2015 Volume 30 Issue 2 Pages 77-86
This case study examines the role of the overseas social worker in the National Programme on Community Based Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities in Sri Lanka.
We used document data from the official reports written by overseas social workers (n=3), and complementary data from the author’s field notes and previous research, whilst collecting official documents related to the CBR core group officers, amongst others. Data were chronologically and descriptively summarised in line with the role of the overseas social worker as well as CBR core group officers. The roles of the overseas social workers were classified into four categories as follows: (1) to assess and evaluate in the community; (2) to introduce new practice and promote model practice; (3) to enhance existing local resources; and (4) to coordinate multi-professionals.
Finally, we discuss implications of these findings from the viewpoint of community-based inclusive development, twin-track approach, social model and human rights model, which show a basic framework of their role at the grass-roots level. The results also indicate the importance of a perspective of community’s ownership and professional’s indirect support.
