Part of the "Transforming Social Work Practice" series written to support students on social work degree courses, this book is primarily for those in the early stages of a social work degree or considering social work as a career option. It gives an overview of the historical phases of social work development.

"What is Social Work?" is part of the "Transforming Social Work Practice" series written specifically to support students on social work degree courses. Written primarily for those in the early stages of a social work degree or considering social work as a career option, this well-regarded book gives a thorough overview of the historical phases of social work development - how it evolved from its earliest origins in the Middles Ages to the complex structures which exist today - thus giving a clear analysis of the nature of the contemporary social work task. With the aid of case studies, activities and research summaries, readers explore how different groups of service users have been treated historically, and will be able to reflect upon the key knowledge, skills and values for the modern social worker's role. This new edition has been updated to reflect the major changes confronting social work in the light of the Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters, the Green Paper on Adult Care Independence, Wellbeing and Choice, together with the new set of arrangements for planning, regulation and quality assurance.

Social work with people with learning disabilities
Social work and older people
Current services, practices and issues
Concluding remarks
Appendix B: Mapping services in modern social work settings
Appendix C: Time line in the development of social work
References
Resources and websites
Social work and mental health
Index
Introduction and core themes
Beginnings of social work: "The comfort of strangers"
Social work with children, young people and families
Formalising social work as a profession
Appendix A: A code of ethics for social work.