International Social Work

Features

• Case examples enliven the text and bridge the gap between theory and practice
• Brief biographies of noted social workers bring history to life
• Extensive references provide students with up to date professional literature and intergovernmental documents
• An action- and practice-focused definition of international social work serves as the framework for student learning
• Combines the expertise of Lynne Healy, a world-renowned pioneer in international social work, and her new co-author, Rebecca Thomas, who has a background in both social work and international development and direct experience in several countries

About the Author(s)

Lynne M. Healy, MSW, Ph.D. is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She has lectured or consulted in more than 25 countries. Dr. Healy is currently the Main Representative to the United Nations in New York for the IASSW and serves on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia of Social Work and of several professional journals.

Rebecca L. Thomas, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the University Of Connecticut School Of Social Work Center for International Social Work Studies. Dr. Thomas is the Chair of the Global Commission and represents IASSW on the NGO Committee on Migration at the United Nations. She also serves on the City of Hartford Commission on Immigrant on Immigrant Affairs.

Reviews

"Human rights is the core theme that weaves together the different discussions throughout the book. The authors are champions for transformative global change through advocacy for policy change and the development of innovative theories and interventions to improve the human condition. Ultimately, they aim to address the profession of social work in the 21st century by focusing on the global core values of inclusion, respect, peace, and equality, which will advance social justice across the world." -- B. Troutman, CHOICE

"Healy and Thomas provide the social work profession a tremendous gift with this book. Many recall how Healy's first 2001 edition inspired professional action. This volume is thoroughly researched and meticulously referenced; it should be considered the definitive source on international social work. This text should be available in social work programs and agencies worldwide." -- Mary S. Carlsen, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN USA

"The publication of the third edition of International Social Work attests to the book's enduring popularity and value. In this edition, Healy and Thomas provide up-to-date information about developments in social work and social policy around the world. Like its predecessors, the book is wide ranging, informative, well written, and balanced. It will continue to be a primary resource for students, professional social workers and researchers interested in international issues for many years to come." -- James Midgley, University of California, Berkeley, United States of America

"This is an exceptional contribution to the literature on international social work. The chapter on human rights is particularly important because it provides an important global context for this important social work value that is often spoken of without adequate depth. This book is certain to excite new social workers about international practice and reinforce the knowledge of those already committed to international work." -- Sandra E. Crewe, Howard University, United States of America

"International Social Work is a masterpiece filled with passion, encouragements, expectations, and hopes for the social work profession to effect transformative global change in the international arena, advance social justice, and improve human well-being." - Angelina Yuen-Tsang, (Hong Kong), Former President, IASSW

"An improved edition of a milestone book, where readers can find an updated analysis of the knowledge about the international dimension of social work, as well as some new deep insights on human rights, climate change, environment awareness, UN policies and much more. Interesting cases from different parts of the world are provided to show how theories and concepts can be useful in real life contexts, amalgamating academic rigor with practice wisdom. This inspirational book should be a must-have for scholars, students, practitioners and all the people who want to understand the role of social work in our globalized world." - Annamaria Campanini, (Italy), President, IASSW

"Lynne Healy and Rebecca Thomas's updated and revised International Social Work is an important and much welcomed text. In this new edition the authors strengthen their argument that social work has an important role to play in the international arena. This is particularly pertinent in the current climate where global influences are increasingly impacting local and national interests and concerns. I highly recommend this influential text for graduate and undergraduate courses across the globe and as important text for social work and human services workers who are committed to placing local and national issues in their international context." - Carolyn Noble, ACAP, Australia

"This book highlights the ebb and flow of social work's influence, internationally, within historical perspective and challenges social workers to amplify the profession's global voice and common vision within the context of diversity. It comes at a time when multilateral organizations like UNICEF are promoting social work and social service workforce strengthening as an entry point for advancing care and support for the world's most vulnerable groups." - Rebecca T Davis, Rutgers University, United States of America

"In compelling ways this book promotes the shared awareness amongst social workers of the world as our collective home. Lynne Healy and Rebecca Thomas in their extensive research and vivid case studies end the debate about the role of international social work, making it clearly an imperative for the twenty-first century. The central role of human rights is presented in urgent and operational ways so that readers are invited to see the rich resources and policy instruments that are part of the framework of intervention. Similarly the authors trace the concept of development so that readers recognize that we are all in developing countries, where the eradication of poverty is a universal goal. There is prescient discussion of past global viruses such as SARS and an empowering theme of collaboration as the world copes with COVID-19 and recognizes more forcefully the value of working together for social justice and well-being." - Rosemary Link, University of Minnesota, USA

"The third edition of International Social Work is an impressively comprehensive text that gives a framework for understanding what international social work, in all its facets, is. As well as explaining the history, theories, and research, the many cases and biographies give life to the text. " - Gurid Aga Askeland, VID Specialized University, Norway

"International Social Work is essential reading for scholars and students interested in pressing global issues of poverty, human rights, and development. In this third edition, Healy and Thomas give renewed emphasis to environmental issues and sustainability while maintaining the previous edition's groundbreaking focus on social work practice, policy, exchanges, and organizations around the world." - David K. Androff, Arizona State University, United States of America