Dying, Death, & Bereavement in Social Work Practice

Practitioners who work with clients at the end of their lives face difficult decisions concerning the client's self-determination, the kind of death he or she will have, and the prolongation of life. They must also remain sensitive to the beliefs and needs of family members and the legal, ethical, and spiritual ramifications of the client's death. Featuring twenty-three decision cases based on interviews with professional social workers, this unique volume allows students to wrestle with the often incomplete and conflicting information, ethical issues, and time constraints of actual cases. Instead of offering easy solutions, this book provides detailed accounts that provoke stimulating debates among students, enabling them to confront their own responses, beliefs, and uncertainties to hone their critical thinking and decision making skills for professional practice.*Please note: Teaching Notes for this volume will be available on the Columbia University Press Web site in August.

Terry A. Wolfer is an associate professor of social work at the University of South Carolina Vicki M. Runnion is a social worker at Hospice of Louisville, Kentucky