Provides a superb introduction to the nature of social work: its legal and policy base, the knowledge, skills and values involved, and the challenges and pitfalls practitioners face. This new edition has been updated to include recent developments in the f.

Social work students need to understand the relationship between research, knowledge and practice to be effective practitioners. In the second edition of this highly regarded book, Hugh McLaughlin shows how a research-minded perspective and an appreciation of evidence-based practice can lead students to achieve the highest level of individual and collective social work practice. Topics covered include: - How to assess, appraise and apply research - The philosophy of research - Improving the use of research in practice - Interdisciplinary contributions to social work and social work research Providing reflexive questions, practice examples and suggested reading throughout, this book is essential reading for all undergraduate students of social work. It will also be valuable reading for postgraduates and qualified social workers wishing to consolidate their understanding of social work research.

This book provides an authoritative overview of mental health theory, policy, and practice. Exploring the complex moral and ethical dimensions underpinning the field, the book engages with the key issues encountered by practitioners working in the modern mental health system. Using real world scenarios, case studies, and reflective exercises, it asks students to critically examine the world of mental health practice from the perspective of users of mental health services and their careers.

Written in an accessible style, this title introduces theory as an explanatory framework that is drawn upon by the social worker to inform their decision-making process, by helping to 'make sense' of what is going on.

Offering a unique focus on evidence-based interventions, critical thinking, and diversity, School Social Work: A Direct Practice Guide covers the foundations of working with children and adolescents in the schools. Each chapter reviews a basic concept and then provides two in-depth activities that allow readers to apply the concepts to real life practice situations. Practical, hands-on experiences, best practice approaches, and case examples throughout the book demonstrate assessments and techniques in action with vulnerable populations and help readers to understand the nuances and complexities of working in a school environment. The book begins with an overview of theory important to social work in the school setting, then covers a wide array of topics, including a typical day in the life of a school social worker; skills and techniques; special education; crisis intervention; collaboration and school consultation; current issues in education; ethical dilemmas; policy, program development, and evaluation; and global issues in school social work.

Annotation A practical guide for judging and maintaining boundaries in relationships between worker and client.

"This scholarly and engaging volume shows us where social work has come from, and so helps us understand and shape its future. The author has a gift for making the profession's complex history accessible, whilst respecting its intricacy. The result is an illuminating 'tour de force' – a book that gives perspective and hope." Suzy Braye, Professor of Social Work, University of Sussex, UK "Pierson’s richly documented overview of social work’s evolution in Britain promises to support coming generations of social workers in learning from their field’s responses to changing issues and ideas on assistance for those in need." J. Lee Kreader, Interim Director, National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, USA This introductory textbook provides a concise account of the development of social work in Britain, from its beginnings in the industrial revolution to the present day. The book seeks to recover overlooked experiences and important but forgotten debates, whilst re-examining the concepts and approaches developed by chief architects of the profession. The book has several unique features designed to help students both understand the development of social work and to form their own judgements on the issues it raises: Timelines that mark important practice and policy developments Discussion points that pose questions for readers to think through First hand testimony and excerpts from case records showing the viewpoints, perspectives and decisions of social workers in earlier decades Documentary material that encourages students to critically reflect on the present in light of the past Understanding Social Work is written with the student and educator in mind, in a style and format that makes the history of social work approachable, relevant, and profound. The view of history embodied here is of a continuously unfolding, many-sided phenomenon that offers a rich source of ethical insight, practical experience and moral guidance.