Financial Education and Capability

Julie Birkenmaier, PhD, is Director of Field Education and Associate Professor of Social Work at Saint Louis University.Jami Curley, PhD, is Associate Professor of Social Work at St. Louis University and Faculty Associate, Center for Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis.Margaret Sherraden, PhD, is Professor of Social Work, University of Missouri, St. Louis, and Research Professor, Center for Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis.

This impressive volume takes social work back to its roots as a profession concerned with the tangible aspects of financial well-being. It nicely analyzes the literature on how vulnerable families can best cope with the financial challenges they face in today's economy. This book belongs on the shelf of both practitioners and academic social workers. Edward D. Berkowitz, Professor History and Public Policy, George Washington UniversityAt a time when the economy is uncertain and many families are struggling, this informative book provides clear guidance to social workers on ways to help low-income families become more financially secure. Most importantly, it highlights that although individuals may need additional financial knowledge or education, society also has a responsibility to ensure that accessible financial institutions and safe products are available. Trina Shanks, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of MichiganIt is not enough for the social work profession to simply discuss the negative impacts of poverty and not include strategies to improve the financial and economic situation of those living in poverty. This book provides valuable information for social workers that can be used to enhance the financial education and capability of oppressed and vulnerable populations. David Becerra, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Arizona State University

• Introduction ; Part I. Theory and Background ; Chapter 1. Building Blocks of Financial Capability ; Chapter 2. Social Workers and Financial Capability in the Profession's First Half Century ; Chapter 3. Paradigms of Anti-Poverty Policy ; Part II. Innovations in Financial Capability ; Chapter 4. Financial Capability Among Survivors of Domestic Violence ; Chapter 5. Low-Income Parents of Pre-School Children: Financial Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Ownership ; Chapter 6. Financial Issues and an Aging Population: Responding to an Increased Potential for Financial Abuse and Exploitation ; Chapter 7. Improving Financial Capacity Among Low-Income Immigrants: Effects of a Financial Education Program ; Chapter 8. Developing Financial Capability through IDA Savings Club ; Chapter 9. Income Tax Time as a Time to Build Financial Capability ; Chapter 10. Building Financial Capability of Native American Households ; Chapter 11. Financial and Asset Building Capabilities of Southwest Border Working ; Families: ; Part III. Social Work Education, Practice, and Curriculum Development ; Chapter 12. Financial Capabilities of Service Providers in the Asset Building Field ; Chapter 13. The Role of Social Work in Financial Capability: Shaping Curricular Approaches ; Chapter 14. Building the Capacity of Social Workers to Enhance Financial Capability ; Chapter 15. Conclusion: Building Financial Capability of Financially Vulnerable Families