Social Work in Pediatrics

This illuminating resource for social workers focuses on theory and practice with pediatric populations with special needs such as terminal, chronic, and long-term illness. Such populations present social workers with a unique set of challenges and complexities, especially as care for these children increasingly shifts from institution to home. Social Work in Pediatrics enhances readers'knowledge and understanding of pediatric social work today. It presents models of service delivery...
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This illuminating resource for social workers focuses on theory and practice with pediatric populations with special needs such as terminal, chronic, and long-term illness. Such populations present social workers with a unique set of challenges and complexities, especially as care for these children increasingly shifts from institution to home. Social Work in Pediatrics enhances readers'knowledge and understanding of pediatric social work today. It presents models of service delivery and clinical practice that illustrate responses to present changes and challenges occurring within the health care system. The programs and services described acknowledge the continuum of care from neonatal intensive care unit to community and recognize accompanying emotional needs and stressors.

Chapters explore the issues surrounding the changing roles of social workers as parents assume greater control over child care. Contributing authors focus on the strengths within patients and their families which demand the support of professionals to enhance and maximize natural coping skills. The authors discuss the interactive process between the professional and the patient/family and the need for interventions both on the macro policy and micro clinical levels. They also describe the roles of social workers as change agents, team members, brokers, and advocates, and they explore the need to always be aware and culturally sensitive.

Chapters include case examples to illustrate techniques and problems for such topics as:

• respite care
• HIV and pediatric AIDS
• pediatric oncology
• collaborative practice
• group work and chronic pediatric illness
• home care for technology-dependent children
• family stress
• mutual support groups
  
  The research, practice, and systemic processes and programs addressed include traditional social work utilizing individual, family, crisis intervention, and group practice modalities. Social Work in Pediatrics is full of helpful ideas and interventions for professional social workers in health care and for social work faculty. The book is also a useful supplementary text for graduate students in the field.