Relational Social Work: Toward Networking and Societal Practices

This is a revised English edition of an Italian text that presents a systematic introduction to networking and reflexive practice in social work. Fabio Folgheraiter draws on Italian experience and practice in community care and development to foster a deeper understanding of the relational core of social "problems" and "solutions", demonstrating an alternative approach to the trend in positivistic, evidence-based methods. The book explores how the interested parties in social care (users, carers, neighbours, volunteers, professional workers, managers, policy makers) can acquire a shared power in care planning and decision making. Folgheraiter demonstrates that when this networking and empowerment occurs, caring initiatives become truly social-based and their efficacy increases. Folgheraiter provides a framework for the repositioning of social care practice in relation to the state and civil society. The model of practice proposed is a step towards the development of networks that can effect change locally, nationally and globally.