Takebata Hiroshi
Journal of volunteer studies, 3 67-83, 2002 Peer-reviewed
In Japan, the work of PSW, the Psychiatric Social Worker, has ambiguous parts. This is because PSW substitute for the counselor, the administrator in Social Services' field, and the personal assistant. This paper examines how in Japan PSW supports the mentally disabled people from the PSW users' point of view. For this purpose, I surveyed current PSW's patient support activities. I can point out 3 important things. 1 , PSW not only substitutes for "the family" but also supports "the family" in order to reconstruct the family function. 2, PSW compensates for "the Japan's poor social system", particularly the manpower shortage of Social Services. 3, PSW, therefore, has to work too often non-specialist job. As they have no other resources for help, PSW users and their families usually have to wait long for the support from PSW. In conclusion, this harms the ideal relationship between PSW and users.