This textbook offers students and practitioners an accessible introduction to strengths-based approaches in Social Work and Social Care practice. Covering the theory and research in support of these approaches, and packed full of case studies, the book will allow readers to develop a critical understanding of how strengths-based approaches work, and how they can be successfully applied in order to improve outcomes for people with lived experience.


Covering the five main models of strengths-based practice, the text presents international research and evidence on the efficacy of each approach, enabling students and practitioners to apply the benefits in their own social work practice. The guide features the perspectives of people with lived experience throughout and includes the following key learning features:


• case studies of best practice;


• points for practice: succinct tips for practitioners and students on practice placement;


• further reading list and resources;


• glossary.

Contributions by: Guy Shennan, Steve Myers, Lauren Bailey, Simone Fox, Mhairi Fleming, Anne Edmondson, Michaela Rogers, Jennifer Cooper, Emily Weygang, David Miiligan-Croft, Sarah Pollock, Alex Withers, Will Golden, Ursula Lane, Bryan Thornton, Kirsten Wildbore, Alicia Lee, Mel Davidson, Lynne Robinson, Mica Halstead, Stacey Davies, Amy Udall