Role of the Professional Helper in Disaster Intervention: Examples from the Wenchuan Earthquake in China

Abstract

This article highlights the different roles that social workers played in disaster intervention after the Wenchuan earthquake. Using 3 stages (i.e., rescue, temporary relocation, and reconstruction) as a time framework, we describe social workers' roles, their performance, and the achievements and challenges they faced while providing service to the people and communities affected by the earthquake. Moreover, we draw conclusions on best practices and lessons learned, and make recommendations for future practices and research.

KEYWORDS:

• capacity building
• China
• disaster management
• disaster social work
• natural disaster
• post-disaster reconstruction
• three-stage model
• Wenchuan earthquake

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This publication is supported by the China National Social Science Fund entitled “A New Response Framework for Substantial Natural Disasters and Emergent Public Incidents—An Empirical Study of the Wenchuan Earthquake” (Project 08 & ZD001), and Zeshan Foundation with the project title of “Post-Disaster Reconstruction through Social Work and Community Development—A Pilot Study in Jiannan, Sichuan” (Project 006200027). This publication is also supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, National Key Technology R & D Program (Project 2012 BAK 27B02).