Social Work Practice

Assessment is a core component of social work. Since first publication, Assessment in Social Work has provided students and practitioners with a clear overview of the complex issues they face and a map of the theory they need to draw on in order …

Building Strong Communities is an introductory textbook that contains practical tools, down-to-earth frameworks and useful methods, a valuable resource for working with communities. A key focus of the book is on empowering the grass roots – …

This textbook shows how any conversation directed towards change can become a solution-focused one, whether in a planned series of sessions with individuals, families, groups, or in the less structured contexts in which many helping professionals …

Be proud to be a lazy radical! This textbook makes the case for a radical approach to social work that can be embraced by everyone. It's an approach based on real empathy and an understanding of oppression, of managerialism, of the moral heart of …

'International' social work is too often used as a bolt on subject which considers 'others' outside the 'national' framework. Instead this book encourages readers to embrace the concept of 'globally minded social work practice’. This means paying …

In recent years there has been a significant shift within social work practice towards recognising the expertise of people with a lived experience. As a result service user involvement is now embedded into curricula. Throughout this textbook …

This engaging and accessible introduction to social work encourages reflective learning in preparation for practice. Direct linking of key concepts to professional standards ensures that students are able to build up an understanding through …

This book explores how research can improve the quality of social work. It provides an overview of the core theoretical concepts and the processes and practices in undertaking research.

Locating the place of social work research within the social …

Power is an unavoidable issue in social work. This important text explores these complex issues, both at a conceptual and applied level, in order to give students a clear understanding of the theoretical frameworks relevant to practice and to help …

Social work practice is becoming increasingly complex, with social workers struggling to hold onto their ideals and values in a pressurized and challenging social, political and organizational environment. This book provides an analytically …

The third edition of this textbook has been thoroughly revised to meet the needs of today's social work students, professionals and service managers. It illustrates current legislation, policy, procedure and concerns, with additional material …

This trusted textbook for both students and practitioners has sold over 75,000 copies across its four previous editions. This comprehensive text is divided into three easily navigable parts: Part I guides the reader through the social work …

This timely and much needed text book presents an innovative, theoretically based approach that helps students, practitioners and researchers alike orientate their view and sensibilities in a rapidly evolving modern world. Traditional social work …

This timely and much needed text book provides a systematic assessment of recent policy developments across the UK and introduces the different models of integration which currently operate - from structural integration in Northern Ireland to …

Now in its fourth edition, completely revised and updated, this book continues to offer in-depth coverage spanning both conceptual debates about empowerment and a range of practice issues. The text provides social workers with a clear framework …

Fully revised and updated throughout, this fourth edition of Lena Dominelli’s influential book retains its reputation as the go-to text on anti-racist social work practice. As racism continues to present a problem in contemporary society: the …

Practitioners working within the people professions have a legal and moral responsibility to promote equality978-1-352-00119-8978-1-137-40391-9 wherever possible. This insightful book from a leading author provides a lucid guide to the complexities of inequality, and offers a …

Social work is a profession under strain, and practitioners report finding the role increasingly challenging. What can sustain social work in these times? How can social workers sustain themselves in the role? How can they derive confidence and …

This important textbook is a revised and updated edition of a very well-received and much-appreciated insightful guide to reflective practice designed for students, practitioners and managers of social work, health care and related fields. Its …

Learning and self-development is a continuous process for social workers, and practitioners must keep abreast of new knowledge, guidance and legislation in order to keep growing professionally.

In this innovative text, an expert group of authors …

Theory and practice are two sides of the same coin: they are inextricably linked. In this second edition of his classic text, Neil Thompson revisits the crucial topic of integrating theory and practice – this time, widening his scope to explore …

In this ground-breaking text book, bestselling author Neil Thompson turns his attention to the question of 'What does it mean to be truly professional in the field of social work?'

Notions of professionalism in social work have changed over time.

This book highlights a range of individuals and groups in UK society who experience exclusion or marginalisation, including Roma, young carers and people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It takes a unique practice-based focus, designed to encourage …

At a time of growing social, economic and environmental challenge, this book offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the connections between social work and community development and on how social workers can use a community development …

As social work is fundamentally being altered by the 'Internationalization' of social problems, this book examines the implications for students and practitioners. Arguing that social professionals working locally need an understanding of global …

This book provides social workers with a framework for reflecting on their day-to-day practice. Using a social worker's diary as a starting point, it provides valuable insight in to how reflection enhances skills and how factors such as values and …

The second edition of this guide to community care, aimed at both health and social care practitioners, offers a clear and structured introduction to present policy and practice. It is illustrated throughout by pertinent case material and has been …

As more and more people and organisations are affected by the austerity agenda and cuts to public services, there is increased risk that the person-centred nature of safeguarding practice will be consumed by …

This is the second edition of Barbara Bassot's hugely popular book is a uniquely inspiring introduction to critically reflective practice. Using bite-sized theory combined with plentiful guidance and supporting activities, this book gives the …

Written by a collection of experts in the field, this important new text provides a critical and constructive analysis of the ways in which service users and carers …

Social work is being constantly shaped by external forces such as new information technology, managerialism, increased public accountability and programme risk management. Although an appreciation of how these forces impact on direct service is …

Now going into its fifth edition, Alan Twelvetrees' invaluable guide to the theory and practice of community work has been educating students and practitioners alike for over three decades. Covering topics such as work with community groups, the …

If you are looking for an accessible introduction to the essential concepts that define the field of professional ethics, then this is the book for you.

