A lifespan approach presenting evidence-informed interventions for working with individuals and families Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families covers assessment of and intervention with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and families. It offers an array of pedagogical features within each chapter, as well as online resources and review questions at the conclusion of each chapter to help guide critical thinking about topics. Reflecting the current state of evidence-informed social work practice, each chapter's contributors emphasize the incorporation of wider forms of systematically collected data such as case studies, best or promising practices, and consumer-focused data. Reading this book will not only give readers the tools to work effectively with individuals and families, but also develop their skills in evidence informed practice. Comprehensive and insightful, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families is a student- and practitioner-friendly text identifying the best assessment tools and strategies available for social workers to successfully serve individuals and families facing a broad range of challenges.

All social work activity is influenced by the society in which it takes place. It is therefore inescapable that understanding sociology should help social workers to make a more effective contribution to people's welfare. The different perspectives which constitute sociology are examined and the book analyses the ways peoples' lives are powerfully influenced by social forces and 'social problems'. It is argued that sociology should help social workers to examine their assumptions and value judgements and develop their capacity to be questioning and discriminating about their methods and the policies which affect them and their clients.

Social Work Practice with Families uses resiliency - a strength-based perspective - to frame a collaborative approach to assessment and treatment with families. In so doing, the text aims to help counselors select a therapeutic model that effectively assists in addressing risk factors andpromoting important resources. Specifically, the book gives clear examples of the elements in a strength-affirming assessment and engagement process; explains the theoretical framework and treatment techniques of major treatment models and treatment programs for specific populations; uses caseillustrations to describe how treatment models could be implemented with a variety of families; discusses resiliency in terms of families belonging to various cultural groups and family structures; and identifies resiliency issues and implications for practice for families facing major problems.Including current evaluation research from US, Canadian, and global perspectives, the text serves as a helpful resource to undergraduate and graduate social work students and social work practitioners.

Social work with children and families is constantly in the headlines and social workers′ decisions are subject to ever increasing scrutiny at all levels. This aspirational book supports students and newly qualified social workers and suggests practical ways in which they might thrive, rather than just survive, in practice Written at a time when Social Work Reform Board and the Munro Enquiry are charged with looking at issues of effectiveness within children and families social work, the book tackles the different challenges that students and practitioners can be faced with, outlining common pitfalls and how to avoid these. Key topics covered include: - Legislation and policy - Child development - Safeguarding and child protection - Assessment - Communication - Looking after yourself Reflective questions are used throughout the book, ensuring that students critically evaluate their own practice. Case examples and case studies drawn from the authors′ recent practice are included throughout the book to illuminate the realities of contemporary social work with children and families. This text will be essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly as they prepare to go on placement. It will also provide valuable reading for qualified social workers who are interested in fresh and effective approaches to practice.

Carefully researched and highly readable, this textbook explores what enables good and effective practice in local authority field social work delivered to children, young people and their families. The book sets the context for local authority social work practice and then chapter-by-chapter takes the reader carefully through the social work process. Detailed case studies work really well in embedding the legal and theoretical context firmly within the practice challenges of safeguarding children. Overall the book is about social workers effecting change so that children can continue to live successfully with their families and within their communities. Key features include: " Strong links between theory and practice; " Core themes relevant to training and practice- assessment, decision-making, interprofessional collaboration and reflective practice; " Accessible and jargon-free, also includes a useful glossary of relevant legislation; " Learning points and case study exercises in each chapter. Written in a lively and engaging style, students and newly qualified social workers will find this book provides a helpful introduction to children and families local authority social work as it exists today. It will be invaluable for students taking courses in child and family social work and child protection. The book will also appeal to experienced practitioners who want to explore action research or create the space for reflective practice as part of their continuous professional development. It will help other professionals involved in supporting children develop insight into the practice of social workers.

This book has been replaced by Social Work Practice with Children, Fourth Edition, ISBN 978-1-4625-3755-6.