Social Policy and Social Work

An understanding of social policy is crucial for social workers as it underpins and shapes the legislative framework that they work within. From safeguarding service users and enabling them to improve their lives, to protecting the most vulnerable in society, social policy also has a vital role to play within social work education. It is therefore important that you, as a social work student, learn to engage critically with social policy. This book will introduce you to policy and show you how it has changed and evolved over time, how it reflects changes in society and how it can be applied to your practice.

Jo Cunningham is a Principal Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire and programme leader of the BA Social Work. Jo has taught sociology and social work practice for a number of years. Before commencing her lecturing career, Jo was a social worker in the area of children and families. Research interests include childhood accidents and child death, and more recently the practice implications of asylum policy for professionals, children and their families.