Prácticas profesionales del trabajo social en la atención social del Trastorno Mental Grave en Andalucía

Abstract

Social care for people with Severe Mental Disorder (SMI) has moved from paradigms that considered them expendable to inclusive models focused on human rights. This work historically analyzes the role of asylums and psychiatric hospitals, as well as the care practices developed in them, and locates the professional practices of Social Work in the care of SMI after the psychiatric reform. Through qualitative research based on documentary review and participant observation, the results highlight that these old establishments were key in the initial professionalization of Social Work, although in a complementary and subordinate way to other areas. Currently, this discipline remains in the SMI care networks, but still lacks formal recognition of its specialization. Furthermore, practices coexist that reflect both traditional paradigms and new approaches. The trajectory of Social Work in this area shows its capacity to adapt and its contribution to more inclusive models. Its potential to articulate ethics, public policies and care oriented to the defense of concrete and effective rights for people with SMI stands out. And it presents competence to identify the persistence of problematic practices, and to rigorously confront the methodological and ethical challenges necessary to overcome them.