Social Work in a Changing World: Issues and Prospects.

Abstract

The Chapter traces the origins of the social work profession globally and in Africa, from the English Poor Laws of the 17th century to the major economic and social changes and ideological movements of the mid-19th century that set the pace for helping the vulnerable in society. It outlines the development of social work in Ghana from traditional support by extended family and charity work by foreign missionaries to government support and institutionalization of social work as a profession. Additionally, it examines how the Department of Social Work at the University of Ghana has contributed to that development through training of social workers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The chapter concludes with a brief on the domain of the profession.