Dr ROGER SMITH is Professor of Social Work Research at De Montfort University, UK. He qualified as a social worker in 1980, practicing in probation and youth justice settings. He has worked as head of policy with The Children's Society, and as course director for social work at the University of Leicester.

'...a clear, well written book...It gives an accurate, and, in many ways, an inspiring, sense of what underlies our profession.' - David Pitcher, Senior Practitioner, Plymouth City Council, Children's Services, British Journal of Social Work

• PART 1: IDEAS OF POWER Why do we need to think about PowerIdeas about PowerModes of PowerSites of PowerPART 2: MECHANISMS OF POWER Structural Influences on PracticeProfessionals and Organisations: Autonomy or ConstraintThe Myth of Powerlessness: Service user StrategiesPART 3: TAKING, MAKING AND USING POWER Empowering Relationships: Growth and ChangeBeyond the Individual: Groups, Communities and SystemsChanging the World: The Challenges for Social Work.