Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword -- Revisiting our history post-'Celtic Tiger' : so, what's new? / Suzanne Quin -- Social work in a `globalized' Ireland / Trish Walsh -- Putting ethics at the heart of social work in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland / Fred Powell -- Child welfare and protection in Ireland : deja vu all over again / Kenneth Burns - Adoption in Ireland : exploring the changing context / Muireann Ni Raghallaigh -- Fostering the future : a change agenda in the provision of alternative care / Mairie Cregan -- Responding to family violence : new challenges and perspectives / Stephanie Holt -- Intellectual disability : responding to the life course goals and challenges for individuals and their families / Anna Jennings -- Responding to psychosocial aspects of illness and health : challenges and ppportunities for social work / Elaine Wilson -- Opportunities for social workers' critical engagement in mental health care / Lydia Sapouna -- Reforming, reframing or renaming Irish probation practice in the 21st century? / Carmel Halton -- Substance misuse and social work in Ireland : must do better? / Hilda Loughran -- Growing old with dignity : challenges for practice in an ageing society / Anne O'Loughlin.

At a time of great economical and political change this book offers a timely evaluation of the social work profession in Ireland. It not only focuses on the major social changes that have taken place but also explores key areas of practice, including child welfare, domestic violence, mental health, and working with minority ethnic groups.