Understanding how theory informs social work practice is an area that students can find challenging and complex. This book helps students to understand how theory impacts and informs social work practice. Updated with a new introduction by the author, subjects covered include values and ethics, organisational contexts and putting theory into practice. There is a chapter on the relationship between theory and practice in social work which examines notions of empowerment and concepts of social exclusion and the distinctive role of the social work practitioner. Critical thinking exercises are built into the text to aid learning and reflective thinking.

Introduction
Introduction to Understanding Social Work Theory
The Relationship Between Theory and Practice in Social Work
Values and Ethics in Social Work
Social Work and its Organisational Context
Putting Theory into Practice
Conclusion

Juliette Oko is a senior lecturer at the University of Teesside and is the course leader for the social work degree programme. Her research interests include social work theory and practice and reflective practice. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a qualified social worker in the field of adult services and mental health and in children and families social work.