published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Despite calls for increased attention to religion and spirituality in social work education and practice, the topic remains a neglected area. This small exploratory study seeks to examine barriers that cause religion and spirituality to continue to be on the periphery in social work education. Involved are six faculty members, teaching a range of social work courses. Insights into some of the controversial issues that arise in the classroom when religion and spirituality are discussed are offered. Findings suggest a lack of uniformity in teaching approaches, indicating that educators may be unclear about how to address the topic.

This thesis critically surveys the dynamics of social work modernization in the state of Indonesia. The study examines the polarization, characteristics and trends of social work throughout the history of Indonesia. The survey begins by reviewing the two contexts of the historical developments of social work in both the developed and developing countries of the Third World. This historical overview is pivotal to place the context of social work development in Indonesia. Tracing the origins and the nature of 'social work' in Indonesia under the pre- and colonial rule will further highlight the course of its development. The adoption of modern social work in the post-colonial is examined afterward. The historical examination of social work in Indonesia is particularly relevant in underscoring the roots of the present criticism leveled at Indonesian social policy and work.

There is no abstract available for this dissertation.

The proper functioning of the social services in a state is guaranteed by the state social policy, which comprises such services as help for individuals by various non-monetary forms and support payment, aiming at returning the citizens’ ability to take care of themselves and integrate into the society. Social services are one of the consistent parts of the social security system. These services are being provided by the social security system and comprise the cases of the social risk such as the following: illness, disability, senility, widowhood, family, childcare, unemployment, lodging, social seclusion. The main objective of the social service system is namely to provide the social help in various non-monetary forms and support payment for the people who are not able to provide for themselves. The social support should be organized in such way that it would enhance the people’s activity and responsibility for themselves and their own families. Also an important emphasis should be laid on the fact that that the demand for social services, as one of the kind of services, is increasing at present. Therefore the cooperation of central government, county administration offices and municipalities in this area of social security is crucial, as in any other area. In this case the close cooperation is important in order to guarantee the quality and efficiency of the social security system.

This research examines the concept of quality as it relates to the social work practitioner working within the large statutory organisation. It explores the practitioners perceptions about what constitutes quality practice, and how they know whether they are providing a quality service to their client groups. / While practitioners have individual views as to what constitutes quality practice, there are clear indications that this quality can be determined through a number of means, largely those that based on personal assessment or institution, and those processes determined by external review or evaluation criteria. There is however, evidence to suggest that practitioners would like to see the implementation of other review processes that would provide them with further input as to the nature and quality of service they are providing as individual practitioners, and as a team of agency. However, factors such as insufficient time, and lack of opportunity and resources, often prevent this from happening to the satisfaction of the practitioner. / This investigation also examines social work practitioners views as to their respective agencys and departments views on quality practice and the review process, particularly as it relates to the social worker. Practitioners are of the belief that workplaces and departments with whom they are employed support the development and implementation of review processes in principle, but in reality, the supports and opportunities to undertake such endeavours are not available. / Thesis (MSoSc(SocialWorkSocPolicy)--University of South Australia, 2000.

Thesis (PhDSoSc)--University of South Australia, 2002.

Thesis (B.Sc. (Honours) in Economics)--Singapore Management University, 2005. / Senior thesis in part fulfillment for the BSc (Honours) in Economics degree presented to the School of Economics and Social Sciences, Singapore Management University 2004-2005. Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-74).

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Ballarat, 2006. / Submitted in total fulfilment for the requirements for thr degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Humanities. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 332-364).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Victoria University (Melbourne, Vic.), 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.