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.

Product Description: "This book takes careful steps to ensure that readers really do engage with its eleven main themes ... all the contributors bring high levels of experience and expertise to their chapters, together with important international perspectives...read more

It is essential that social work students have a clear grasp of the history and the evolutions of social work practice. Now in its fourth edition, Horner's classic introductory text looks at how issues such as the Personalisation Agenda, the work of the Reform Board, and how the notion of a Big Society and the recent contractions in government spending have impacted on practice and education.