Social Work Practice

This classic social work practice text blends ecosystems and strengths-based approaches along with diversity competent practice into a change process that social workers can use with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. This classic text provides students with a solid foundation for generalist social work practice. It has a strong theoretical framework that reflects modern theory and methods used in social work practice today. The Ninth Edition builds on previous editions developing a client-centered empowerment approach to working with diverse populations.Utilizes an ecosystems strengths approach to facilitating growth and change.Incorporates CSWE requirements for learning the knowledge, skills, and values that are the foundation of social work practice at every level of practice. Places a strong emphasis throughout on the environment, especially as a source of potential strengths and resources for change. Highlights cognitive and behavioral approaches to enabling and empowerment in the form of developing and reinforcing positive thinking and behavior (Ch. 11). Provides separate chapters for working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations and communities to assist students in understanding the change process with various size client systems while still maintaining a generalist approach. Offers a simplified version of the stages of the change process and the use of an active voice to make it easier for students to understand generalist social work practice (Chs. 4, 9, 10, 11 & 12). Part II develops the concept of diversity competent practice-the application of cultural competence to all diverse populations-which encourages students to assume a learning role and develop an approach that is consistent with the norms and expectations of the population that is being served. Develops further the use of naturalistic inquiry as a fundamental approach in working with diverse populations to help students feel more comfortable with surrendering the role of "expert" by using a learning approach with clients that allows the client to teach the worker about his or her diversity.