Social Work: An introduction to contemporary practice has quickly established itself as a leading & uniquely comprehensive introduction to the field. Essential knowledge & skills are examined with authority & depth & key debates approached in an accessible informative & engaging way. Underpinned by research & advice to make close illustrative links with practice it stimulates interest & actively engages the reader. Richly supported throughout with examples & real-life case scenarios the text encourages the reader to adopt a critical & reflective approach. Furthermore believing that social work exists to help people through complex & painful transitions in life the authors set the relationship at the heart of social work practice. This text is essential reading for social work students on undergraduate & postgraduate training programmes newly qualified social workers & practitioners in a variety of settings