Social Work: Context and Practice is a comprehensive text that introduces students to the theory and practice of social work. A variety of social work environments are explored with the fields of practice covered by the book including work with the elderly, child protection, mental health and drugs and alcohol, and community development. With an emphasis on cultural practice and field skill development, this text will be useful throughout student’s entire degree and into their professional lives.

• New Australian co-editor and contributors add a wealth of experience from both educators and practitioners within Australia and New Zealand.
• Reflective practice questions and issues throughout teach students to review their own performance and to learn from personal experience.
• Critical questions and annotated further reading encourage students to think further on key issues.

Foreword 

1 The Art and Science of Social Work

2 Social Work Practice Theories Frameworks

3 Human Development and Practice

4 Values and Human Rights

5 Social Work, Poverty and Disadvantage

6 Gender, Sexuality and Power

7 Aboriginal Issues in Context

8 Indigenous Issues in Aotearoa New Zealand

9 Pasifika Social Work

10 Working with Refugees

11 Cross-cultural Practice

12 Family Violence

13 Contemporary Issues in Health Social Work

14 Working with Older People

15 Social Work and Disability

16 Mental Health and Social Work in New Zealand

17 Mental Health and Social Work in Australia

18 Perspectives on Drug Use

19 Early Intervention with Families of Vulnerable Children

20 Child Welfare Practice

21 Human Service Work with Young People

22 Social Work and Youth Justice

23 Social Work Practice and the Justice System

24 Social Work and the Law

25 Working with Communities

26 Histories of the Social Work Profession

27 The Registration of Social Workers

28 Research in Social Work

29 Social Work Supervision

30 Fieldwork Practice in Social Work

31 Thriving at Work: Preventing Occupational Stress

32 Trans-Tasman Reflections

Marie Connolly – Chief Social Worker, Office of the Chief Social Worker, New Zealand Ministry of Social Development

Louise Harms – Associate Head (Teaching and Learning), School of Nursing and Social Work, The University of Melbourne