Challengs and Perspectives of Social Work in Local Community in Tuzla Canton

Abstract

The paper elaborates challenges and perspectives of social work in the context of possibilities andlimitations in implementation of social work in a local community. A research was carried out in socialcenters and local self-government authorities in Tuzla Canton, and results (still unpublished) werepresented in this paper.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 concretepossibilities. Based on the gathered data, revealed were important aspects of social work in a localcommunity with limitations. In this regard, possibilities and limitations were observed in the scope oflegal framework; characteristics of social policy in Bosnia-Herzegovina; economic, social and politicalcontext; organization of social centers, theoretical and practical approach and current model of socialwork; 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 andmotivation, to possibilities and preconditions, the first challenge – which also shapes a future perspectiveof implementation of social work in a local community – is to abandon a declarative and neglectingapproach and embrace more serious and systematic approach that will focus on a practical side of socialwork 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 socialwork in local communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina has been implemented partially, unsystematically, inan ad hoc manner, without continuity when it comes to certain activities, without mentioning socialwork in a local community, and without participation of its main actors – social workers.