Adult social care in Britain has been at the centre of much media and public attention in recent years. Revelations of horrific abuse in learning disability settings, the collapse of major private care home providers, abject failures of inspection and regulation, and uncertainty over how long-term care of older people should be funded have all given rise to serious public concern. In this short form book, part of the Critical and Radical Debates in Social Work series, Iain Ferguson and Michael Lavalette give an historical overview of adult social care. The roots of the current crisis are located in the under-valuing of older people and adults with disabilities and in the marketisation of social care over the past two decades. The authors critically examine recent developments in social work with adults, including the personalisation agenda, and the prospects for adult social care and social work in a context of seemingly never-ending austerity.

"This is an essential and invaluable read for all those involved/interested in adult social care." Steve Rogowski, social worker (children and families)
"Taking a radical stance has never been more important in social work. This most timely and innovative series of internationally renowned authors makes a significant contribution to advancing a new politics of social work.” Professor Stephen Webb, Chair in Social Work, Glasgow Caledonian University

Iain Ferguson is Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of the West of Scotland. He is a founder member of the Social Work Action Network. Michael Lavalette is Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at Liverpool Hope University, national coordinator of the Social Work Action Network. Iain and Michael are joint editors of the journal Critical and Radical Social Work.