Military Social Work Around the Globe

This is the first book to focus on the scope of social work practice within military settings from an international perspective, and therefore addresses what has been a significant gap in the literature. Given the critical support needs of military personnel and their families worldwide, and the expanding role of social work in responding to these needs, this book offers a comprehensive global understanding of the common military social work (MilSW) practices with active duty military service members and their families, as well as the forms of practice and approaches that are unique, or potentially transferable across nations. Based on a systematic inquiry conducted by the Editors, there are at least 25 countries that have social workers working directly within their country’s military in either a civilian or uniformed capacity, or both. This book includes contributions from experts in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the USA, who describe various aspects of the MilSW role within their country and the research that informs what military social workers do. The MilSW similarities and differences among these countries are highlighted, including developmental milestones, practice settings, practice orientation and approach, ethical dilemmas, military to veteran transition support, and past and current challenges. Experts from countries that do not yet have MilSW but are interested in developing it (Japan, Ukraine) or are in the process of establishing this area of practice (Slovakia), also contribute chapters about these developments and the evidence base that supports this direction. Military Social Work Around the Globe is a valuable resource for social work programs and essential reading for instructors and students in MilSW electives and specializations. It is also pertinent reading for occupational social work and international social work courses. In addition, this book is an important source of information for military social workers who would like to gain insights into existing programs and the possibilities for international collaboration, and for countries interested in developing MilSW.