Social Work and Mental Health: A Decolonised Approach to Theory and Practice

by Jill Childs

Overview

This groundbreaking book offers a critical, global perspective on mental health social work, aimed at both pre- and post-qualifying students. Moving beyond basic introductions, it presents a decolonised, holistic approach that challenges traditional models. By incorporating innovative ideas and indigenized practices, it seeks to transform mental health social work. Essential for future practitioners, this text inspires a new vision for the field, making it a must-read for those committed to advancing mental health social work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529602616
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/15/2025
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.53(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jill Childs, Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy, is the Principal Investigator for the Ubuntu partnership, a partnership of academics and practitioners that aims to create meaningful collaborations to decolonise social work by documenting indigenous social work and supporting evidence informed approaches between Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and the United Kingdom. Jill’s work on anti-racism has won a number of national awards including, a silver Social Worker of the Year Award for University of the year, the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence by Advance HE, the University Alliance Innovation Award, and the HE Innovate award.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Understanding Mental Health
Chapter 2: Health Inequalities, Social Exclusion, Colonial Practices and the Law
Chapter 3: Developing a Critical Framework for Mental Health Practice
Chapter 4: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Practice
Chapter 5: Putting It Into Practice With Children and Young People at Risk
Chapter 6: Putting It Into Practice With Adults at Risk
Chapter 7: Putting It Into Practice With Older Adults at Risk
Chapter 8: Looking After Yourself in Mental Health Social Work