Sheppard presents a comparative analysis of the work of mental health social workers and community psychiatric nurses. Both professions lay claim, to a considerable degree, to the same "territory", and, in view of developments in community care, the examination of the relative merits of the claims of these professions to this territory is important. The analysis described in the book involved not only the comparison of two professions, but also a detailed examination of the theoretical foundations of both professions and an empirically researched examination of practice. The findings potentially have far-reaching implications for policy and practice in the mental health field, and they address issues which are likely to remain significant for the foreseeable future.

Social exclusion is a subject of major importance in contemporary social work and has been a core feature of social policy developments in the UK and Europe in the past decade. Michael Sheppard argues that the issue of social exclusion lies at the very heart of social work and he examines the implications of this position for both theory and practice. He goes on to examine a range of key topics in social work including: c Social work values and knowledge c Empowerment c Need c The exercise of authority c Authority and Choice c Evidence-based practice c Reflection and reflective learning c Judgement and decision making c Social work and 'art' c Social work as 'science' He discusses how each of these topics reflect an underlying concern with social exclusion, making it clear that even though the term 'social exclusion' is of recent origin, it provides a framework for understanding the enduring themes of social work. The book offers an original contribution to the understanding and practice of social work and includes a reappraisal of some fundamental aspects of the profession and its practice. In its focus on issues of wide concern it will be essential reading for practitioners and students in social work. It will also be of interest within social policy generally, offering an example of the way in which social exclusion becomes an issue of professional concern in welfare, and the form this takes in practice.

Sheppard presents a comparative analysis of the work of mental health social workers and community psychiatric nurses. Both professions lay claim, to a considerable degree, to the same territory, and, in view of developments in community care, the examination of the relative merits of the claims of these professions to this territory is of considerable importance. The analysis in the book involved not only the comparison of two professions, but also both a detailed examination of the theoretical foundations of both professions and an empirically researched examination of practice. However, the findings potentially have far-reaching implications for policy and practice in the mental health field, and they address issues which are likely to remain significant for the foreseeable future. Additionally, however, this book presents a contribution to a debate on the relationship between theory and practice (and particularly the place of the social sciences) in social work.

At the age of 42, Kate Beckenshire, a mother and educated woman finds herself stuck in the revolving door of the mental healthcare system. In the midst of indifferent physicians and health care professionals, Kate struggles to recover. After exhausting all avenues, she is dumped in a state run mental hospital. It is here where she fights to reclaim her life, but not alone, with the help of her fellow travelers.

This fully updated and expanded third edition of a classic text provides a comprehensive introduction to key theory, knowledge, research and evidence relating to practice learning in social work and social care. It outlines the theories that underpin social care practice, the main assessment models and interventions, and also offers guidance on the effective implementation of assessment across a range of professional contexts. Contributors from research, policy-making and practice backgrounds offer guidance on how to apply policy and research findings in everyday practice while ensuring that the complex needs of each individual service user are met. This third edition also features new chapters on group work, social pedagogy and personalisation. The Handbook for Practice Learning in Social Work and Social Care is an essential resource for ensuring effective evidence-based practice which will be valued by students, educators and practitioners alike.

The importance of 'evidence based practice' in health and social work has been emphasised by recent policy and legislative initiatives, but how do professionals decide which research findings are valuable and relevant to them? This accessible introduction provides social work students and practitioners with the knowledge they need both to evaluate research and to apply it to their own practice. Exploring the range of research methodologies used in health and social care, from randomised control trials to surveys, interviews, experimental designs and ethnographic approaches, Michael Sheppard discusses the strengths and limitations of each and shows the reader how to identify the assumptions underlying them. Sheppard uses case examples from practice to demonstrate how research messages can be applied in a range of situations, from developing social services for ethnic minority groups to working with an individual suffering from mental illness. Each chapter includes exercises and questions to test the reader's understanding of key concepts in each chapter, as well as examples of research articles for guided discussion. Appraising and Using Social Research in the Human Services is both a core textbook for social work undergraduates and a useful resource for all trainers, practitioners, service managers and postqualifying students in health and social care.