This is one of the leading texts in the introductory human services market. It is comprehensive enough to be used for either one- or two-semester courses in introductory human services. The text is known for its engaging style and for the many current examples of human service practitioners at work. A strong multicultural and social systems approach also distinguishes it from other texts.

It offers a historical context of the field of human services, insights into the overall social welfare field, and concrete descriptions of how primary intervention strategies are put into daily practice in human service agencies. It also provides a well-rounded look at the many options offered in the field of human services, and aims to prepare entry level human service workers for future careers.