This engaging book introduces the core themes in social work, and encourages students and practitioners to connect with the important debates surrounding these themes and challenges them to revisit the direction social work is and should be going in. The key contexts of social work are explored using knowledge from the disciplines of social theory, politics, sociology, psychology and ethics. The content is enlivened by:O The voices of students, service users and practitioners O Current and topical content on social work, poverty, politics, power and valuesO A discussion style format to help readers engage with the topicsO An extensive range of sources of knowledge and theoryO Key summary points at the end of each chapterO Group discussion questions at the end of each chapterThis book will contribute to social work studentsO and practitionersO thinking about the world in which they live and operate as professionals. OThe book is a supportive read as it skilfully appreciates the personal challenges that critical and assertive practice entails. It is a book for students, professionals and service leads to keep, re-read and savour.ODr Tillie Curran, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of the West of England, UKOBy identifying power, poverty, politics and values as core themes in social work, this text offers us a refreshing perspective which will challenge students and practitioners alike to re-evaluate their practice in the light of its wider social, political and philosophical contexts.ODr Sue Taplin, University of Nottingham, UKOThis book offers a concise and coherent discussion of what should be core themes in thoughtful and careful social work practice.aIt is a book which invites reflection on policy and practice.OProfessor Michael Preston-Shoot, Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, UKOThis excellent text is essential reading for all social workers and students, and a key resource for academics.ODr Pamela Trevithick, Visiting Professor in Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, UK