Social work theory and practice is evolving, and, this edited collection explains both what the latest developments are and how to use them in practice.

Exploring the challenges currently being faced within social work, it shows new ways social workers can conceptualise and respond to these issues. It covers emerging theory relating to work with families, children and young people, refugees, older people, indigenous practice and more, while explaining different models that can be used. It explores interventions in different contexts including community development, mental health settings, partnerships with disabled people, work with Pacific communities, cross-cultural practice and the elements of evidence-informed and ethical practice.

This book makes an important contribution to reconceptualising the theoretical basis for social work. It does so in a respectful, relational manner that builds on the best approaches from the past combined with those from the present, encompassing marginal as well as mainstream voices and in so doing furthers the cause of social justice at the heart of social work. -- Gillian Ruch, Professor of Social Work, University of Sussex, UK
Social workers will need to be open to the unexpected, to making the most of unanticipated opportunities, and to dare to dream. In that context, this book, bringing together newly emerging forms of understanding and practice, represents an excellent place to start. -- From the foreword by Jim Ife, Professor of Social Work, Western Sydney University

Robyn Munford is Professor of Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, and is the Director of the Practice Research and Professional Development Hub in the School of Social Work.
Kieran O'Donoghue is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.