Contemporary Social Work Practice: a Handbook for Students

This exciting new book provides an overview of fifteen different contemporary social work practice settings, spanning across the statutory, voluntary, private and third sectors. It serves as the perfect introduction to the various roles social workers can have and the numerous places they can work, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and values required to work in areas ranging from mental health to fostering and adoption, and from alcohol and drug treatment services to youth offending.

Each chapter provides:

• An overview of the setting, including the role of the social worker, how service users gain access to the service and key issues, definitions or terms specific to the setting
• Legislation and policy guidance related to the specific setting
• The key theories and methods related to the setting
• Best practice approaches and the benefits and challenges of working within the setting
• Case examples illustrating the application of the information to practice

Social work students will find this an invaluable handbook that they will refer to time and again throughout their education and into their assessed and supported year of employment.

Contributors: Mark Baldwin, Jo Bell, Jenny Clifford, Jill Chonody, Clare Evans, Benedict Fell, Alinka Gearon, Issy Harvey, Caroline Hickman, Tony Jeffs, Debbie Martin, Malcolm Payne, Justin Rogers, Sue Taplin, Barbra Teater, John Watson, Michele Winter.

"It is an excellent student introduction to this diverse profession. Full of information that provides a thought provoking read."
Andrew Ellery, Social Care Professional

"This book really is an excellent resource for social work students at an introductory level and for preparation for placement levels. It provides a comprehensive overview of a range of service user groups as well as specific issues such as domestic violence, homelessness and substance use. Each section is structured around the policy and legislative context and includes comment on theory, challenges and anti-oppressive practice with case examples to aid learning.

The focus on the settings within which social work is practiced is particularly welcome and provides an essential companion to introductory books which look more at values, professional behaviour and skills. The range of different settings covered provides excellent preparation for students about to start a placement. The sections on rehabilitation of offenders and self-harm highlight topics that are often given less attention but may well be encountered by students on placement.

I will certainly be including this book as essential reading for students on introductory and practice preparation modules."
Allan Rose, Social Work Lecturer, Brunel University, UK