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.

Designed to give your students a solid introduction to the profession of social work, INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE, 4E, International Edition helps students understand the issues that social workers address every day. Using clear, engaging prose, author Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced overview within a unifying theme of critical thinking that will train students to be more evaluative of key concepts. In addition, studying is made easy with the Book Companion Website, which provides students with opportunities to complete self-assessments as well as pre- and post-tests for each chapter. Thoughtful case studies found throughout the text show you what social-work practice looks like in different contexts and with different populations. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE, 4E, International Edition also boasts a thorough set of instructor focused resources that helps instructors streamline and maximize the effectiveness of their course preparation.

For this introduction to social work, Kirst-Ashman (social work, U. of Wisconsin-Whitewater) focuses on the essence of generalist social work and the social welfare problems that social workers address every day. The themes integrated throughout the text include the pursuit of social and economic justice for populations at risk; client empowerment.

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.

A conceptual and practical presentation of the strengths perspective in social work. Part of the Advancing Core Competencies Series, a unique series that helps students taking advanced social work courses apply CSWE's core competencies and practice behaviours examples to specialised fields of practice. The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice, 6th edition, presents both conceptual and practical elements of the strengths perspective - from learning about and practicing the strengths perspective to using the strengths perspective with older adults, the chronically ill, and substance abusers. Many of the chapters address recent events -from the tragic shooting in Tucson to the uprisings in the Middle East. Each chapter begins with a section from an expert in the field. A better teaching and learning experience This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience--for you and your students. Here's how: Improve Critical Thinking - Each chapter contains four critical thinking questions and two short essay questions that require the reader to apply key concepts. Engage Students - Extensive case examples keep students interested and help them see a connection between theory and practice. Explore Current Issues - Three new chapters have been added to reflect the most current knowledge in the field. Apply CSWE Core Competencies - The text integrates the 2008 CSWE EPAS, with critical thinking questions and practice tests to assess student understanding and development of competencies and practice behaviours.

UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, 11th Edition, looks at the lifespan through the lens of social work theory and practice, covering human development and behavior theories within the context of individual, family, group, organizational, and community systems. Using a chronological lifespan approach, the book presents separate chapters on biological, psychological, and social impacts at the different lifespan stages with an emphasis on strengths and empowerment. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, this edition is up to date and thoroughly integrates the core competencies and recommended behaviors outlined in the current Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Social policy debates often get lost in highly technical discussions and in day-to-day politics. This introduction to welfare theory offers an alternative approach to understanding social policy. It reviews the concepts of welfare, equality, liberty and citizenship, key political and sociological themes, old and new welfare ideologies, as well as recent theoretical developments including globalization, postmodernism and risk society.

Walter I. Trattner is Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.