An understanding of social policy is crucial for social workers as it underpins and shapes the legislative framework that they work within. From safeguarding service users and enabling them to improve their lives, to protecting the most vulnerable in society, social policy also has a vital role to play within social work education. It is important therefore for students to engage critically with social policy. This book introduces policy and shows how it has changed and evolved over time, how it reflects changes in society and how it is applied to everyday practice.

"This text directed to social workers, introduces the essential legislation, and the necessary guidelines to understand how some laws are interpreted, for and by social work practice. That is illustrated through practical examples that explore in a realistic and specialized way the areas of law that affect this practice." - CBQ reviews