Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations

Gitterman and many other social work experts present a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the full range of social work services. The book is outstanding in its recognition of human resilience in the face of the most devastating adverse social circumstances that must be changed. Another virtue of the book is the use the authors employ of a validated and broad range of social interventions. -- Charles D. Garvin, University of Michigan

When community and family support systems are weak or unavailable, and when internal resources fail, populations that struggle with chronic, persistent, acute, and/or unexpected problems become vulnerable to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social deterioration. Yet despite numerous risk factors, a large number of vulnerable people do live happy and productive lives. This best-selling handbook examines not only risk and vulnerability factors in disadvantaged populations but also resilience and protective strategies for managing and overcoming adversity. This third edition reflects new demographic data, research findings, and theoretical developments and accounts for changing economic and political realities, including immigration and health care policy reforms. Contributors have expanded their essays to include practice with individuals, families, and groups, and new chapters consider working with military members and their families, victims and survivors of terrorism and torture, bullied children, and young men of color.