Includes bibliographical references and index.

pt.1 Knowledge base -- Values, ethics and anti-discriminatory practice -- Law -- Social work : a political profession -- Sociology --Material circumstances, poverty and income inequality -- Psychological approaches : their application and relevance to social work -- Human growth and development -- Communication and ict -- Research for social work : an introduction -- Reflective practice -- pt.2 Assessment and joint working -- Genetic issues in assessment and managing uncertainty -- Models of assessment -- Risk assessment -- Interprofessional practice -- Leadership, management and teamwork -- The voice of people with lived experience -- pt.3 Models of interventions -- Relations-based social work -- Crisis intervention -- Cognitive behavioural theraphy : it's practice and place in social work -- Task-centered intervention -- Working in the life space -- Person-centered planning and personalisation -- Narrative approaches -- Motivational interviewing -- pt.4 Practice context and application.

This essential introduction to the core knowledge and skills necessary for social work students spans the entire curriculum, integrating theory, policy and practice throughout, as well as addressing regional variation across the United Kingdom.
This is a whole course introduction to Social Work. Packed full of case studies, activities and tools for real-life practice, this practical book will equip social work students with everything they need to know in their first year and beyond.