An innovative text aimed at social work students and designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of social policy and how to best apply this in practice. It demonstrates how they can use such skills to support vulnerable individuals, groups and communities to achieve positive change.
The relevance of social policy to people with lived experience of social work intervention is examined, and students are given the underpinning critical skills to prepare them for social work placements in various settings, and for their professional lives as qualified social work practitioners.
Understanding and applying social policy is a core principle of social work which should inform practice and be used to achieve positive outcomes for service users. Students need to understand the relevance of social policy to social work practice. This book provides an overview of the historical background and the ideologies that have shaped social policy, including an analysis of the five pillars: Income, health, education, housing and social services.
It is a clear and accessible resource for social work students that will given them a fuller understanding of the importance of social policy and how social issues intersect for service users. There is also a study skills chapter to support students with their academic studies and beyond.
Introduction
Section One – History, ideologies and perspectives in social policy for social work practice
Chapter One - Background of social policy and social work
Chapter Two - Ideologies and perspectives in social policy
Chapter Three - Social justice, equality and inclusion
Section Two – The five main areas of social policy
Chapter Four - Income
Chapter Five - Health
Chapter Six - Education
Chapter Seven - Housing
Chapter Eight - Social Services/Personal Services
Section Three – People with lived experience
Chapter Nine - Children and families
Chapter Ten - Children with special educational needs
Chapter Eleven - Adults with physical and learning disabilities
Chapter Twelve - Ageing adults
Chapter Thirteen - Asylum seekers and refugees
Section Four - Study skills
Chapter Fourteen - Tool kit and resources to support social workers
Conclusion
References
Biography
Laura Mullen is the course leader for the BA social work programme and a senior lecturer at London South Bank University. She is currently completing her PhD on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the development of children and young people with SEND. Laura is module lead for social policy modules for both the BA and MA social work programmes. She is a qualified social worker with a key interest in working with children with SEND and adults with dementia.
