The book clearly links knowledge and practice and is structured in such a way so that theories relevant to social work practices with lesbians and gay men are covered before specific areas of practice are addressed. Key topics include:
-The historical, legal, policy and theoretical context
-A reappraisal of anti-discriminatory practice
-Religion
-Family and kinship
-Relationship-based social work
-Social work with adults
-Social work and mental health
-Social work with children and families
Throughout the book, the authors encourage the reader to adopt a critical and reflective approach to social work. They present their ideas for effective practice that facilitates the individual and collective potential of lesbian and gay social work clients and carers. The book is essential reading for all qualifying social work students and practitioners working with lesbians and gay men.
Helen Cosis Brown is a Principal Lecturer in Social Work at Middlesex University. She also works as an independent foster carer reviewing officer and currently chairs a local authority fostering panel. She worked as a social worker and a social work manager in inner London before moving into social work education. Her publications focus on fostering and adoption and social work with lesbians and gay men.