Social Work and Social Welfare: An Invitation is a nationally recognized, best-selling text and unique website for US Introductory Social Work and Social Welfare courses. It provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values that are essential for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and public policy in a variety of practice settings. This new third edition is an up-to-date profile of the world in which today’s social workers practice, with current demographic, statistical, legislative, policy, and research information; sensitive discussions of contemporary ethical issues; and new first-person narratives from social workers in a variety of fields. The call to become engaged in some of society’s most challenging issues is clearer than in previous editions.

Karen K. Kirst-Ashman's introductory book enhances readers' ability to grasp the essence and spirit of generalist social work and the issues in social welfare that social workers address every day. Giving those who are contemplating a career in social work a solid introduction to the profession, Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced introductory look within a unifying theme of critical thinking that trains readers to be more evaluative of key concepts. This fifth edition is completely updated in every chapter, and includes practice concepts, social welfare policy concepts, history and current state of the profession, the contexts of practice and populations served, and professional development. Written in a clear and straightforward manner, the book provides numerous case examples to illustrate social work practice. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Social Work in the 21st Century is a T1 for courses called Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. It is an overview of the Welfare system in America and it gives special attention to the role of a social worker and how they have historically interacted with the system. This book is written as an alternative to the market leader, Zastrow, which is highly dense introduction to the social welfare system and social work. The course is open to all majors and is often the course that draws students into the major of social work. This book is intended to get students excited about the profession and thinking critically about what social workers do and how they operate within the larger system. Unique features of the text include pedagogical features such as "You be the Social Worker," "Questions to Determine your Frame of Reference," "Info tables," and detailed cases with discussion questions. All these features reviewed very well in the text, and all are going to be retained, updated and expanded in the new edition. In addition, the author will add interviews with social workers in various roles and contexts. Reviewers made some very valuable recommendations for the new edition. They include the following: Incorporating a greater focus on the Person in Environment perspective (unique to social work) and a greater focus on macro issues and policy. They also recommended adding more visually appealing elements such as more photos throughout the text. A new feature will be invited essays by social workers in various roles from across the country. This will give students a first hand experience of the variety of roles social workers perform. In addition, the author will update the book to reflect recent current events, such as the historic election, the recent catastrophes and government response (since the book's publication) and will incorporate a greater emphasis on international issues. Finally, the author will give great

This introductory social work book provides both a theoretical and applied overview of the U.S. social welfare system, with international perspectives throughout. Other strengths include themes of empowerment theory and practice and an ecosystems framework. Part I is devoted to the history of social work in the U.S. as well as issues of economic oppression, social oppression, human rights, and restorative justice. Part II is devoted to social work across the life cycle.

Learn how social workers use their professional expertise to assist people. The Social Work Experience: An Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare introduces students to the social work profession and presents detailed descriptions of eight major fields of practice. The text provides in-depth information concerning major social welfare policies that are are presented in historical perspective, along with thorough discussion of current issues and probable future trends. Major case studies assist students in understanding how professional expertise can advance social-work practice and how enlightened social policies must be present if professional interventions are to be effective. The first four chapters of the text introduce the social work profession, present theoretical perspectives on which professional practice is based, explore how the intersectionality of multiple factors impacts social justice issues, and then describe social policy issues in historical context. The following eight chapters describe eight major fields of practice along with the history of each one. A thorough and detailed case study begins each chapter, helping to illustrate social work practice in the respective field, and every chapter includes additional case studies to help students better understand the challenges involved in social work practice. The final chapter of the text explores the many probable challenges awaiting contemporary social workers given the social forces impacting society. Also available packaged with MyLab Helping Professions By combining trusted author content with digital tools and a flexible platform, MyLab™ personalizes the learning experience and improves results for each student. MyLab Helping Professions organizes all assignments around the CSWE EPAS for Social Work and CSHSE Standards for Human Services—enabling easy course alignment and reporting. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab , ask your instructor to confirm the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyLab Helping Professions, search for: 013527303X / 9780135273036 The Social Work Experience: A Case-Based Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare plus MyLab Helping Professions with Enhanced eText -- Access Card Package, 7/e Package consists of: 0134544854 / 9780134544854 Social Work Experience, The: A Case-Based Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 7/e 0135205638 / 9780135205631 MyLab Helping Professions with Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card -- The Social Work Experience: A Case-Based Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 7/e