Social Work Collaboration with Faith Leaders and Faith Groups Serving Families in Rural Areas

Abstract

Faith groups are among the few organizations that serve individuals and families across the life span. When social workers and faith leaders in small towns and rural communities build mutual understanding and trust, the resulting professional interdisciplinary relationships can lead to collaborative service provision that benefits families. This review of the literature includes current research that provides a lens through which social workers can understand faith leaders and faith groups, gain a perspective on the importance of their role within rural communities, and obtain practical guidance in best practices for collaborative social services to individuals and families.

KEYWORDS:

• interdisciplinary collaboration
• faith leaders
• faith groups
• communities
• families
• rural social service provision