29 Introduction
Elizabeth B. Pearce
The next four chapters were written by individual writers, all of whom are associated with Ferris State University in Michigan. Some were MSW candidates at the time and others had already entered the field. I have provided some very limited updates to each chapter including fixing broken links, identifying others, making some small edits for clarity, and updating information (such as the current status of reporting Intimate Partner Violence). More updating will be done over the 2021 – 2022 school year. In addition, openly licensed images will be substituted for the current photos, whose origin is undetermined.
As you read about these settings consider:
- What are the needs and strengths that each population possesses?
- What characteristics and skills do social work and human services professionals need to work in these settings or with these populations?
- Which ethical standards might be emphasized?
- What understandings of social justice do you need in these settings?
I am also curious to know what other settings and populations you are wondering about. As we write future editions of this text, other settings and client groups will be included. For example, I’m considering sections on services in school settings as well as the work of social workers and human services professionals in government settings. What would you add?
