Social work
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Social justice is a core value to the mission of social work. Older people are among the most vulnerable populations for whom social workers are called on to advocate. ⋯ Literature critiquing the justice dimensions of health care for the elderly population is reviewed. Justice claims are identified and refined, and social justice theories are used in the analysis of the proposed policies.
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The globalization of the economy creates new challenges for social work in the arenas of social and economic justice. This article outlines social justice issues related to the debt crisis of the Global South and sweatshops. ⋯ The article explores domestic social justice problems as possible points of connection with these issues. Finally, the authors give recommendations for social work education, advocacy, and activism.
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Although the number of children in need of adoptive homes is growing, the number of prospective adoptive parents is decreasing. On the basis of an extensive review of relevant literature, the present study explored a potentially viable although controversial and little-researched option for increasing the pool of prospective parents: adoptions by gay men and lesbians. ⋯ A content analysis of the data suggests that gay men and lesbians experience considerable and seemingly unjustified obstacles in their efforts to become adoptive and foster parents. Major implications for practice and policy are offered, as are future directions for research.
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During the past two decades, most states have allowed welfare benefit levels to erode with inflation. Very little attention has been paid by academics and policy makers to the potential effects of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 on welfare benefit levels. ⋯ The article shows how small changes in benefit levels can alter profoundly eligibility for welfare. Social workers need to advocate for increases in welfare benefit levels which, at the very least, keep up with inflation.