Walter E. Kisthardt, Ph.D., associate professor, chair and program director in the Department of Social Work, has authored a chapter in the fifth edition of the book, The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. This textbook, published by Allyn and Bacon, has been required reading in social work programs throughout the U.S. and around the world, according to Kisthardt.

Kisthardt's chapter, "The Opportunities and Challenges of Strengths-Based, Person-Centered Practice: Purpose, Principles and Applications in a Climate of Systems Integration," highlights the conceptual framework and philosophical base of a model of social work practice. This practice shifts the focus in interpersonal helping from a diagnostic, problems-focused approach to a focus on the hopes, dreams, aspirations, gifts, talents and resources of people and in communities. Kisthardt highlights the results of his research evaluating the effectiveness of this approach in work with individuals struggling with the "co-occurring" disorders of substance abuse and mental illness in Kansas.

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