Case Studies for Helping Professionals in Canada is an engaging collection of case studies illustrating the complex realities that helping professionals encounter in practice. Intended as a supporting resource for students in social work, social services, and human services, this text provides case studies that bridge theory and practice. Each chapter presents a compelling case with elements drawn from the author's more than 20 years of professional experience as a social worker. The cases emphasize client-centered practice and reflect the ethical dilemmas, systemic barriers, and emotional demands that shape the profession. Spanning the life course from children and youth to adults and seniors, the cases explore a wide range of practice areas, including child protection, family work, youth care, work with unhoused populations, substance dependence, disability, mental health, work with Indigenous people, community practice, 2SLGBTQ populations, and end-of-life care. Comprehensive, reflective, and distinctly Canadian, this text equips students with the insight and practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of the helping professions with competence, compassion, and confidence.
Cathy Curiel is a seasoned social worker with over twenty years of experience working in a variety of areas, including support services, policy development, health care, mental health, child protection, and with Indigenous communities. and as a manager. She works at Douglas College in British Columbia, where she teaches courses in the undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work program, oversees practicum students, and completes research.
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Working with Children in Schools: Youth at Risk Chapter 3: Working with Children in Child Protection: Confronting Ethical Dilemmas Chapter 4: Working with Indigenous, Pregnant Youth: Harnessing Strength Chapter 5: Working with Mothers: Mental Health and Child Removal Chapter 6: Working with Unhoused People: The Intersection of Discrimination, Racism, and Housing Chapter 7: Working with People who use Substances: Resilience and Motivating Change Chapter 8: Working with Francophone People: Outreach and Re-Connection Chapter 9: Working with Asylum Seekers: Ethics and Medical Uncertainty Chapter 10: Working with People with Disabilities: Inadequate Supports, Limited Options Chapter 11: Working with People Involved in the Criminal Justice System: Fresh Starts and Stale Stereotypes Chapter 12: Working with Newcomers to Canada: Crisis Intervention and Systems Navigation Chapter 13: Working with Indigenous Families: Counselling and Healing Chapter 14: Working with Refugee Families: Community Challenges and Supports Chapter 15: Working with Seniors: The Right to Live at Risk Chapter 16: Working with Indigenous Communities: Environmental Work Chapter 17: Working with Communities: Temporary Foreign Workers and Disaster Response Glossary
