The theme of Task-Centred Social Work is partnership; exploring the principles on which task-centred practice is based, while offering clear and practical guidance for work, whether with people who seek help with social problems, or with those who are 'involuntary clients'. The book describes in detail the sequence of work to help clients move from present problems to future goals. This is illustrated by a case study which runs through the chapters and uses an imaginative recording style. Checklists and bibliographies are also used to aid understanding. The authors respond to the model's critics and explore both the scope and the limitations of the task-centred practice.

Based on the papers of the Conference on applications of task-centered treatment, held at the University of Chicago, 1975.

This essential text presents a "task-centered" methodology—a structured, short-term problem-solving approach—applicable across systems at five levels of practice: the individual, the family, the group, organizations, and communities. The second edition offers more information on systems theories and includes case studies and practice questions with each chapter, as well as checklists for each level of practice and exercises to help students monitor their understanding and skill development.

The book seeks to establish a "task-centered" methodology -- a structured, short-term, problem-solving approach -- applicable across systems at five levels of practice: the individual, the family, the group, organizations, and communities.

Social work professionals must demonstrate their effectiveness to legislators and governments, not to mention clients and incoming practitioners. A thorough evaluation of the activities, ethics, and outcomes of social work practice is critical to maintaining investment and interest in the profession and improving the lives of underserved populations. Incorporating the concerns of a new century into a consideration of models for practice research, this volume builds on the visionary work of William J. Reid (1928-2003) who transformed social work research through empirically based and task-centered approaches-and, more recently, synthesized intervention knowledge for framing future study. This collection reviews the task-centered model and other contemporary Evidence-Based Practice models for working with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Essays demonstrate the value of these pragmatic approaches in the United States and international settings. Contributors summarize state-of-the-art methods in several key fields of service, including children and families, aging, substance abuse, and mental health. They also evaluate the research movement itself, outlining an agenda for today's sociopolitical landscape and the profession. This volume inspires practice research to prioritize evidence as a base for the profession.

Peter Marsh and Mark Doel's new book is a radical departure from traditional literature on social work methods. The main reference point is the voice of practitioners, service users and carers, as researched and developed by the authors over twenty years.