Handbook for Practice Learning in Social Work and Social Care: Knowledge and Theory

This substantially revised, expanded and updated edition of the popular Handbook of Theory for Practice Teachers is a comprehensive summary of the theory, knowledge, research and evidence relating to practice learning in social care.

Focussing on knowledge-based practice with a focus on improving outcomes, the five sections of the book cover:

* the reasons and circumstances in which people may become social work service users

* a holistic consideration of assessment in general and specific contexts, including risk assessment and management

* methods of intervention, including cognitive behavioural social work, task centred practice, advocacy, crisis intervention, family therapy and group care

* the legal, policy, research and evidence context in which assessment and intervention occur, as well as interdisciplinary work and organisational aspects of social work practice

* reflective practice, evaluation and evidence based practice as integral parts of social workers' engagement with the complex needs of individuals outside the existing parameters of policy or research findings.

This key text is essential reading for students, practitioners and teachers in social work.

Steven Walker is Head of Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. He is a registered social worker and psychotherapist and has worked in social care for over 30 years, specialising in child protection and child and adolescent mental health.

Brigid Daniel is Professor of Social Work at the University of Stirling. She is the co-author of a number of books on child care and protection and has a particular interest in factors that help children to cope with adversity. She was a member of the multi-disciplinary team that carried out a national ministerial review of child protection practice in Scotland.