Practical Social Work Series – serie

Over-reliance on biological models in mental health practice has resulted in growing discontent from practitioners and service users, who know that social factors also have a major impact on people's mental health. Social approaches enable practitioners to promote recovery in ways that move beyond the limitations of biomedical treatments. Championing a range of innovative approaches, this timely book offers a holistic model for understanding and responding to mental distress. It places mental health within its broader social context, encouraging engagement with not just the person experiencing mental distress, but also their family and wider social world. Drawing on relevant theory and research evidence, the author:- Considers the inter-relationships between social circumstances, life events and mental distress- Explores the roots of mental distress and its perpetuating factors- Provides a toolkit for assessment and action planning within the social context- Advocates recovery-oriented practice, based on emancipatory values, social participation and positive risk-taking A welcome new addition to the BASW Practical Social Work series, Social Approaches to Mental Distress is a core text for students and practitioners of social work and other mental health disciplines. It is also insightful reading for anyone whose own life has been affected by mental health difficulties.

Now going into its seventh edition, Neil Thompson's Anti-Discriminatory Practice has been providing a trusted introduction to the challenges of promoting social justice and equality for a quarter of a century. Addressing the common concepts and issues across the various forms of discrimination, this book explores the reasons why the development of anti-discriminatory practice is so vital, and examines the steps that need to be taken towards constructing a social work practice based on principles of anti-discrimination and the promotion of equality. Promoting social justice, diversity and equality in social work practice is as vital today as it was when Anti-Discriminatory Practice was first published, and there is still much to learn. Written with Thompson's inimitable clarity, this new, fully updated edition of a classic text is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of social work. Practitioners will also benefit hugely from Neil Thompson’s experience and expertise.New to this Edition:- A new edition of a popular and trusted textbook fully updated to reflect the many changes since the last edition- Voice of Experience and Practice Focus examples, encourage readers to think contextually and integrate theory and practice- An explicit theory base, with key points from each chapter drawn out to highlight specific main themes- A range of questions for reflection and guidance on further learningAccompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

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 for critical and empowering practice with service users and carers. The author offers an account of the development of empowerment and participation in practice, considering all dimensions, from work with individuals and groupwork, through to organisational, community and political aspects.The clarity and accessibility, as well as new examples reflecting varied global contexts and material on empowering children and adults, make it an essential resource at all levels of study.New to this Edition:- Strong emphasis on the needs of service users and a clear focus on how social workers may encourage service user and carer prticipation- Internationally diverse case studies and practice examples, reflecting global concerns as well as the changing service and practice terrains in the UK- New and extended material on empowering children and adults

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 sciences, this innovative book promotes critical debate to strengthen both the research base and day-to-day practice. It is designed to encourage 'reflective research practitioners' - professionals who are both critically reflective and research aware - and does so by:- Presenting a range of approaches within research- Highlighting distinctive aspects of social work research, such as emancipatory- Research and researching sensitive topics- Reflecting on the strengths of research and identifying how to utilise findings- Introducing beginning researchers to the rationales for undertaking researchHighlighting the importance of how research informs practice, this book is essential reading for students on qualifying and post-qualifying courses, practitioners, managers and policy makers.

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 for making social work judgements and assessments based on a structured and practical approach.Woven through with practice scenarios applicable to the many facets of social work, this text emphasizes the importance of good decision making to high-quality social work practice. Reassuringly clear throughout, this new addition to the BASW Practical Social Work series is core reading for all involved in the field of social work, whether as students, academics, practitioners or managers.New to this Edition:- Provides an accessible discussion and framework for a skill which all students must evidence in orderto qualify for practice- Significantly updated to reflect the growing prominence of user involvement and interprofessional collaboration

Working with abused children is a demanding and emotionally charged area of practice in which practitioners must balance sensitivity with statutory obligation. This thoroughly updated new edition emphasises the need for a central focus on the child and their perspectives, to ensure safe and effective work with children and their families.Opening with the foundations of good practice, the book goes on to capture the perspectives of children through moving first-hand accounts from abuse survivors. Woven through with frank narratives from the author's own practice experience, it discusses the importance of assessment and explores interventions through individual, family and group work.Keeping the voice of the child at its heart, this edition features:- All-new chapters on transitions from childhood to adulthood, and on the emotional impact for practitioners in the field, including coping strategies and practice guidance- New perspectives on practice within the context of current policy, including the Every Child Matters legacy and the Munro Review- A range of supportive features, such as points for reflection, practice examples and further reading resources.Since the first edition in 1989, the rhetoric and terminology on safeguarding children have changed beyond recognition. Yet the need to understand and accommodate the abused child's perspective remains. Working with Abused Children therefore continues to be a valuable resource for students, educators and practitioners working within this challenging field.

