Social work in Northern Ireland

'...it makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of this compelling

subject.' British Journal of Social Work

"The authors provide for a very relevant and critically analysed overview of policy evolution, impact and transferability in Northern Ireland. This knowledge does fill a gap in academic research, and is invaluable for political analysis." Journal of Social Policy

"Students will benefit from this text in terms of how it relates to the policy-driven agenda. It will also be useful for youth work students in terms of comparing two related professions." Tony Morgan, University of Ulster

'This is both an informative and a thoughtful book. Along with analysing the

efforts to meet the challenges of social work in a violent neighbourhood, the

authors offer constructive recommendations on social work policy and training

at the end of each chapter along with insightful criticisms throughout.' British Journal of Social Work

“The writing style is both academic and accessible, combining clear description with the promotion of good practice. The book should be of great value to both practitioners and academics in a variety of disciplines and locations.” – British Journal of Community Justice

"Professors Heenan and Birrell have undertaken a unique analysis of the key themes underpinning Social Work in N.Ireland. Their work heralds a new understanding of significant policy which has influenced service provision. A highly recommended core text." Mary McColgan, Professor of Social Work, School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies, University of Ulster

"This valuable analysis of social work operating in a divided society within very different organisational structures has important implications for practice elsewhere." Jeremy Harbison, Chair, NI Social Care Council 2001-2010

'...the book is thorough, well organised and clearly written, and its

detailed index helpful. I highly recommend it to researchers and policy

makers not only in Ireland and England, but in other countries where social

workers have to struggle with the consequences of social division and political

violence.' Nehami Baum, Senior Lecturer, Bar Ilan University School of Social Work

Deirdre Heenan is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. She has written extensively on ageing, disability and social capital.

Derek Birrell is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. He has written extensively on devolution, quangos and local government.

Introduction; Historical context; Sectarianism and social work;Violence and social work; The integration of health and social work; Social work and Community development; Cross-border social work; Poverty and social work; Devolution and social work; Conclusion.