Social work practitioners active among those most directly involved with persons with AIDS/HIV need guidance and support. This volume offers both in a balanced analysis of key issues relating to their practice. The authors clearly and authoritatively establish that the demographics of the AIDS/HIV crisis are undergoing change rapidly and alarmingly.Although there have been significant advances in education about AIDS and modifications in sexual practices among gay men resulting in a lowered rate of new infection, other groups are shown to be evidencing explosive levels of infection. Not only are the population parameters of AIDS defined, but the fundamental issues of social service delivery are addressed as are the special needs of the newly at-risk groups. Women, adolescents, substance abusers, minorities, and the mentally ill are all in the demographic patterns describing AIDS/HIV diffusion. The most compelling AIDS care issues are directly focused on and practical guidance is given to social work practitioners. AIDS/HIV poses a sometimes daunting challenge threatening to overwhelm service providers. This book will be of value due to its sensitive, insightful, experience-based guidance at the level of practice. It will also prove a useful resource for all in the caring professions who will appreciate its timely explanation of the complexities involved in framing effective responses to current and emerging needs associated with AIDS/HIV.

Defines the growing AIDS threat among new U.S. populations and emphasizes needed social work responses.

Preface by Vincent J. LynchIntroduction: Challenges for the Social Worker in Meeting the AIDS Crisis by Carl G. LeukefeldHIV/AIDS and Social Work: An OverviewAIDS: Future Directions for Education and Practice by Esther ChachkesService Delivery IssuesImproving Service Delivery in HIV/AIDS Organizations by Marsha Zibalese-CrawfordThe Organization and Delivery of AIDS Case Management by John D. Piette, Bruce J. Thompson, John A. Fleishman, and Vincent MorApproaches to Developing Mental Health Services in Community-Based AIDS Organizations by Patricia U. GiulinoSpecial Populations: Approaches to InterventionHIV Disease: Toward Comprehensive Services for Families by Paul A. WilsonHIV Infection in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Implications for Social Work Practice by Lori S. Wiener, Cynthia D. Fair, and Richard T. GranowskyHIV-Positive Women: Finding a Voice in the AIDS Pandemic by Susan Taylor-BrownGay Men and HIV: The Band Plays On by Steven CadwellAddressing HIV Disease Issues with the Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill by Maureen M. Underwood, Karen Kahn, Thomas Johnson, and Steven GodinSubstance Abuse and HIV Disease: A Multidimensional Challenge to Caregivers by Jack B. Stein and Robert H. HodgeHIV/AIDS Prevention in Communities of Color: Strategies for Collaboration and Coalition Building by Manuel F. FimbresA SynthesisEpilogue: Persisting Research and Practice Issues in the Second Decade of HIV Disease by Gary A. LloydIndex