This comprehensive social policy text examines the history of social welfare, the current programs and issues, and the contributions of the three major sectors of social welfare (government, business, nonprofit), while addressing an underlying key question—what can we do about today's social issues?

This comprehensive social policy text examines the history of social welfare, the current programs and issues, and the contributions of the three major sectors of social welfare (government, business, nonprofit), while addressing an underlying key question—what can we do about today's social issues? It provides a comprehensive, systems approach to the contributions of government, business and non-profits to social welfare promotes a better understanding of the “person-in-environment” perspective while preparing students for employment in all three sectors of society. The text is organized using a chronological, user-friendly framework that looks at historical background, then current programs and issues, and finally methods for future advocacy.