Textbook of Social Work

Brian Sheldon is Emeritus Professor of Applied Social Research at the University of Exeter, UK. He was previously Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Social Services in its medical school Geraldine Macdonald is Professor of Social Work and Director of the Institute of Child Care Research at Queen's University Belfast, UK. Previously, she was Director of Information and Knowledge Management at the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

• Part 1: The history and development of social work 1. A Brief History of Social Work 2. Theory and Practice in Social Work 3. General Trends from Studies of the Effectiveness of Social Work 4. Evidence-based Practice Part 2: Social Work Methods and Approaches, including assessment procedures 5. Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation 6. Social Casework and Task-Centered Casework 7. Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches 8. Systemic Approaches, Including Family Therapy 9. Social Work and Community Work Part 3: Client groups 10. Social Work with Children and Families 11. Social Work with Looked After Children 12. Social Work with Young Offenders 13. Social Work and Mental Health 14. Social Work with People with Disabilities 15. Social Work with Older People

'This is a major work that provides a clear account of social work practice methods for all user groups, including the latest research evidence. It will be invaluable for any social worker wanting to provide more than vague 'support' to individuals and families in distress.' - Dr Eileen Munro, Social Policy Department, London School of Economics'You'd expect these authors to be upfront and controversial and you will not be disappointed. A refreshingly committed book which presents the complexity of social work in a lively and accessible manner. A real page-turner, written with conviction, wit and style; this book surveys social work with an intellectually justified optimism.' - Professor Mark Doel, Research Professor of Social Work, Sheffield Hallam University