Historically, children were often understood in relation to their development towards adulthood, but the 'new paradigm' of childhood studies has since shown how they should be taken more seriously as active participants in their own lives.

This book traces a unique story of social theory: one which focuses on its role in offering ideas for alternative societies.

The long awaited new edition of this hugely popular text has been heavily revised to reflect the current needs of students on the first year of their social work degree. With ten new chapters and a wealth of expert contributors, this text looks exclusively and in detail at the topics that matter.

This work argues for the involvement of social work skills, knowledge and values as part of the development of policy and multi-professional practice in community care. It shows how ideas of community and community care are entwined with the development of social work and social services.

What has the contemporary financial context meant for social policy, social work and the relationship between them? Examining the role of political, economic and societal forces, this lively book uses a full range of supportive features to encourage reflection on the impact of austerity on different social groups, social work and social care.

This new and fully updated edition of a hugely popular textbook is a practical and user-friendly guide that lets students know what to expect from their course and will be there every step of the way as a reference tool.

A clearly framed and comprehensive introduction to practice methods, this important text explores how methods and skills can be combined to offer a versatile professional toolkit for practice. It interrogates the social work process within a range of settings, including working with involuntary clients, and within community and family settings.

Covering a range of methods, theory and contexts, this book bridges the gap between theory and practice with new reflection, placement and research-based features. A thoroughly updated edition of a renowned text, it provides an authoritative and accessible introduction to professional practice in social work.