Briefly explain the historical development of Social Work profession in UK and USA.

Historical Development of Social Work in the UK:

The roots of social work in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when societal changes and emerging social issues led to the recognition of the need for organized efforts to address poverty, inequality, and social injustice. Some key milestones in the historical development of social work in the UK include:

1. Charity Organization Societies (COS):

   • In the late 19th century, the Charity Organization Societies were established to coordinate charitable activities and provide assistance to individuals and families in need. These early efforts laid the groundwork for the professionalization of social work by emphasizing systematic and organized approaches to address social problems.

2. Mary Ellen Richmond and Casework:

   • Mary Ellen Richmond, an American social work pioneer, influenced the development of social work in the UK. Her emphasis on casework, individual assessment, and the use of a scientific approach to social problems influenced the profession's growth in the UK.

3. Local Authority Involvement:

   • In the early 20th century, local authorities in the UK began taking a more active role in social welfare. The Local Government Act of 1929 established local authority responsibility for social services, laying the foundation for state involvement in social work.

4. 1945 Beveridge Report and Welfare State:

   • The post-World War II era marked a significant shift with the publication of the Beveridge Report in 1945. This report laid the groundwork for the establishment of the welfare state in the UK, leading to the creation of the National Health Service (NHS) and comprehensive social welfare programs. Social workers played a crucial role in the implementation of these services.

5. 1960s and 1970s: Professionalization and Diversification:

   • The 1960s and 1970s saw the professionalization of social work in the UK. Social work education became more formalized, and professional associations were established to set standards and promote the interests of social workers. During this period, social work diversified to address an array of social issues, including child welfare, mental health, and community development.

Historical Development of Social Work in the USA:

The evolution of social work in the United States follows a trajectory that aligns with the changing social and economic landscape. Key developments include:

1. Charity Organization Societies (COS):

   • Like in the UK, the Charity Organization Societies were established in the late 19th century in the United States. The COS aimed to address poverty through systematic and scientific methods, focusing on casework and individual assessment.

2. Jane Addams and Settlement Houses:

   • Jane Addams, a prominent American social worker, co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, which became a model for settlement houses. Settlement houses provided a range of services and served as community centers, promoting social reform and addressing the needs of immigrants and the urban poor.

3. Social Work Education and Professionalization:

   • The early 20th century saw the formalization of social work education and the professionalization of the field. The New York School of Social Work (now Columbia University School of Social Work) was established in 1898, becoming the first institution to offer a professional social work degree.

4. Social Security Act of 1935:

   • The Social Security Act of 1935 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. social policy, establishing programs such as Aid to Dependent Children (later known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and Old Age Assistance. Social workers played key roles in the implementation and administration of these programs.

5. Civil Rights Movement and Activism:

   • The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and the subsequent activism of the 1970s influenced social work's focus on issues of racial and social justice. Social workers actively participated in advocating for civil rights and addressing systemic inequalities.

6. 1970s and 1980s: Diversification and Specialization:

   • During the 1970s and 1980s, social work diversified and specialized to address a wide range of issues, including healthcare, school social work, and gerontology. The Code of Ethics for social workers was established, emphasizing ethical principles and professional conduct.

Both in the UK and the USA, social work has evolved as a dynamic profession responding to changing societal needs and challenges. The historical development in both countries reflects a commitment to addressing social issues, advocating for vulnerable populations, and promoting social justice through professional practice, education, and policy advocacy.