Introduction to section two: Defining social work roles in preparedness, response, and recovery

This chapter examines social work disaster practice across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases. Although these phases are well defined within an emergency management framework, their definitions within social work are less well articulated. This chapter will examine the meanings of preparedness, response, and recovery within a social work context and explore key social worker roles and responsibilities. The authors emphasise the interrelationship between preparedness, response, and recovery, recognising that the level of community disaster preparedness is intrinsically linked to a community’s response and recovery experiences. The chapter then provides an overview of chapters within this section focusing on social work practice in specific contexts of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.