This handbook addresses the diversity and complexity of social work practice in the context of disasters. Drawing on international perspectives, with the inclusion of case studies, this handbook provides a resource for students, practitioners, educators, and researchers seeking to prepare the social work profession for contemporary challenges associated with disasters.

Divided into five parts, it explores the following subject areas:

1. Conceptual aspects concerning social work’s relationship with disasters

2. Social work’s role in preventing and preparing for disasters, and response and recovery

3. Social work practice with specific populations

4. Social work education and training in disasters

5. Implications for social work organisations and policy

Leading ideas, debates, and approaches from international authors will provide Global North and South perspectives. A critical examination of research and theories for practice, including concepts of human vulnerability and community resilience, will provide the foundation for detailing the practical contributions that social workers can make at the micro, meso, and macro levels of practice. Social work’s underpinning value base of social justice and human rights will also be explored in the context of the complex and dynamic nature of socio-cultural, political, and economic dimensions pertaining to disasters.

It will therefore be of interest to all social work students, academics, and professionals as well as those working in allied disciplines, policy, and emergency management roles.

Carole Adamson (English/Pakeha, Aotearoa New Zealand) has been a social work educator in Aotearoa New Zealand and in the United Kingdom, focusing on mental health, resilience, stress, trauma, and disasters.

Margaret Alston is Professor of Social Work at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Emeritus Professor at Monash University, Australia.

Bindi Bennett, PhD, G/Kamilaori academic, woman, mother, and social worker, is a Professorial Research Fellow at Federation University, Australia, living and working on Jinibara lands.

Jennifer Boddy is Professor of Social Work and Dean (Sustainable Development Goals Performance) at Griffith University, Australia

Heather Boetto lives and works on Wiradjuri Country and is Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and Arts at Charles Sturt University, Australia.

Louise Harms is Chair and Head in the Department of Social Work at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Raewyn Tudor is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.