Social workers, whatever their specialism, practise with people at the margins of society. It is therefore essential that all social work students not only understand the powers and processes that lead to disadvantage and marginalisation but develop the knowledge and skills needed to bring about change and uphold social justice in all aspects of their professional practice. Split into three parts, this book considers what is meant by disadvantage and marginalisation, how this can come about and the impact this may have on lives, before unpicking the key knowledge and skills needed to practice effectively with individuals and groups. It then goes on to show what good ethical and reflective practice looks like, going step-by-step through the ins and outs of using the law and policy to bring about change before considering key ethical dilemmas in practice.

Providing key messages for practice, they outline a range of protection measures against "disability by association" to reduce the risk of stigma and victimisation.

The modern world has produced a number of disadvantaged groups in all societies across the globe. As such, the problems of these communities are diverse, and researchers should use different approaches in the determination and solution of these problems. This book sets out the needs of social services for dealing with disadvantaged groups, and specifies the social services required for these communities and the role played by religious institutions in providing services to disadvantaged individuals. As such, it will serve as a reference book for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students and researchers learning about recent developments in the fields of sociology, social work and theology.

This brilliantly systematic and comprehensive textbook provides an integrated approach to social work theory, methods and skills as the bedrock of all social work practice. Recognizing social work as a diverse activity that is rooted in common foundations, it explains how practice both shapes and is shaped by professional purpose. The text also explores the diverse range of social work practice methods available and aims to equip the reader with a foundation in the history and application of these varied approaches. Offering a step-by-step discussion that will empower readers to critically develop and refine their professional toolkit for purposeful and innovative intervention, this original rationale is an essential resource for any social work student or practitioner looking to build, or consolidate, their understanding of the range of methods and skills available for effective professional practice.

This book argues that incorporating the idea of three 'generations' of human rights allows us to move beyond the limitations of conventional legal frameworks. It examines current human rights issues and shows how a broader understanding of human rights can be used to ground a form of practice that is central to social work, community development and broader human services. The argument extends the idea of human rights beyond the realm of theoretical analysis, and into the arena of professional practice and social action, using a critical theory perspective. This is set within the context of current debates about globalisation and the need to incorporate an internationalist viewpoint into all social work practice. This insightful new international study adds a vital new perspective to the challenge of promoting international human rights.

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 60 key skills in a concise and no-nonsense way. You can test your knowledge and how to apply each skill in practice with Skills in Action, Stop-Reflect and Top Tips boxes.

This book critically explores ways of thinking about the city and its relevance for the profession of social work. It provides a colourful illustration of practice drawing on examples of social work responses to a range of issues emerging from the unprecedented scale, density and pace of change in cities. The associated challenges posed for social work include: the increased segregation of the poor, the crisis of affordable housing, homelessness, gentrification, ageing, displacement as a result of migrations, and the breakdown of social support and care. Drawing on multiple disciplines, this groundbreaking work shows that these familiar features of the twenty-first century can be counteracted by the positive aspects of the city: its innovation, creativity and serendipity. It has a redistributive, caring and cohesive potential. The city can provide new opportunities and resources for social work to influence, to collaborate, to foster participation and involvement, and to extend its social justice mandate. The book shows that the city represents a critical arena in terms of the future of social work intervention and social work identity. In doing so, it will be of great interest to students and scholars of social work, social policy, community work and urban studies.