The second edition of this key text renews its challenge to the established social work culture of managerialism and effectiveness, arguing that existing social work provision can fail the people it aims to support and protect. This second edition of Social Work Management and Practice: Systems Principles, which was first published in 1989, has now been extensively revised, and reflects the development of both systems ideas and policy implementation since that time.
The authors apply the latest systems principles to the practice and management of social work. Drawing on Gregory Bateson's work, they show how creative social work can bring about real and positive change in the ecology of people's lives. This edition contains one new chapter analysing the competencies approach in social work training and updates the family therapy developments, and contains substantial new material on management. This powerful and accessible book demonstrates how a systems-based approach can support people in using their own resources to make new and innovative responses to difficult situations.

About the Author
Andy Bilson is Director of the Centre for Europe's Children at Glasgow University. He is involved in research, monitoring and evaluation of child care at national and international level. Sue Ross is Director of Social Work for East Renfrewshire Council. Her particular professional interests are the development of social work as a profession and the way services are managed and delivered. Both authors have published articles on child care training, research, group work, family therapy and management.

Reviews
In a context where the old monolithic services have been broken up and new organisations, such as primary care groups, are in their nascent stages, Bilson and Ross' book, which tries to get us out of thinking in a straight line and towards focussing on patterns and connections, is very welcome. This book will be very useful for both tutors and students on Diploma in Social Work courses, and practitioners taking on post-qualifying awards. -- Community Care

Review from the first edition:

'The writers question many of the assumptions under-lying current social work practice, proposing changes not only in policy, resources and practice but also in the theories and language used to describe them.'

-- Caring



Book Information
ISBN 9781853023880
Author Sue Ross
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 300g
Dimensions(mm) 232mm * 154mm * 12mm