Core Curricula for Social Work Nevenka Zegarac, Full professor, FPN, BU

Four conceptual components of core curricula – ISSW & IFSSW domain of the social work profession domain of the social work as a professional, methods of social work practice and paradigm of the social work profession, Components should be universally applicable regardless of the specific context where social work practice is implemented.

Domain of the social work profession Social inequalities, discrimination, oppression; Recognition of the relationship between personal life experiences and personal value systems and social work practice: Application of social work values, ethical principles, knowledge and skills, Knowledge about and respect for the rights of service users, understanding of the political, economic, demographic and cultural context.

Fields of social work practice Child protection, juvenile justice, child rights approach, Foster, residential and other types of alternative care, Guardianship and family legal protection, family preservation, Rights and protection of persons with disabilities, Social work with adults with behavioural problems, Elderly protection and social work with elderly, Social work in mental health and health care, Inclusive education, Social work with migrants , refugees and asylum seekers

Methods of social work practice selection of appropriate methodological approach, including: social work with individuals, social work with groups, social work with families, social work with community and organizations, and different skills for implementation of these methodological complexes

Practice approaches Behavioural, Cognitive, Psychosocial approaches focused on client, Crisis intervention, Task-centred approaches and Stages of changes (cycle of change)

Practice perspectives Ecological Feminist Radical and activist Anti-oppression and anti-discriminatory perspective Empowerment perspective, Child/youth rights Disability movement perspective Anti-ageism practice, etc.