Social Work and Europe

The European community has gradually taken on a more human face, but although its leaders promote a vision of a social community with improved standards for all it is clear that some people will be excluded or marginalized. This book takes a timely look at the implications for social work in Europe of rapid changes in the EC social agendas. It is increasingly possible to identify common themes and concerns within European countries, such as child protection, the number of people in residential care, and youth unemployment. New issues are also emerging: greater mobility across national boundaries and the need for increased contact and agreed social work responses between European welfare agencies. The book examines the concepts of citizenship, participation and marginalization, at EC and national levels, and discusses their relevance to social work policy and practice. It blends description and explanation with analysis, and clarifies terminology commonly used in European social work but less familiar to a British readership. At a time of change in British social work, and in a climate of increased emphasis on consumer rights, the book examines the different conceptions of social work, particularly in France and Germany, and revives notions of the relevance of prevention and social action. Finally, the authors suggest that the political and social changes in Europe provide a positive opportunity for British social workers to re-examine their aims and methods, and to contribute to shaping a new European social work.