Work

Policymaking Opportunities for Direct Practice Social Workers in Mental Health and Addiction Services

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Direct practice social workers have potentially significant policymaking opportunities as mediators of top-down policy and as creators of policy where none exists. The power they possess stems from their ‘on the ground’ expertise and the discretion available to them in making practice decisions. By understanding their power as “street-level bureaucrats” they can significantly improve policy. Drawing on policy issues in mental health and addictions services, this article illustrates how social workers can use their power in an ethically sensitive manner to enhance policy outcomes for clients.

Source: Advances in Social Work

DOI: 10.18060/2227

Authors: Thomas J. Powell, Eve Garrow, Michael R. Woodford, Brian Perron

Institution: University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Social Work Education and Practice

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism