- Emphasizes strength-based perspectives and principles throughout, and applies these to varied client populations, levels of practice, and different fields of practice. - Provides a multi-dimensional introduction to the many facets of social work for students interested in exploring social needs and society's responses to basic human needs. - Examines contemporary issues related to social, racial and economic injustice through illustrative examples, statistical analyses, hands-on and applied exercises, discussion questions, and case studies. - For instructors, the book is accompanied by a range of teaching resources that are aligned with the CSWE's core objectives and competencies - lectures; exam questions; recommended readings and resources; teaching tips; skill-based matrices; and six in-depth and realistic case studies.