Sexuality and sexual identity have been relatively marginalized areas in both social work education and practice. However, changes in policy and legislation in the UK and other countries over the past decade have brought discussions of sexuality into the mainstream public service agenda. In social work and social care, gay and lesbian citizenship rights have been explicitly recognised. In the fields of adoption and fostering new regulations and guidance have helped improve and develop practice around assessment and intervention. It remains the case, however, that sex is often perceived as a problem area within social work and social care, discussed only in relation to sexually diverse communities or in the realm of dysfunction or pathology. This collection aims to generate a more proactive and challenging discussion of sexuality and sexual identity in social work. Its starting point is that sexuality is an essential aspect of individual identity, that users must be able to express their sexuality, and that it is essential for social workers to be able to respond and discuss sexual issues appropriately. The contributions are informed by feminist research, considering, in particular, the experiences of women working in and using social care services since the 1990s. In addition to a consideration of the wider policy, legislative and service providers' perspectives, the book includes reflective accounts as well as research-led contributions, offering a comprehensive and balanced account of this important field, which aims to inform both theory and practice.

Introduction: Sexualities and Sexual Identities in Social Work, Priscilla Dunk-West, Trish Hafford-Letchfield; Chapter 1 Sexuality and Women in Care Organizations: Negotiating Boundaries within a Gendered Cultural Script, Trish Hafford-Letchfield; Chapter 2 'A Chance to Cut is a Chance to Cure' 1 The title of a 2001 Matmos album (Matador Records), which sampled sounds from surgical procedures. : Self-harm and Self-protection - A Gay Perspective 2 This paper is written in a personal capacity and does not necessarily represent the views of the Social Care Institute for Excellence., Sarah Carr; Chapter 3 Researching Sexuality and Ageing, Rhiannon Jones; Chapter 4 ) was used to elicit material for this chapter. Though the chapter is co-written, the first person narrative was chosen to highlight that the material discussed is drawn from Michelle Brown's practice in sexual health. An auto-ethnographic methodology (see ) was used to elicit material for this chapter. Though the chapter is co-written, the first person narrative was chosen to highlight that the material discussed is drawn from Michelle Brown's practice in sexual health., Michelle Brown, Priscilla Dunk-West; Chapter 5 Growing up with a Lesbian or Gay Parent: Young People's Perspectives, Anna Fairtlough; Chapter 6 Have you Heard? ... Reflections on the Kerr/Haslam Inquiry, Jeanette Copperman; Chapter 7 The Assessment of Lesbian and Gay Prospective Foster Carers: Twenty Years of Practice and What has Changed?, Helen Cosis Brown; Chapter 8 What is Personal? Reflecting on Heterosexuality, Joy Trotter; Chapter 9 Sexuality before Ability? The Assessment of Lesbians as Adopters, Christine Cocker; Chapter 10 Identity, Emotion Work and Reflective Practice: Dealing with Sexuality, Race and Religion in the Classroom, Cathy Patni; Chapter 11 Everyday Sexuality and Identity: De-differentiating the Sexual Self in Social Work, Priscilla Dunk-West;