Social work in Iran is a diverse and evolving profession with a rich history
Social work in Iran is a diverse and evolving profession with a rich history, practicing in a variety of fields to address the country’s social needs. Here is a comprehensive overview of how social work is conducted across different sectors.
The Historical Foundation of Social Work in Iran
Social work was formally established in Iran in the late 1950s with the creation of the Tehran School of Social Work. This initiative, led by Sattareh Farman Farmaian, laid the groundwork for a professional discipline rooted in both international standards and Iran’s unique cultural and religious context. The profession has since expanded, with social workers now being trained in various universities and working in numerous public and private organizations.
Key Fields of Social Work Practice
Social workers in Iran operate in a wide range of settings, providing essential services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Here are some of the most prominent fields:
- Health and Medical Social Work: Medical social workers are an integral part of the healthcare system. They provide support to patients and their families by helping them navigate complex healthcare systems, access financial aid, and cope with the social and emotional impact of illness. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, often focusing on issues related to long-term care, chronic diseases, and mental health.
- Child and Family Services: This field is one of the most critical areas of social work. Professionals here work to protect vulnerable children and support families. Their roles include intervening in cases of child abuse, facilitating foster care and day care services, and assisting street children and child laborers. They also provide counseling and empowerment services to female-headed households and families facing various social and economic challenges.
- Justice and Correctional Services: Social workers are active within the legal and penal systems, including the Ministry of Justice, courts, police, and prisons. They work with juvenile delinquents and adults in correctional facilities, focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and addressing the social and psychological factors that contributed to their crimes. They play a key role in advocating for fair treatment and access to resources for inmates and their families.
- Community and Social Welfare: This is a broad field encompassing work in various governmental and non-governmental organizations like the State Welfare Organization, municipalities, and relief foundations. Social workers in this area focus on a wide range of social problems such as drug addiction, poverty, and unemployment. Their work involves developing and implementing community-based programs to empower citizens and enhance social capital.
- Education and School Social Work: Social workers in this field are employed in schools, special education centers, and university counseling centers. They address students’ social, emotional, and behavioral issues, working with students, parents, and teachers to create a supportive learning environment. They also help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access educational resources and overcome personal obstacles.
- Disability and Rehabilitation Services: Social workers in this field are dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of people with disabilities and the elderly. They work in senior centers, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, providing services that promote independence, social inclusion, and quality of life for these populations.
Challenges and the Future Outlook
Despite the significant contributions of social workers in Iran, the profession faces several challenges. These include a high risk of professional burnout due to heavy workloads and insufficient resources, as well as a lack of public recognition and adequate financial support for the profession.
However, the field is also evolving. The Iranian Social Workers actively works to promote professional standards, advocate for better policies, and raise awareness about the profession’s importance.
The ongoing efforts of social work professionals to adapt their practice to a changing society and to address new and complex social issues demonstrate the resilience and commitment of the field in Iran.
