A step-by-step guide to the underpinning theoretical knowledge in social work helping your students to confidently apply theory in practice. - Exercises will help them get to grips with the essentials and reflect on learning. - Case studies from eight fictional social workers located in a busy local authority office will allow them to explore a range of different practice experience, theoretical perspectives and approaches to understanding situations and identifying possible courses of action. - The authors’ own experiences will show the importance of reflection, supervision and continual learning to help them prepare for the reality of practice.

Understanding how theory informs social work practice is an area that students can often find challenging. This book will help students understand how theory impacts and informs social work practice across a range of contexts and with different service user groups. It starts off by briefly setting the context, introducing students to the importance of social work theory and its development over the years, before moving on to look at different types of theory across 17 tightly structured chapters. These cover a range of psychological theories, sociological theories, ethics and moral philosophies, political theories and ideologies, and organisational theories.

Covering the five continents of the globe, this text explores the theory and practice of social work within selected countries. In the context of conditions prevalent in these countries, it highlights the constant challenges facing social workers to meet the needs of individuals and societies.

A step-by-step guide to the underpinning theoretical knowledge in social work helping your students to confidently apply theory in practice. - Exercises will help them get to grips with the essentials and reflect on learning. - Case studies from eight fictional social workers located in a busy local authority office will allow them to explore a range of different practice experience, theoretical perspectives and approaches to understanding situations and identifying possible courses of action. - The authors’ own experiences will show the importance of reflection, supervision and continual learning to help them prepare for the reality of practice.

`I can say without equivocation this text is without doubt the best book about social work I have read. Chris Beckett explores the purpose, values activities and theories of social work in an ever-changing social context that is clearly identified and examined' - Stephanie Petrie, University of Liverpool Every day social workers face decisions that will significantly impact others' lives, and it is essential that these practical assessments are supported by a sound understanding of social work theory. In this innovative and highly accessible textbook Chris Beckett explains how an understanding of these theoretical issues can improve the knowledge and skills base of professional practice. Essential Theory for Social Work Practice is an engaging and readable text, with a distinctively realistic and honest approach to the realities of everyday practice. Framed in a comprehensive and logical structure: - Part 1 establishes what social workers do and the tools they need - Part 2 considers how to assess, handle, and support change in others - Part 3 explores the wide range of roles that social workers must fulfil - Part 4 strengthens these links between theory and practice. Exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes are used to great effect in each chapter, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress through the book. The book is an invaluable core text for all undergraduate social work students, and offers excellent support for practitioners in their every day practice.

Social work knowledge, theory and practice -- Frameworks, models and practice -- Ecosystems theories -- Onion-peeling theories -- Faulty-engine theories -- Story-telling theories -- Mountain-moving theories -- Reflective practice and theory.

Social work is a human profession founded on social justice. It is difficult however to negotiate this in the constantly-changing context of the twenty first century. Now in its' second edition, this book considers the critical tradition of social work and updates it with postmodern thinking. Jan Fook draws on critical reflection to help social workers deliver flexible, responsible and responsive practice and to celebrate the ageless ideals of the profession. Key ideas covered in the text include: - Postmodernism - Critical theories - Critical reflection - Contextuality The author draws on her own experiences, to relate theoretical ideas to real life. Summaries, exercises and further reading are also included in each chapter. The book will be essential reading for all undergraduate students of social work. It will also be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and qualified professionals, who want to revisit the critical tradition of social work.

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

The social worker's guide to integrating theory and practice Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice teaches aspiring social workers how to apply theory in real world practice. Fully aligned with the Council on Social Work Education's 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the book links theory to practice with clear, concise instruction including a discussion of evidence-based practice. Twelve commonly-used theories are thoroughly explained, with discussion of the strengths and limitations of each, and applied to real work with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. The book includes case studies and first-person contributions from practicing social workers to illustrate the real-world scenarios in which different concepts apply. Critical thinking questions help students strengthen their understanding of the ideas presented. Tools including a test bank, PowerPoint slides, and an instructor's manual are available to facilitate classroom use, providing a single-volume guide to the entire helping process, from engagement to termination. Practice is a core foundational course for future social workers, but many practice texts focus on skills while neglecting the theoretical basis for social work. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice fills that gap by covering both skills and theory in a single text. Examines the applications of prevailing social theories Covers the most common theories used in micro, mezzo, and macro practice Helps readers understand well-established approaches like strengths perspective, humanistic and client-centered, task-centered, and solution-focused brief therapy Shows how to apply major theories including ecological/system, cognitive/behavioral, conflict, empowerment, narrative, crisis, critical, and feminist An effective social worker recognizes the link between theory and practice, and how the two inform each other to culminate in the most effective intervention and most positive outcome for the client. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice provides students with a roadmap to the full integration of philosophy and application in social work.

Puzzled by terminology, skills, law, or theory? Revising for your placement or exam? Then look no further! This series of concise and easy-to-use A-Zs will be your guide. Designed for both students and newly-qualified social workers, this book will introduce you to over 350 key theories, theorists and concepts in a concise and no-nonsense way. Careful cross-referencing will help you make important connections, while selected further reading will provide you with a springboard to further learning.