Rooted in a lively, critical approach to social work education and practice, Social Work and Common Sense challenges readers to think critically and more deeply about core facets of social work knowledge and ‘received ideas’. Garrett draws on the work of Antonio Gramsci to develop new, and often provocative, insights on attachment theory, creativity, anger, human rights, the ‘unmarried mother’ in Ireland’s past, and contemporary approaches to ‘decolonising’ social work education. The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which includes a series of reflection and talk boxes to assist students to critically reflect (individually and in class/seminar and fieldwork/workplace discussions) on key facets of the preceding chapter. Addressing often complex ideas in a freshly accessible way, Social Work and Common Sense will be required reading in all postgraduate and advanced undergraduate classes in theory and social work.

Existentialism and Social Work provides a clearly-expressed and well-argued exposition of Sartrean existentialism as a theory base for social work practice. It introduces the key concepts and themes of the philosophy and relates them to social welfare theory and practice. Existentialism is a valuable means of making sense of many of the complexities, contradictions and dilemmas which social work staff encounter. The book explores the relationship between theory and practice and examines how existentialism can help to bridge the gap. A number of theoretical perspectives are evaluated from an existentialist perspective and links are drawn between Sartre’s philosophy and aspects of commonly used theories and methods. But this is not simply a theoretical analysis. Neil Thompson also explores the use of existentialism as a guide to day-to-day practice and draws up a set of Principles for Practice . The ultimate aim is to present existentialism as a concrete philosophy of praxis.

For several decades, social work and child protection systems have been subject to accelerating cycles of crisis and reform, with each crisis involving intense media and political scrutiny. In understanding the nature and causes of this cycle, little attention has been paid to the importance of collective emotions. Using a range of cases from the UK, and also considering cases from the Netherlands, the US and New Zealand, this book introduces the concept of emotional politics. It shows how collective emotions, such as anger, shame, fear and disgust, are central to constructions of risk and blame, and are generated and reflected by official documents, politicians and the media. The book considers strategies for challenging these ‘emotional politics’, including identifying models for a more politically engaged stance for the social work profession.

`An excellent book that provides a good deal of valuable material to stimulate debate and to alert readers of the need to engage more critically with the wider world in which social work is located′ - Professor Keith Popple, Professor of Social Work London South Bank University This exciting book draws together the key contemporary theories, theorists and perspectives used in social work and explains how they are applied in practice and critiqued by social workers. It provides: - An outline of the contribution made by a key theorist, theory or perspective to social work - A selective bibliography of each thinker or approach - A glossary defining key traditions, with cross links to key theorists and perspectives - A timeline of key publications - Study questions at the end of each chapter. The book will be valuable for undergraduate, graduate students, post qualifying students and researchers in social work.

Focusing on what students really need to know, this book breaks down all of the key social work theory covered across a students′ training, demystifying complex concepts by demonstrating their application to real-life practice. Multiple case studies highlight applied theory in different practice settings and across issues and challenges that students might face, while self-assessment exercises, practice notes, concise chapter summaries and discussion points help to consolidate their understanding. New chapters bring the book right up to date and include Relationship-based Work, The Importance of Language, Political Perspectives and Environmental Intervention. Written by two well-established and expert authors, this is the ′must-have′ theory text for all social work students.

Social exclusion is a subject of major importance in contemporary social work and has been a core feature of social policy developments in the UK and Europe in the past decade. Michael Sheppard argues that the issue of social exclusion lies at the very heart of social work and he examines the implications of this position for both theory and practice. He goes on to examine a range of key topics in social work including: ¢ Social work values and knowledge ¢ Empowerment ¢ Need ¢ The exercise of authority ¢ Authority and Choice ¢ Evidence-based practice ¢ Reflection and reflective learning ¢ Judgement and decision making ¢ Social work and 'art' ¢ Social work as 'science' He discusses how each of these topics reflect an underlying concern with social exclusion, making it clear that even though the term 'social exclusion' is of recent origin, it provides a framework for understanding the enduring themes of social work. The book offers an original contribution to the understanding and practice of social work and includes a reappraisal of some fundamental aspects of the profession and its practice. In its focus on issues of wide concern it will be essential reading for practitioners and students in social work. It will also be of interest within social policy generally, offering an example of the way in which social exclusion becomes an issue of professional concern in welfare, and the form this takes in practice.

This work is a critical analysis of the various aspects of social work education and practice. It argues that social work is still a profession searching for a firm identity and a clear and respectful image. The incorporation of science and scientific approach into social work education and practice appears to be the key for the profession to continue to grow and gain its rightful place in the professional and academic communities. Lastly, this book is intended to generate productive dialogues to advance the profession and its educational processes.

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research. In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and rel

"What a sensible book, a book born of much wisdom and practical experience. Pamela Trevithick takes the reader on a wonderfully clear but thorough journey of social work’s knowledge, skills and values in which theories are elegantly put into practice. The whole enterprise is reassuringly held together by a strong commitment to organised thinking and the value of the social work relationship. For those who want to sharpen their ideas while keeping their practical feet firmly on the ground, this is the book for you." Professor David Howe, University of East Anglia, UK "This new edition is an excellent resource for practitioners, students and indeed managers in social work and social care who are committed to effective practice and service delivery ... Trevithick provides a comprehensive knowledge and skills framework and excellent practice examples to enable the reader to apply the knowledge to undertaking skilled and effective practice. This is a clear, readily understandable and comprehensive text which also integrates the complexity of practising social work. I highly recommend it." Professor Joyce Lishman, recently retired as Head of School of Applied Social Studies, Robert Gordon University, UK "A fantastic guide to social work practice and one I would recommend for the bookshelf of any social work student. It has a user friendly style that presents issues in an accessible way." Kate Grant, Social Work Student, University of Bristol, UK "A brilliant MUST BUY book for all social workers. It covers an amazing range of issues which are easy to find using the index. I will use it constantly throughout my career." Amanda Moorcroft, Social Work Practitioner, UK Since its first publication in 2000, this best-selling text has been an invaluable resource for thousands of social workers preparing for life in practice. Written by an influential academic-practitioner, it is widely regarded as the leading book in its field. The third edition has been thoroughly updated to include sections on theoretical, factual and practice knowledge. Key features include: 4 new chapters that integrate theory and practice in a Knowledge and Skills Framework or ‘map’ of professional practice 80 social work skills and interventions 12 appendices describing a range of different social work approaches A wide range of practice examples linking theory and practice Social Work Skills is essential reading for all social work students and a valuable reference tool for practising social workers, social services managers and human service professionals.

"This timely volume offers useful insights into the child welfare system and will be of particular interest to policymakers, academics with an interest in child welfare policy, social work educators, and child advocates."--BOOK JACKET.