This is a core text for one of the most important courses social work students take in any BSW and MSW program: Direct Practice. This course teaches the fundamental values, knowledge and actions that constitutes the practice of social work. It is the skills they learn in their various direct practice courses that become directly relevant to their work as social workers. This text offers basic generalist practice methods which emphasize the common elements in working with individuals, families and groups. The goal upon completion of this course is for students to become efficient in enhancing an individual's social functioning by helping them become more proficient in examining and resolving their problems. The authors break the book into distinct parts that first focus on laying a foundation of the profession of social work: ethics, values, and knowledge base. It then goes in to the sequence of events in the helping process by addressing the beginning, middle and ending stages of working with a client or family. The last group of chapters identitifies skills that are necessary when working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities and finally looks at the task of termination.

A unique aspect for this book is that it pays special consideration to enhancing social justice by working with individuals and families who have been historically oppressed. Although content is interwoven throughout the book, there is a special chapter on enhancing social justice which is written by known experts in the area. The book takes a broad based approach and thus is highly relevant for courses typically called "Practice I" or Foundations of Practice, which are offered in BSW programs and first year MSW programs.

The book is thoroughly updated, including more content that will engage students, including:

-Chapter opening vignettes

-More excercises and role-play activities embedded within the chapters

-Questions for critical thinking

-Bolded/glossary terms highlighted within text

-Margin notes to enhance student comprehension

-New feature of "social work journal/diary" which details a 'day in the life' of a social worker in a variety of settings.

-IRCD and student study site