social professionals or their relationship with the state or the family and examples are drawn from a wide range of countries. But there is also a thematic treatment of three phenomena which are seen to have significant international dimensions, that is, poverty, migration and disasters. The book considers the role of social professionals in relation to these themes and identifies greater scope for intervention in relation to a range of social problems at international levels.

’...draws together some pertinent literature on new directions in social work.’ Community Care ’...an important introductory study of the development of international social work theory and practice...worthy of a global professional readership...an important milestone in the development of international understandings of social work.’ International Social Work ’The book shows how political, economic, ideological, technological, and environmental changes have led to social consequences that have had significant implications for the role of the social professions...the overall argument of the book is strong and reflects the author’s deep knowledge of both local and general problems. Disparate sources of information are blended into a precise and in-depth account.’ European Journal of Social Work ’...very readable...provides an informative framework enabling social work professionals to understand the similarities and differences in the social context in which social work operates in different societies and the impact of these on the relative strengths and restrictions of social work activity.’ British Journal of Social Work ’The book has been written in a readable style, offers many interesting examples from which we can learn and makes a persuasive case of why we should reconnect internationally.’ Social Work in Europe ’This important book provides a springboard for reflection, further study, and most importantly, social work response.’ International Social Science Review

Karen Lyons, London Metropolitan University, UK