An understanding of social policy is vital for engaging practically with social work values, and dealing with political and ethical questions about responsibility, rights and our understanding of 'the good society'. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to social policy, tailored to the needs of a social work audience.

Jonathan Dickens is Professor of Social Work at the University of East Anglia, UK. He is the author of another book in the Routledge Student Social Work series, Social Work, Law and Ethics.

Introduction Part 1: Core Models 1. What is Social Work For? 2. What is Social Policy About? 3. The Role of the State Part 2: Key Issues 4. Needs 5. Poverty 6. Rights 7. Inequality 8. Participation 9. Regulation Part 3: Current Topics 10. Prevention and Personalisation 11. Commissioning and Integration 12. Funding and Spending 13. Conclusion