Social Work in Northern Ireland: Conflict and Change

Beginning of article

SOCIAL WORK IN NORTHERN IRELAND: CONFLICT AND CHANGE

Heenan, D. and Birrell, D. (2011) Bristol: Policy Press. pp. 192 (pbk) 23.99 [pound sterling]

ISBN 978-1847-42332-0

It is tempting to assume that a book with Northern Ireland in the title is only of interest to those who live or work in that country, but this book has much wider scope and application. It is certainly an essential text for anyone practising social work in Northern Ireland. The material covered, particularly the discussion of innovative practice in violence and civil emergencies, should be of interest to a very wide readership, including those working in community justice.

The book starts by putting the development of social work in Northern Ireland into an historical context, linking the development of social work to the formation of the Northern Ireland state, and the political and social influences from the UK, Ireland and within Northern …