Social Policy for Effective Practice: A Strengths Approach

For use as a text in foundations generalist social policy courses, either at the baccalaureate or master's level, this book examines the process of defining need, analyzing social policy, and developing new policy. A clear philosophical base and a common theoretical framework underlie the discussion of each component of the policy process. Four themes are interwoven throughout the book: the importance of thinking critically about social policy, the benefits of using the strengths perspective in policy analysis and development, the critical role social policy plays in all areas of practice, and the absolute responsibility of every social worker to engage in policy practice.

Table of Contents:
1. Social Work and Social Policy: A Strengths Perspective 2. The Historical Context: Basic Concepts and Early Influences 3. The Historical Context: Development of Our Current Welfare System 4. The Economic and Political Contexts 5. Tools for Determining Need and Analyzing Social Policy 6. Social Policy Development and Policy Practice 7. Civil Rights 8. Income- and Asset-Based Social Policies and Programs 9. Policies and Programs for Children and Families 10. Health and Mental Health Policies and Programs 11. Policies and Programs for Older Adults 12. The Future

Review :
"The integrative emphasis of social justice and human rights along with the strengths perspective and social construction make this a core text for undergraduate practice courses. With strong coverage of micro, mezzo and macro practice it is a perfect resource for the entire practice sequence. The text offers a wealth of application tools that include three in-depth interactive case studies and application exercises for each chapter."-- Chrys C. Ramirez Barranti, California State University, Sacramento "This is aadream text for anyone seeking to understand complex human problems engendered by individual inadequacies, structural inequities, and globalization; use modern technology to grasp the rudiments, dynamics, and mechanics of generalist social work practice; and assess the impact of professionals' self-awareness, values, and theoretical perspectives on practice outcomes."-- Olatunde A. Olusesi, New York University "I am very excited about this book. The approach is a needed contemporary response to current introductory practice books. The integration of theoretical perspectives and case examples will truly help bring to life the core competencies for generalist social work practice. In particular, the companion website provides an innovative and accessible means of letting students "play" and "try on" different components of practice in a creative and modern way. "--Leslie Hasche, Kansas University "This text covers several aspects of social work practice that are often ignored or covered only on the surface, and exceeds the goals and interests of my generalist practice course through features such as its discussion of theory, discussion of social and diversity issues, and use of an interactive website."--Keva Miller, Portland State University "This textbook provides a comprehensive well-organized overview of the development of generalist social work practice. Explicating the multiple levels of systems assessment and intervention in a conceptually clear presentation help students to grasp the complexity of social work practice."--Michael Melendez, Simmons University