An innovative text aimed at social work students and designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of social policy and how to best apply this in practice. It demonstrates how they can use such skills to support vulnerable individuals, groups and communities to achieve positive change.

The relevance of social policy to people with lived experience of social work intervention is examined, and students are given the underpinning critical skills to prepare them for social work placements in various settings, and for their professional lives as qualified social work practitioners.

Understanding and applying social policy is a core principle of social work which should inform practice and be used to achieve positive outcomes for service users. Students need to understand the relevance of social policy to social work practice. This book provides an overview of the historical background and the ideologies that have shaped social policy, including an analysis of the five pillars:

• income,
• health,
• education,
• housing and
• social services.

It is a clear and accessible resource for social work students that will given them a fuller understanding of the importance of social policy and how social issues intersect for service users. There is also a study skills chapter to support students with their academic studies and beyond.