The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work provides a concise guide to 400 topics relevant to the practice of social work in the 21st Century. It brings together top authors in the field and draws on their detailed knowledge of politics, psychology, social policy and sociology. All service user groups are covered: children and families, offenders, older people, people with physical or learning disabilities, and those suffering from mental ill-health.The Encyclopaedia vigorously reflects the different and sometimes conflicting perspectives in social work: psychosocial research and evidence-based thinking, risk analysis, gender, cultural diversity, psychiatry, the law, management, human rights and personal value systems.The interests of service users, other professional groups, the media and the public are portrayed, and the central role of social work in contemporary society is demonstrated by the depth and range of subjects covered. A strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary and inter-professional perspectives. The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social Work offers an essential starting-point for anyone wanting to understand the place of social work in society today.