Having gone through 30 years of development, the new edition of this highly-regarded classic is the most trusted companion for understanding and promoting the potential for social work with disabled people. It offers readers a clear introduction to the core issues of disability alongside discussion and assessment of the social worker's role.Written by an experienced and highly respected team of authors, the book reflects:- The latest updates, developments and policy changes- The broad range of areas needing to be understood for informed practice- Recent changes to the focus of social work education and practice - The Social Model of Disability, encouraging debate about its role in social work- Developments for independent living- The heightened importance of safeguarding issues, giving attention to the topical issue of disabilist hate crimeAccessible to a broad readership and respected by disabled people themselves, this text is the foundation for effective practice.

Revised to emphasise the current policy drive towards personalisation and service user participation in care management, the new edition of Social Work with Older People remains an insightful introductory text.Deliberately taking a critical approach to guide readers to consider stereotypes of aging and work with older people, the new edition presents fundamental knowledge alongside thought-provoking and challenging debates. It offers a new chapter on safeguarding and has been updated to reflect current course requirements:- Part I introduces the theory, policy and legislation which influences social work contexts- Part II identifies core elements of practice, for effective interviewing, assessment, planning and interventionWritten by experienced and respected authors, this book will help readers understand the diverse experiences of later life, leading to positive and informed students and practitioners of social work.

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 process, detailing each stage and offering a new chapter on reflection; Part II introduces key methods of intervention, encompassing a broad range of theories and approaches, including new material on strengths based approaches and solution focused practice; Part III identifies the variety of contexts in which social work takes place, with individuals (both children and adults), groups and communities.Whether a student new to social work or an experienced practitioner returning to training, this is a 'must buy' text that readers will return to again and again throughout their professional practice.

This new edition from a trusted author team bridges the gap between psychological theory and social work practice. Revisited and re-structured to reflect the changing social work context, it provides an authoritative introduction to the key ideas, skills and research from psychology and highlights their role within effective social work practice.Whether you are a student or a practitioner of social work, this book is a vital and practical resource that will enhance your knowledge, skills and practice.New to this Edition:- Includes content which is of relevance across a number of social work modules- Contains new chapters on reflection and the psychological context of social work organisations- A range of new pedagogical features that support the practical application of the book

When working with children to promote their welfare and safeguard them from harm, the best course of action is not always clear. Based on two of the most important organizing frameworks – human ecology and child development – this book provides an invaluable guide for working with a wide range of children.The ultimate introductory companion to your children and families module. Starting with an exploration of the knowledge base and contexts of social work practice with all children and their families, this friendly guide moves on to demonstrate how knowledge base is applied in practice with specific groups, from disabled children to young offendersThis is an outstandingly clear and comprehensive guide to social work with children for students and practitioners in the field.

Read this book to gain an understanding of the knowledge, values and skills required for effective practice in the field of intellectual disability and the opportunities which this work offers for multidisciplinary collaboration for social change. Social Work Practice and Intellectual Disability identifies and discusses:- The changing definitions of intellectual disability, also called 'learning disability'- The theory and practice of working with people with intellectual disabilities and their families- The core tasks of assessment, planning, monitoring and review- The values of participation and inclusion in actionIllustrated with numerous case studies, discussion points and clear explanations, this addition to the Practical Social Work Series is an indispensable resource. It is ideally suited both for the continued professional development of qualified practitioners, and for pre-qualifying students new to the area.

A contemporary reflection on current practice, this book gets to the heart of what 'youth work' is about. It provides an in-depth overview and analysis of practice,addressing the many experiences of working with young people through insightful chapters written by practitioners themselves.

Well-publicised cases of child abuse have brought heavy media criticism of the social work role in prevention and child protection. This book attempts to bring a sense of perspective to allay the anxieties and fears felt by many social workers. The authors resist the idea that child abuse is a special 'disease' and develop a broad based strategy encompassing both individual therapy and environmental approaches.'Cooper and Ball's short introduction to child abuse in the Practical Social Work Series is a remarkable achievement in that it provides local authority social workers and general social work students with a concise overview of issues related to working in child abuse.' - Issues in Social Work Education.

