Faith-based human services initiatives: considerations for social work practice and theory.
Faith-based human services initiatives present numerous challenges to professional social work. This article explores ways a theoretical integration of ecosystems and structuration perspectives may help social workers navigate complex ideological and practical implications of changing service delivery policies. The article highlights diversity among faith-related providers, with presentation of a services typology relevant to social work and ethical guidelines to inform decision making regarding referrals and collaborations. Examples from a qualitative study of faith-related services, values, and practices illustrate the typology and related practice issues.
Tangenberg
Kathleen M
KM
School of Social Work, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. Kathleen-tangenberg@uiowa.edu
D002608:Charities; D017753:Ecosystem; D015279:Organizational Culture; D011057:Politics; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011640:Public Policy; D012067:Religion; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012947:Social Work / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States