ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the key role for social workers in disaster management. Social workers have much to contribute, their ethos is central to good disaster management; social workers can help minimise the negative impact of disasters and poor development but also optimise the positive links and opportunities from disasters to good development; they have a primary role at every stage of the disaster management cycle. Social development is about putting people at the centre of development. This means a commitment that development processes need to benefit people, particularly but not only the poor, but also a recognition that people, and the way they interact in groups and society, and the norms that facilitates such interaction, shape development processes. Good development not only achieves real social-economic benefit but has the effect of reducing vulnerability to, preparing for or mitigating the impact of a disaster. Good disaster management will ensure that at the earliest opportunity psychosocial support is available.