Richard Hugman's A-Z of Professional Ethics offers a winning combination of breadth and …

How important is the notion of community to skilled social work? This book explores how the concept relates to policy, theory and professional practice. With analysis of contemporary social problems throughout a variety of community settings, this …

Assessing and managing violence places a heavy burden on practitioners in social work, criminal justice and health care settings. Milner and Myers examine current explanatory theories of violence and how these influence assessment and …

Social work has laboured too long under a 'deficit' model that focuses on failings and problems of practice. Emphasising best practice, strengths and collaborative partnership this ambitious book seeks to redress the balance. Undergraduate and …

In this clear and insightful book, best selling author Malcolm Payne analyses the major elements of social care practice, explaining how caring and social work skills and values are crucial to effective social care.

Through theory, research …

Written by a leading author, this text provides a much needed account of UK public health and well-being policies and considers their influence on practice. With an emphasis on the importance of inter-agency and inter-professional approaches, this …

If you are looking for an incisive and highly readable account of current research and debates in the field of drugs and substance misuse, then this is the book for you.

Written by a leading researcher and commentator, the A-Z of Substance Misuse …

This book provides a guide to narrative theory and practice; a form of therapy which views people as the experts on their own lives. Rooted in the ideas of Michael White and David Epston from the famous Dulwich Centre, it offers a rich source of …

Written by two leading authors in the field, Social Work and Spiritualityprovides a critical engagement with the concept of spirituality and a much needed framework for the integration of spiritual care in mainstream practice. It isfundamental …

Taking account of the political, economic and cultural changes that have impacted on social work over recent years, this book explores the challenges and presents the realities of practice. Using an international range of examples, McDonald makes …

This new textbook examines the knowledge, skills and values that underpin and inform current social work practice and processes. With a clear focus on skills, social work processes and the suitability of different methods, Watson offers students a …

With the increasing importance of learning on practice placement this new book provides students, practitioners and their assessors with a practical understanding of how people learn best in the workplace; the principles involved in work-based …

This text offers a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of globalisation, their impact on social work and the resulting challenges in practice. The authors draw on post-colonialism to consider the global issues facing social work, such as …

The role of the social worker is to be found lying interestingly between society and the individuals they work with. As a result, social workers often feel pulled between the demands and challenges that each presents. The Compleat Social Worker …

Learning through practice lies at the heart of social work education, providing the opportunity for students to develop and employ the skills, experience and knowledge they need to become effective social workers. This exciting new addition to …

This authoritative book examines the what, why and how of international comparative research. It offers a comprehensive topic-based overview of the theory and practice of comparative research and addresses the possible concerns of those both …

Addressing a key social policy problem, this book analyses modern voluntary organisations through the lens of a new theory of hybrid organisations, which is tested and developed in the context of a range of case studies. Essential reading for all …

If you are looking for a succinct overview of the ideas and debates that shape the field of interagency working, then this is the book for you.

Jon Glasby and Helen Dickinson's A-Z of Interagency Working provides an expertly organised source of …

If you are in search of a concise yet authoritative overview of mediation as a process of dispute resolution, then you need look no further.

Marian Roberts' A-Z of Mediation succinctly captures the concepts, applications, debates and critiques that …

This new text provides a jargon-free user guide to the key concepts, models and techniques of reflective practice from one of the leading writers in the field. A one-stop source book, it can be used both by the beginner as a handbook and by the …

Adopting a global frame of reference, this text provides a clear and comprehensive comparative analysis of international social work, using case studies to illustrate practice issues in different geographical locations. This book is essential …

Neil Thompson provides a fresh, unique perspective on leadership skills. The Authentic Leader highlights problems with existing approaches and makes a case for a human centred-approach. It will enrich understanding of good leadership by …

A critical introduction to key debates about race and racism, this new addition to the Reshaping Social Work series examines race as a social construct. It addresses the origins of anti-racist practice and analyses practical issues to provide a …

What do social workers need to know in order to practise skilfully and effectively? Edited by three Social Work’s leading scholars, the second edition of this highly respected textbook helps bridge the gap between social work theory and the …

Winner of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles, this key textbook offers an insight on the theory of emotional intelligence and its vital practical value. Elegantly and succinctly written, it makes a powerful case for the importance of …

Addressing the common concepts and issues across the various forms of discrimination, this core text from one of Palgrave’s best-selling authors explores the reasons why the development of anti-discriminatory practice is so vital and examines the …

Assessment is a crucial social work task. Yet there is so much to consider that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. This core text book gives you structured, practical guidance on how to approach this vital professional skill. In a clear and …

The steady increase in economic, social, environmental and political hardships experienced by many around the globe has led, in recent years, to a corresponding growth in the importance ascribed to finding meaning in life, and to addressing the …

Skills lie at the heart of all actions of a social worker, and inform all aspects of practice – from drawing on vital theoretical and ethical frameworks to applying the law and research findings to particular situations. This user-friendly and …

Many students and practitioners are familiar with critical reflection but struggle to make space for it in their everyday practice. This book provides an accessible and practical introduction not only to doing critical …

At a time when accountability and the avoidance of risk are increasingly demanded of social work practitioners, the ability to make clear and reasoned professional decisions is essential. This welcome new edition provides a supportive framework …

Launching Palgrave's new interdisciplinary Professional Keywords series, this reader-friendly reference guide distils the vast field of groupwork study and practice into digestible, yet authoritative, chunks. With over 60 alphabetized entries, it …

This classic textbook provides the clearest and most authoritative introduction available to working in situations characterised not only by risk and change but also by high pressure to deliver successful outcomes. Edited by three of the leading …