SHAPING THE POLICY PRACTICE AGENDA OF SOCIAL-WORK IN THE FIELD OF AGING

This article argues that contemporary social work practice will, of ne cessity, involve a politically active stance. This stance will strengt hen and redefine the relationship between legislative policy and socia l work practice in the field of aging. The urgency for such redefiniti on is fueled by the massive changes proposed and under way in Congress and by the increasing need for agencies to develop innovative program ming, evaluate practice effectiveness, and compete for funding. Social work practitioners in all roles ave challenged to refine or redefine their goals while remaining true to social work values and ethics.