Izazovi i perspektive socijalnog rada u lokalnoj zajednici u Tuzlanskom kantonu
Challengs and Perspectives of Social Work in Local Community in Tuzla Canton

Summary/Abstract: The paper elaborates challenges and perspectives of social work in the context of possibilities and limitations in implementation of social work in a local community. A research was carried out in social centers and local self-government authorities in Tuzla Canton, and results (still unpublished) were presented in this paper. The document also includes stances and experiences of heads of municipalities,managers of social centers and social workers in Tuzla Canton, in regard to realistic and concrete possibilities. Based on the gathered data, revealed were important aspects of social work in a local community with limitations. In this regard, possibilities and limitations were observed in the scope of legal framework; characteristics of social policy in Bosnia-Herzegovina; economic, social and political context; organization of social centers, theoretical and practical approach and current model of social work; actions and activities; cooperation, initiative, support and involvement of citizens in social issues.The paper identified problems and preconditions for implementation of social work in a local community.With respect to the importance and role of social work in a local community, to needs, interests and motivation, to possibilities and preconditions, the first challenge – which also shapes a future perspective of implementation of social work in a local community – is to abandon a declarative and neglecting approach and embrace more serious and systematic approach that will focus on a practical side of social work in a local community. Practical aspect of social work has not been well-recognized in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Furthermore, social work in a local community, being a separate and a specific method,has not been sufficiently utilized by social workers. General conclusion of the research is that social work in local communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina has been implemented partially, unsystematically, in an ad hoc manner, without continuity when it comes to certain activities, without mentioning social work in a local community, and without participation of its main actors – social workers.

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