Social work practice with refugees and immigrants requires specialized knowledge of these populations, and specialized adaptations and applications of mainstream services and interventions. Because they are often confronted with cultural, linguistic, political, and socioeconomic barriers, these groups are especially vulnerable to psychological problems. Among these problems are anxiety, depression, alienation, grief, even post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as biological concerns stemming from inadequate or underutilized medical services. Best Practices for Social Work with Refugees and Immigrants is the first book to offer a comprehensive guide to social work with foreign-born clients that evaluates many different strategies in light of their methodological strengths and weaknesses. Part I sets forth the context for empirically based service approaches to such clients by describing the nature of these populations, relevant policies designed to assist them, and service delivery systems. Part II addresses specific problem areas common to refugees and immigrants and evaluates a variety of assessment and intervention techniques for each area. Maintaining a rigorous empirical and broadly pan-cultural approach throughout, Miriam Potocky-Tripodi seeks to identify the most practical, "best practices" to meet the various and pressing needs of uprooted peoples.

Rather than focusing on specific groups, this book takes a "pancultural" perspective that focuses on the common experiences of refugees and immigrants. The author focuses on empirically-based practice approaches; assessment and intervention techniques that have been scientifically validated. Based on this approach the book presents the "best practice" for each problem area.

About the Author
Miriam Potocky-Tripodi is assistant professor and acting coordinator of the doctoral program at Florida International University. She is co-editor of Social Work Research with Minority and Oppressed Populations.

Reviews
A very comprehensive text... written from the heart... It represents a milestone in social work literature. Social Work Review This book is a solid contribution to the social work literature...Best Practices is a complete reference on the subject... -- Willie Tolliver Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Services I recommend this book...a succint and accessible style -- Douglas Durst Journal of International Migration and Integration Read this book, assign it to your students, buy copies for practitioners in your community-based-organizations... It is an excellent guidebook. Journal of Community Practice



Book Information
ISBN 9780231115834
Author Miriam Potocky
Format Paperback
Page Count 504
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press