This classic social work practice text blends ecosystems and strengths-based approaches along with diversity competent practice into a change process that social workers can use with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
This classic text provides students with a solid foundation for generalist social work practice. It has a strong theoretical framework that reflects modern theory and methods used in social work practice today. The Ninth Edition builds on previous editions developing a client-centered empowerment approach to working with diverse populations with an emphasis on building and utilizing strengths and resources in the ecosystem.
This classic social work practice text blends ecosystems and strengths-based approaches along
with diversity competent practice into a change process that social workers can use with diverse
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
New to This Edition
• The text incorporates CSWE requirements for learning knowledge, skills, and values that make
up the core of social work practice at every level.
• Several running case examples appear throughout the text for consistency in demonstrating
the application of the change process to client systems.
• A model for ethical decision making assists students when resolving ethical dilemmas
(Chapter 5).
What Reviewers Are Saying
“[Social Work Practice] expands the dominant theories (systems and ecological) and blends them
with the strengths perspective. This is new content for my students, and offers them a first exposure
to understanding how theories can be blended to provide a more comprehensive accounting of
the experiences of individuals, families, groups, and communities. These approaches are clearly
presented in the book and my students are able to easily understand and utilize these approaches
as they are presented.”
–John D. Matthews, Virginia Commonwealth University
“The questions at the ends of the chapters are wonderful–they are thought-provoking and really
helpful in assisting with critical thinking and integrating the material … I also really appreciate
the problem solving and ecosystems strengths approach as the processes identified for facilitating
change–they are positive and comprehensive and practical!”
–Anne Kearney Kelso, Syracuse University
“This text does the best job I have seen with the strengths and ecosystems approach to practice …
[This is] the kind of book a student will keep for guidance both in field practicum and in practice
… I would certainly adopt this text … It has exce llent schemas for analysis of the individual, the
group, and the community as well as an example of a social history that will set up the rest of the
helping process.”
–Peggy Pittman-Munke, Murray State University