Quite simply, it is the most useful book on probation work that I have ever read.' - Rob Voakes, Probation Journal

This book could only have been written by a social worker. It is full of energy, laced with pathos and humour, and the warts are not only visible but highlighted. It offers a thoughtful, down-to-earth view of crisis work in one social services team.' - Paul Reading, Oxford MIND

This handbook is a practical and comprehensive guide to supervising social work students in their practice placements. It will be particularly useful to the new supervisor, but also has much to offer to those who are more experienced. Illustrated with numerous examples from present-day social work settings, the book provides a good account of the varied tasks involved in being a supervisor, as well as useful answers to the learning problems of students. It will meet the interests of supervisors in practical ways, as well as identifying the educational and professional principles on which sound supervision should be based.

All social work activity is influenced by the society in which it takes place. It is therefore inescapable that understanding sociology should help social workers to make a more effective contribution to people's welfare. The different perspectives which constitute sociology are examined and the book analyses the ways peoples' lives are powerfully influenced by social forces and 'social problems'. It is argued that sociology should help social workers to examine their assumptions and value judgements and develop their capacity to be questioning and discriminating about their methods and the policies which affect them and their clients.

'...should be read by everyone who considers themselves to be doing youth work.' V.Ernest Cox, Times Educational Supplement

Successfully achieves its stated aim of being an introductory text for students and newly-qualified social workers … a valuable addition to their bookshelves.' - Judy Yielder, BAAF

This book offers the first introduction and practical guide to increasing people's say and involvement in their lives, neighbourhood and services. It draws on a major study of initiatives to involve and empower people. It explores a wide range of schemes across a variety of policies and services, including housing, health care, education, community development, social work and social services. It also examines the underlying principles, politics and philosophy of participation. It offers guidelines for participatory policy and practice and a checklist for evaluating and auditing citizen involvement.

Recognising the centrality of the practice placement in preparing students to become effective social workers, this book offers practical guidance to both students and their practice teachers regarding how to enhance learning on placement in social work agencies. Distinguished by the coherence of its approach, the book presents an integrated approach to practice teaching with a clear methodological focus, practical help for practitioners and discussion of principles for students.

The book argues that care management could create fundamental changes in the operation of British social services departments, but that it also has embodied in it the basic values of the social work profession. It explores how the job of the front line social worker and line manager in social service departments might be changed by the implementation of care management. In doing this it highlights the need from the outset for basic workload strategies to ensure that care really is managed effectively.

Addressing the alienation of practitioners from positivist and quantitative research, this book shows how research can be compatible with how practitioners collect and understand data. Drawing on research approaches that take account of subjectivity and employ participative methods, the authors develop an approach to practice for the research- minded practitioner. Whilst useful for practitioners wanting to do research, the primary intention of this book is to explore ways in which practitioners may be research-minded in their work.

This book outlines a practice model which gives expression to the social work perspective on human problems. It shows what practical steps social workers can take to involve their clients in the struggle for social change. It is an approach which looks first to small, tangible gains that can lay the foundation for an expanded change agenda as clients gain in confidence and experience.

'a host of eminently sensible practical suggestions...the strength of this book is both that it explores with some rigour the meaning of 'rural', of 'community' and of 'development' and that it has clearly in view the practical needs of the lone, inexperienced field worker...' Community Development Journal Vol. 28 No. 2, 1993P '...deserves to become an essential reference book for all those with an interest in rural community work' Adage Pural communities are facing increasing and contrasting problems, with high levels of unemployment or conflict arising from suburbanisation and the arrival of newcomers. This book provides a strategic framework for dealing with these issues, with an innovatory model for planning and practising rural community work. It is relevant to work in all types of areas and for a wide range of agencies, identifying key management and evaluating tasks. Important connections are made between existing knowledge and worker's own experiences. Concluding with a review of policies this is an invaluable guide for rural community work students and professionals.

This book presents information and ideas about the role and organisation of social workers in selected EC countries particularly, but not exclusively, France and Germany. Comparisons are made of national policies and practice in relation to specific client groups; and new concerns requiring common responses are identified. This discussion is put in the context of an emerging social agenda of the European Community. The authors argue that EC social policies in relation to citizenship, participation and marginalisation are consistent with the aims and concerns of social workers, and relevant to its future development at national and European level.