Welcome to the English edition of our journal, dedicated to the dynamic and multifaceted field of social work. We invite authors from around the globe to contribute manuscripts on topics they deem crucial for discussion within our profession.
Social work is a theoretical and practical discipline, drawing from diverse scientific fields. Despite its broad scope, its mission remains clear: to professionally address the challenges individuals face in difficult circumstances. What sets social work apart from other helping professions is its holistic approach, viewing individual issues within the broader context of social reality. This perspective allows us to understand and address problems that affect not just the individual but their entire social environment.
Our goal is to enhance the quality and professionalization of social work practice. We aim to advance social work as a science and improve education. By supporting the interests of social service providers and users, we strive to bridge the gap between research and practice, fostering a forum for academically rigorous and practically relevant discussions.
The contributions of this issue enrich the knowledge-base of social work with practical orientation and profound scientific depth.
David Schnell’s article explores a novel strategy for multi-professional collaboration with system-breakers using the power of the absurd. Analysing a case study through Albert Camus’s theory, it reshapes professional experiences and collaboration. This approach helps social workers break free from linear methods and unrealistic service expectations, improving outcomes in challenging cases. Joint case accompaniment uses the absurd to navigate complex situations, enhancing engagement with system-breakers.
Olga Klepáčková, Jana Gabrielová, Martina Černá, and Milan Tomka review music’s role in children’s care and social work in the Terezín ghetto during the Holocaust. Despite adverse conditions, Jewish self-government provided effective support. Historical research shows music aids traumatized children, supporting their emotional and social well-being. These findings highlight the benefits of musical engagement for children’s psychosocial needs, relevant to contemporary social work practice. Eva Maria Löffler examines how social workers in elected office in Germany transfer their professional knowledge into political decisionmaking. The study argues that social work knowledge should drive broader social change, not just individual support. Using surveys, interviews, and panel discussions, the study highlights how social workers influence policy, despite challenges like resource constraints and insufficient majority support. The article concludes that greater political engagement from social workers is crucial for driving social change.
Rebecca Löbmann and Michael Heinrich compare social work academic training with professional practice, focusing on competencies. Despite frameworks, graduates often feel unprepared. The study surveys graduates from the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt and professionals in child, youth, and family welfare in Northern Germany. Key competencies include legal, theoretical, analytical, and communicative skills, and self-care. Both groups stress the importance of theory-practice integration and self-care in education. Aligning programs with frameworks like the German Qualification Framework for Social Work 6.0 can enhance practice readiness.
Manuel Niemann and Tim Isenberg explore education for sustainable development (ESD) in residential educational support, using de Haan’s “design competence” and participation studies. Their analysis reveals the need for institutional and professional development to enhance participation. ESD promotes democracy and adolescent development, facilitated by social workers creating participatory spaces. This approach is cost-effective, easy to implement, and fosters sustainable personal growth, supporting a better world and environment aligned with sustainable development goals.
Brian Littlechild assesses the effectiveness of service user participation in social work in England, focusing on marginalized and excluded groups, particularly those with mental health challenges. It reviews relevant policies, theoretical approaches, and research to identify key issues and barriers to inclusive coproduction. The article emphasizes the need for social workers to uphold equality and inclusion, advocating for greater involvement of service users in decision-making processes to enhance empowerment and address mistrust towards social work services.
Anna Lena Rademaker’s article examines the professional conflicts of hospital social workers in Germany during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights challenges in balancing complex casework, ethical values, and economic pressures. Using participatory and qualitative mixed methods, the research calls for clearer frameworks and support to prevent professionalization from being overshadowed. The study emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches in improving professional practices and offers recommendations for policy and management to support social workers in healthcare better. Jiří Mertl’s book review for P.M. Garrett’s “Social Work and Common Sense: A Critical Examination” explores ideas about and for Social Work and its value orientations.
The issue concludes with a research note from Isabelle-Christine Panreck that highlights Social Work’s strength in integrating diverse perspectives. However, this can confuse students, as seen at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Cologne. The study examines how lecturers from various disciplines handle tasks like “evaluate” or “discuss” to model diverse thinking. Using the TEACH model identifies thought processes and aims to innovate teaching strategies, promoting inclusivity in Social Work programs through qualitative analysis.
Jutta Harrer-Amersdorffer & Vera Taube
Editors of the issue