This collection charts the key developments in the social work field from 1970 to the present day and shows how by fully understanding social work's past, we can make better progress for practitioners and service users in the future. It brings together a broad collection of experts from across social work who trace how thinking and approaches to practice have changed over time, examine key legislative developments in the field, look at the impacts of major inquiries and consider the re-emergence of certain specialisms. Providing students and practitioners of social work and social policy with a full picture of the evolution of social work, it also shares important insights for its future directions.

This collection charts the key developments in the social work field from 1970 to the present day and shows how by fully understanding social work's past, we can make better progress for practitioners and service users in the future. It brings together a broad collection of experts from across social work who trace how thinking and approaches to practice have changed over time, examine key legislative developments in the field, look at the impacts of major inquiries and consider the re-emergence of certain specialisms. Providing students and practitioners of social work and social policy with a full picture of the evolution of social work, it also shares important insights for its future directions.

There is widespread agreement that care and support services must change radically if they are to meet the rights and needs of the rapidly growing number of people who require them. For the first time, Supporting people explores with service users, practitioners, carers and managers what person-centred support means to them, what barriers stand in its way and how these can be overcome. It provides a unique roadmap for the future, offering theoretical insights, practical guidance and highlighting the importance of a participatory approach. Based on the largest independent UK study of person-centred support and written by an experienced team that includes service users, practitioners and researchers, it demonstrates how change can be made now, and what strategic changes will be needed for person-centred support to have a sustainable future.

This unique book provides a rare look at social work and palliative care from the perspective of service users. It is the first to investigate specialist palliative care social work from this viewpoint. Drawing on new original research, the authors examine service users' experiences of social work and palliative care, tracking their journeys through it, exploring the care they receive and the effects of culture and difference through their first hand comments and ideas. The writers link service users' critiques with broader debates and developments in social work and palliative care and consider the implications of the book's findings for the formation of policy and practice and for future professional education and training. A groundbreaking text, Palliative Care, Social Work and Service Users is of particular value to social work professionals, palliative care workers, educators, researchers and policy makers.

Written by key figures in the field of social care training and management this much-needed book provides practice guidance for front line managers in social care. Refocusing attention on the management of practice and accountability within services and to service users, the authors provide a variety of perspectives on how front line managers can support practice. Highlighting important aspects of management, such as promoting knowledge-based practice and continuous professional development through lifelong learning, they discuss major issues such as: * setting and monitoring new standards and frameworks * what different communities want from social services * implications of the gender imbalance in social work management * bullying and harassment in the work environment * managing multidisciplinary teams. Drawing together important research on management practice, this book will ensure front line managers are prepared for shifts in policy, making it an essential resource for managers and policy makers in all areas of social care.