ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains previous generations of social workers, particularly during the Great Depression, and again starting in the 1960s, worked in periods of deep social crisis similar to the present, and the challenges of their times moved them to call into question many of social works dominant paradigms. They pointed to inadequacies in mainstream social-work models and struggled to develop effective alternatives. The liberation health social work model is a product of the current social, economic, and political crisis. The liberation health social-work model seeks to provide practitioners with practical tools for effective clinical work in the era of neo-liberalism. Finally, it is important to note that the majority of clinical situations presented in this book can be considered success stories; that is, the client or family member found the work to be helpful.
