THE NEW REALITY OF POVERTY:
POPULATIONS AT-RISK IN THE UNITED STATES

EDITOR: Elissa D. Giffords, Associate Professor Long Island University – C.W. Post Campus Social Work Department

INTRODUCTION
The New Realty of Poverty will be an edited book. Researchers or practitioners who have expertise with a specific population impacted by poverty will write the various chapters. The focus of the book is to provide insight into the realities of who is poor in the United States by focusing on certain groups such as children and families, seniors, veterans and the physically challenged. The contributors will offer readers a factual overview, which explains why poverty among their specified population group is an issue. Each chapter will also provide micro and macro level case studies. The objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive view of the contemporary realities of poverty in America and aims to provide relevant theoretical frameworks, and latest empirical research findings about several at-risk and special populations living in poverty.

TARGET AUDIENCE
This is a textbook for students in the fields of social work and human services.

TOPICS
Chapters on the following topics are solicited, with additional content listed as sub-bullets.

I. Housing and Homelessness
II. Families & Children
III. Immigrants
IV. Unemployed and underemployed workers
V. Older Adults
VI. People with Disabilities
VII. Veterans and Families
VIII. Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Each chapter should include the following:
A. Introductory Comments – what the chapter will explain.
B. Overview: Including a definition and explanation that provides a descriptive picture of why this topic/population is an issue.
C. Current Demographics and Characteristics
1. Subcategories (when applicable)
D. Historical Perspectives (brief)
E. Environmental-Structural/Policy issues F. Social Justice
G. Intervention Strategies
1. Micro Practice
2. Mezzo Practice
3. Macro Practice
H. Concluding Comments
I. Case Studies
1. Case study one
2. Case study two
J. Internet Resources (with a 10-15 word description)
K. For Further Reading

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before February 15, 2010, a 2-3 page chapter proposal that clearly explains the mission and content of the proposed chapter, and a CV/resume.
Everyone who submits a chapter proposal will be notified by March 15, 2010 whether or not they have been selected to participate in this book project. Those selected will also be sent chapter guidelines and a work-for-hire contract with the publisher at this time. Full chapters (30-40 book pages depending on the population), are expected to be submitted by July 1, 2010. Pearson Education/Allyn & Bacon is publishing this textbook.

COMPENSATION
All contributing authors will have full recognition in the text as well as a complimentary copy of the text upon publication.

Please e-mail all inquiries and proposal submissions to GiffordsE@aol.com.