CHAPTER TEN CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IMPACTING COMMUNITY PRACTICE The Practice of Generalist Social Work (2 nd ed.)

Key Ideas  Social workers face many challenges and opportunities in community practice.  Several major trends exist that impact community practice. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Devolution of Control over Programs  There is a trend toward decentralization of control of many federally funded programs.  States increasingly rely on nonprofit and for-profit organizations for service delivery.  Communities play an increasingly important role in providing services. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Multicultural Composition of Society  The foreign-born population is growing.  Social workers must advocate for minority groups.  Social workers must bring attention to the community issues that impact minority populations. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Inequality in Social, Racial, and Ethnic Relations  Social workers play a central role in advocating for responsive communities for all citizens. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Widening Venues for Community Practice  Social workers have increased opportunities to work with different types of communities.  Opportunities include communities organized around identity, geography, and faith. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Integration of Community Practice into Other Modes of Practice  Elements of community practice are often viewed as part of work on individual, family, and group levels.  Many services utilize community-based service models. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Trend: Demographic Participation and Civic Engagement  There is a noted decline of social capital that facilitates collective action.  Social workers must energize and mobilize diverse groups to be engaged in their communities. © 2011 Taylor & Francis