Understanding the way in which individuals develop before birth as babies children & adolescents through to young & older adulthood towards death is an important part of any social work role Being able to skilfully apply this understanding in real life practice situations is even more important as purposeful translations of human development are at the heart of effective professional practice Introducing students to emotional psychological & social developmental theories of human growth before exploring in detail how these theories can be incorporated into practice this book will ensure students have all the tools they need to not only understand but critically appraise & apply psychosocial theories early on in training & whilst on placement With the help of real world case studies summaries & tips for further study it will show students how life course theories inter-relate & how they can make appropriate purposeful translations of theory into skilled professional practice