This article argues that ICT has been viewed with suspicion and has been narrowly used in social work primarily for managerial and monitoring purposes. In light of the emphasis within social work on empowerment, the potential of ICT to facilitate empowering practice is explored • Findings: The article argues the social work profession should more actively challenge and resist the limited use made of ICT, and promote the appropriate use of ICT to improve social work practice and empower service users. • Applications: The article provides a rationale for using ICT in social work to address issues of service user powerlessness and economic and social exclusion. The potential uses to which ICT might be put within social work are discussed and examples are given of innovative social practice using ICT that could be usefully developed more widely.
Keywords empowerment information technology social workThis article explores how ICT (information and communication technology) has been used in social work and argues that the social work profession needs to reclaim ICT for practice-oriented and service user-focused outcomes. The article begins by discussing the phenomenal spread of ICT in the developed
This paper draws on the findings of a qualitative evaluation that examines women's perceptions of the services provided to them whilst their abusers attended an Integrated Domestic Violence Programme (IDAP) in one probation area in the UK. Research focusing on domestic violence programmes has mostly concentrated on the experiences of male perpetrators. As a result, less is known about how women feel about such programmes and the parallel safety services they are supposed to receive. This research seeks to address that weakness by exploring the perceptions of 13 women whose abusers are attending one perpetrator programme. The findings of our study suggest that women are generally negative about perpetrator programmes and require more comprehensive and coordinated services than are routinely made available to them. The paper suggests that women value and need direct and assertive support as well as safety services, and this need is especially pronounced in rural contexts where women can be isolated from mainstream services. The implications of the research to practice with victims of domestic violence are discussed to inform further development of IDAP and similar programmes in the UK and beyond.
This paper presents findings from a pilot research project to explore the significance and availability of mental health services in the medium of Welsh in Wales, UK. Based on small-scale research with Welsh-speaking mental health service users this article argues that being bilingual can be a significant factor in the complex biopsychosocial matrix that underpins mental health problems amongst Welsh speakers. It also argues that the destructive effects of linguistic oppression, and the difficulties of second language communication for mental health service users, are such that an appropriate health and social care response in Wales involves providing services in a user's preferred language. Service users' views about the current state of bilingual service provision in Wales are presented, which suggests that insufficient attention is being paid to the linguistic needs of Welsh speakers. Eight principles are proposed for mental health service policy and practice in Wales.
Background
Evidence suggests that the use of alcohol among older adults (defined as those aged 50+) has increased in recent years, with people aged 55–64 now more likely to exceed the recommended weekly guidelines than any other age group.
Methods/ design
This is a quasi-experimental study with a before-after design. A postal questionnaire will be sent to 76,000 people aged 50 and over registered with a general practice in five different ‘demonstration’ (intervention) and control areas in the UK. Multiple interventions will then be delivered in demonstration areas across the UK. At the end of the programme, a postal questionnaire will be sent to the same individuals who completed it pre-programme to establish if there has been a reduction in alcohol use, at-risk drinking and alcohol related problems. Qualitative interviews with clients and staff will explore how the interventions were experienced; how they may work to bring about change and to identify areas for practice improvements.
Discussion
This study protocol describes a multi-level, multi-intervention prevention-to-treatment programme which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm in people aged 50 and over.
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