Social Casework Methodology: A Skills Handbook for the Caribbean Human Services Worker

This brief is a practical reference contextualizing social casework methodology in a specifically Caribbean cultural and historical context. It emerged from the experiences of human services workers and educators working in the Caribbean. The concepts of social welfare policy and programs are relatively new to the Caribbean as historically Christian-based organizations and local communities took the responsibility of caring for those in need. As social problems grew more complicated and threatened the security of the nation (e.g., gang violence), it became clear that governments of these small island states needed to provide a systematic approach in dealing with these social problems to help their citizens have a better quality of life.

Emmanuel Janagan Johnson, MSW, MPhil, PhD, is a senior lecturer and chair in the Social Work Programme at the Department of Behavioural Sciences, the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, in Trinidad. Dr. Johnson holds a PhD in Social Work, an M.Phil. in Social Work, an MA in Social Work, and a BA in English Literature from Bharathiar University, India. He has been teaching for over 26 years and has received several awards. Dr. Johnson’s areas of specialization include social work education, qualitative research, social work with children and families, domestic violence, child abuse, and community health. He has published two books, and contributed to chapters in several books and articles in more than 60 international refereed journals. Dr. Johnson is currently involved in two research activities and can be found on ResearchGate.

Camille L. Huggins, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, in Trinidad. Her research interests include older adults, Caribbean culture, and social policy. Dr. Huggins obtained a master’s in social work from Columbia University and a PhD in clinical social work from New York University, both located in New York, USA. She has been working with older adults in long-term care for eight years and has held various administrative positions. Dr. Huggins has presented papers at conferences and seminars, and contributed to several public, professional, and departmental service articles. She has published chapters in several books and articles in international refereed journals