Karen M. Sowers, Ph.D., is Professor and Dean at the University of Tennessee, School of Social Work. Catherine N. Dulmus, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of the Buffalo Center for Social Research at the University at Buffalo, New York. She is coeditor of several social work journals and has authored or edited a number of books, including Essentials of Child Welfare, Handbook of Preventive Interventions for Children and Adolescents, Handbook of Preventive Interventions for Adults, and The Social Work and Human Services Treatment Planner.

"This handbook features an impressive collection of essays written by experts worldwide. Focusing on the theoretical foundations of social work and designed as a resource for the profession, it is divided into four volumes. The Handbook’s bibliographies provide references to seminal, classic publications in the field of social work and also to important, useful recent books and articles. Summing Up: Highly recommended. (Choice, November 2008) "This exceptionally comprehensive reference set on an ever-evolving discipline exceeds its purpose "to serve as a resource for the profession." Students and scholars of a wide variety of social sciences will find it extremely valuable. Highly recommended for graduate and undergraduate libraries." (Library Journal, July 2008)"...a vital four-volume handbook that delves into recent trends in the profession and its environment. The writing styles are clear and approachable by both the professional and layperson. This set is a must for any academic or professional social science collection. Although each volume stands on its own and may be purchased separately, the complete set is an asset for both students and practitioners." (American Reference Books Annual, June 2008)

• SECTION I POLICY AND JUSTICE: A GLOBAL IMPERATIVE. Chapter 1 The Human Security Paradigm: Peace with Justice and Equality? / Jody WilliamsChapter 2 Social Policy from a Global Perspective / Robin Sakina MamaChapter 3 Social Justice for Marginalized and Disadvantaged Groups: Issues and Challenges for Social Policies in Asia / Joseph Kin Fun Kwok.SECTION II THE CONTEXT OF POLICY: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.Chapter 4 Reconceptualizing the Evolution of the American Welfare State/ Bruce JanssonChapter 5 Not by the Numbers Alone: The Effects of Economic and Demographic Changes on Social Policy / Michael ReischChapter 6 The U.S. Patriot Act: Implications for the Social Work Profession / Stan StojkovicChapter 7 Social Welfare Policy as a Form of Social Justice / Ira C. Colby.SECTION III POLICY TO PRACTICE AND PRACTICE TO POLICY.Chapter 8 Policy Practice / Rodney A. EllisChapter 9 New Federalism, New Freedom, and States' Rights: The Uncertain and Fragmented Direction of Public Mental Health Policy in the United States / King DavisChapter 10 Aging in the United States: Challenges to Social Policy and Policy Practice / Enid Opal CoxChapter 11 Explanatory Legitimacy: A Model for Disability Policy Development and Analysis / Stephen French Gilson and Elizabeth DePoyChapter 12 Health-Care Policy: Should Change Be Small or Large? / Pamela J. MillerChapter 13 Social Determinants of Health: Twenty-First-Century Social Work Priorities / Gary RosenbergChapter 14 Urban Housing Policy and Practice in the Developing World / Sunil KumarChapter 15 Child Welfare Policy / Richard J. Gelles and Carol Wilson SpignerChapter 16 Public Funding of Sectarian Organizations for the Provision of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care: Discriminatory Issues for Gay Males / Christopher W. Blackwell and Sophia F. Dziegielewski.SECTION IV POLICY FORMULATION AND POSSIBILITIES.Chapter 17 Social Welfare Policy and Politics / Richard HoeferChapter 18 Social Welfare and Economics: Redefining the Welfare State in a Global Economy / Howard Karger and Peter A. KindleChapter 19 Digital Technology and Social Policy: Social Justice in a World of Anywhere Access? / Paul R. RaffoulChapter 20 Welfare Reform: The Need for Social Empathy / Elizabeth A. Segal