Rising to the occasion : disaster social work in China

Abstract

The fifth year since the deadly Wenchuan earthquake that killed more than 87,000 people will be commemorated in 2013. This article critically reviews the development and charts the direction of disaster social work in China, since the fateful 2008 Wenchuan earthquake jump-started it dramatically. While disaster social work publications, social work projects and organizations surged, young Chinese social workers felt challenged by poor professional recognition, harsh working conditions and limited prospects and support. However, they have been spurred onwards by the resilience and growth of their clients and professional fulfilment in the daunting process of recovery and reconstruction.