Religious Organizations in Community Services: A Social Work Perspective

This book explores the scope and breadth of religious organizations in social work practice. It begins by tracing the origins of the social work profession back to the earliest civilizations and their religious traditions, establishing the precedent for a fruitful commingling of religion and social welfare. The contributors propose that religious/faith organizations can assume responsibilities for social welfare in the 21st century, using the Korean Church as one example of an effective provider of social services. A 12-step model for religious organizations to use to develop community action programs is also presented.

Terry Tirrito, PhD, is Associate Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Tirrito is a graduate of Fordham University in New York with a degree in gerontological social work. Dr. Tirrito was a visiting professor at Australian Catholic University, Canberra, Australia and at Masey University in New Zealand Toni Cascio, PhD, LCSW-C, is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Cascio teaches clinical practice courses and has published extensively in the areas of spirituality and social work practice and teaching methods in social work education