Rural Social Work Practice

To some, the news that rural America still exists may be a surprise. While rural areas have undergone dramatic changes over the last half-century, traditional social problems persist. Moreover, many of the social issues and problems associated with urban populations-from AIDS to drug addiction-are also found in contemporary rural America. This comprehensive and much-needed volume explores the particular challenges associated with rural social work. With contributions from practitioners, researchers, and academics, this work synthesizes and analyzes current trends in rural social work practice and considers the most effective ways to serve rural communities. Following an introduction defining what is meant by "rural," the contributors consider the history and development of rural social work from its beginnings to the present-day influence of the Internet and other new information technologies in helping clients. Other recent trends examined include the work of nonprofit organizations and the effects of welfare reform on poor rural areas. In addressing various aspects of intervention in rural social work, the authors explore the multiple roles of rural social agency administrators and efforts at building stronger communities through community practice.

Coverage of specific client populations and fields of practice includes services for rural mental healthcare; the chronically mentally ill; healthcare for minorities; and the challenges facing the elderly in rural areas. The contributors also consider issues affecting gays and lesbians living in rural communities and the role of religiosity and social support in the well-being of HIV/AIDS clients. The book concludes with aconsideration of the unique issues associated with educating social workers for rural practice.

Nancy Lohmann is a professor of social work at West Virginia University and senior adviser to the provost. She is the coeditor of Transitions of Aging.Roger Lohmann is a professor of social work at West Virginia University. He is the author of The Commons: New Perspectives on Nonprofit Organization and Voluntary Action and Breaking Even: Financial Management in Human Service Organizations and the editor of Nonprofit Management and Leadership. The Lohmanns are also the coauthors of Social Administration (Columbia).