Practica de specialitate a studenţilor la asistenţă socială în cadrul unor instituţii cu orientare religioasă [The Field Practice of Social Work Students Within Religiously Oriented Institutions]

Starting from the observation that religion and social work meet on the common ground of caring for people in difficulty, the present article aims to explore the value and specifics of field practice undertaken by social work student in religiously oriented agencies. The first part of the paper offers a brief review of important academic landmarks, at an international level, related to the issue of the relationship between religion (or spirituality) and social work practice, thus exploring the legitimacy and value of such practice. The second part offers a short history of the relationship between Judeo-Christian religion and social work practice. Finally, the third part discusses a number of specific aspects pertaining to the experience of social work students undertaking field practice in churches or religiously oriented institutions. Observations and recommendations are made concerning the role of the social work practitioner or student within such a setting.

Keywords: Social work, field practice, religion, spirituality, Christianity