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Number 2/2026 of the Social Work Review, dedicated to the theme „Promoting equity and inclusion: interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches in social assistance”, is coordinated by Prof. univ. dr. Cosmin Goian and Lect. univ. Loredana Marcela Tranca, from the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, West University of Timisoara.
This thematic number aims to bring to the fore relevant scientific contributions that explore the complexities of processes promoting equity and social inclusion, in a context marked by accelerated social, economic and cultural transformations. Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches become essential in understanding and intervening on contemporary social issues, and the papers reflect the diversity of theoretical and applied perspectives in the field of social work.
The number brings together 21 scientific articles, developed by authors from academia and specialist practice, which analyse various topics, such as migration, mobility and social integration policies; disability, inclusion and cross-sectional approaches; social work for the elderly and long-term care; mental health, well-being and social interventions; vulnerable groups and interventions in risk contexts; social policies, equity and inclusion; professional practices and training in social work; community interventions and innovative models in social work; ethics, organizational culture and social responsibility; family, education and social development.
This issue contributes to the development of knowledge in the field of social work and provides valuable milestones for both researchers and practitioners, with a view to strengthening equity-oriented practices and social inclusion.
In a broad analysis, Radu-Mihai Dumitrescu and Adrian-Nicolae Dan follow the evolution of the medical academic discourse on equity and inclusion in the period 2005-2025, highlighting the implications for social work and equitable communication in health.
Starting from the concept of moral culture of inclusion, Radu Simion proposes an ethical evaluation model applicable to social assistance organizations.
An innovative intervention model is presented by the authors Nicoleta Filip and Corina Cace, who analyze the integrated community-centered networks in the vulnerable areas of Romania.
From the perspective of the relationship between theory and practice, Ioana-Eva Cadariu explores strategies based on intersectionality in working with diverse and vulnerable populations.
Nadine van der Meulen discusses institutional vulnerability and the future of disability studies in Germany.
The theme of intersectionality is addressed by Remus Runcan, with a focus on integrating the dimension of disability into the practice of social work.
Contributing to understanding the role of the profession, Ioana-Eva Cadariu highlights the function of social work as a catalyst for equity and inclusion in support of the mental health of disadvantaged young people.
Based on a case study in France, Fleur Guy and Christophe Texier are looking at conditions that facilitate or limit the inclusion of vulnerable people in urban areas.
An applied research carried out by Elena Maria Felea (Bochis), Lavinia Elisabeta Popp and Elena-Monica Mihalcea captures the perceptions of local actors regarding the policies of inclusion of people with disabilities in Maramures County.
In the field of prevention, Emilia-Maria Sorescu proposes the foundations of an informed practice on suicide, oriented towards the protection of vulnerable groups and the resilience of professionals.
The role of social marketing in promoting mental health among young people is analyzed by the authors Claudiu Coman, Maria Cristina Bularca and Andreea Amalia Hașcu.
The issue of integrating older people into residential services is examined by Karina-Florina Petrovici and Luiza Vlaicu.
From a socio-legal perspective, Liviu Toader Vlad, Vlad Bătrânu-Pințea and Marcel Iordache investigate the relationship between external migration and the obligation not to leave Romania.
At the same time, the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Romania is analyzed by the authors Claudiu Coman, Dan Cojocaru, Igor Cojocaru, Maria Cristina Bularca and Raluca Maria Șerbănescu, with a focus on local integration policies.
Vlad Bătrânu-Pințea, Ioana Matei și Nina Stănescu present the
local community's perceptions of immigrant delivery workers.
The access of victims of human trafficking to medical services is analyzed in an interdisciplinary approach by the authors Maria Turda, Dana Solonean and Anca Iuhas.
The lifestyle of people convicted of drug use and trafficking is the topic of research conducted by Rebeca Popescu and Marian Valentin Năstase.
The psychosocial impact of working conditions on prison staff is examined by Livia-Mihaela Mitrea and Raluca Maria Șerbănescu.
Reflecting the interdisciplinary framework of this edition, the study by Mariana Dragotoiu examines how parenting styles impact criminal responsibility.
A topic related to graduate students' perspective on professional training and career aspirations is explored by Georgiana-Cristina Rentea.
The current issue of the Social Work Review concludes with the analysis of the perceptions of the teachers regarding the inclusion of telework in education, research by the authors Ionela-Andreea Stoicov, Laurentiu Gabriel Tiru, Patricia Luciana Runcan and Cosmin Goian.
In addition to the discussions featured in the current issue, we find it appropriate to bring a recent publication to our readers’ attention: the work authored by Carmen Marcela Ciornei, Social Work for the Elderly in Post-Communist Romania (Pro Universitaria, 2025). The volume provides a retrospective analysis of social policies for older adults following the 1989 transition, emphasizing the importance of community-based services and the imperative for integrated interventions adapted to the unique requirements of this population segment.
To conclude, the thematic diversity of the studies included in this issue highlights the complexities of contemporary challenges in the field of social work, from inclusion and equity to mental health, migration and social vulnerability. The pooled contributions provide relevant theoretical and applied perspectives, reflecting the dynamics of current social transformations and the need for tailored interventions. This volume is a useful landmark for both researchers and practitioners, while opening future directions of reflection and action in the field.
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