Introduction to Social Work in Canada; Histories, Contexts and Practices (2nd Edition)

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Book Description

**”Introduction to Social Work in Canada: Histories, Contexts, and Practices” (2nd Edition)** by Nicole Ives, Myriam Denov, and Tamara Sussman provides a comprehensive overview of the social work profession in the Canadian context. This book is designed to help students and practitioners understand the historical foundations, contextual influences, and practical aspects of social work in Canada, while also offering a broader look at global social work trends.

### **Key Features and Content Overview:**

#### **1. Historical Context of Social Work in Canada**
– **Historical Foundations:** The book traces the evolution of social work in Canada, exploring how historical events, policies, and social movements shaped the profession.
– **Indigenous Perspectives:** It includes discussions on the impact of colonization, the role of Indigenous knowledge and practices, and the significance of reconciliation in modern social work practices.

#### **2. Contemporary Social Work Practices**
– **Key Areas of Practice:** The text covers major areas of social work practice, such as child welfare, mental health, healthcare, social justice, and advocacy, offering practical examples and case studies relevant to the Canadian context.
– **Ethics and Values:** It emphasizes the importance of ethics, social justice, and anti-oppressive practice, integrating these core values into discussions on contemporary challenges faced by social workers.

#### **3. Diversity and Inclusion**
– **Multicultural Approach:** Reflecting Canada’s diversity, the book addresses issues of race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status, offering insights into how social workers can effectively engage with diverse communities.
– **Immigration and Refugees:** There’s a focus on the role of social workers in supporting immigrants and refugees, a key component of social services in Canada.

#### **4. Social Work Policy and Advocacy**
– **Policy Analysis:** The book explores how social work intersects with policy development in areas such as poverty, housing, and healthcare, encouraging students to understand the role of social workers as advocates for systemic change.
– **Advocacy Skills:** It offers guidance on how to develop advocacy skills, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals and communities while influencing broader social policies.

#### **5. Canadian Legal and Political Framework**
– **Legal Context:** It discusses the Canadian legal framework that governs social work, including legislation relevant to child protection, healthcare, and human rights.
– **Political Influences:** The book also considers the political and economic forces shaping social services in Canada, offering critical insights into how social policies are formed and their impact on vulnerable populations.

#### **6. Practical Tools and Techniques**
– **Real-Life Case Studies:** Case studies and examples are used throughout to provide practical insights into how social work theories and methods are applied in real-world scenarios.
– **Skills Development:** The text includes sections on skills development, covering interviewing techniques, assessment strategies, and intervention methods relevant to social work practice in Canada.

### **Conclusion**
**”Introduction to Social Work in Canada” (2nd Edition)** by Nicole Ives, Myriam Denov, and Tamara Sussman is an essential resource for students and practitioners. It offers a thorough grounding in the history, contexts, and practices of social work within Canada while encouraging a critical understanding of contemporary issues, ethics, and advocacy in the field. The book’s integration of Canadian-specific content, combined with its global perspectives, makes it a valuable tool for anyone interested in social work in Canada.