Policy Practice for Social Workers: An Ethic of Care Approach

The second edition of Policy Practice for Social Workers expands the concept of policy practice in social work settings and illustrates how significant policy change may be achieved at a local, community, state, and national level. It is divided into two parts: first, readers will expand their understanding of policy practice, its beginnings and development over the course of social welfare history, and the political, economic, and social drivers that affect policy decisions. Second, readers will explore the essential skills and values in policy work, including lobbying, community organizing, mobilizing advocacy publics, coalition building, campaigning, problem analysis, policy analysis, and policy evaluation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The second edition of Policy Practice for Social Workers takes a comprehensive approach to understanding policy practice within social work settings. It expands on the concept of policy practice and showcases how significant policy change can be achieved at local, community, state, and national levels. Guided by an ethic of care framework, this textbook aims to raise readers' awareness about policy practice and its fundamental connection with the aims of the social work profession. It provides a solid foundation for developing essential skills and values in policy work, offering detailed coverage and vivid examples of advocacy techniques such as lobbying, community organizing, mobilizing advocacy publics, coalition building, campaigning, problem analysis, policy analysis, and policy evaluation.

In its comprehensive overview of policy practice and advocacy, the new edition of this text adopts a value-laden perspective to identify and assess unmet needs and promote a more socially just environment for all. By combining these dual aims, Policy Practice for Social Workers serves as an excellent cornerstone of policy and policy work for undergraduate and graduate students in social work.

The first part of the textbook delves into the origins and development of policy practice, exploring the political, economic, and social factors that shape policy decisions and underpin the U.S. political system. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the ethic of care framework and its valuable contribution to the policymaking process. This section also provides an introduction to the essential skills and values required in policy work, including advocacy, lobbying, community organizing, mobilizing advocacy publics, coalition building, campaigning, problem analysis, policy analysis, and policy evaluation.

The second part of the textbook focuses on the practical application of these skills and values. It offers detailed coverage and vivid examples of specific advocacy techniques, providing valuable insights into effective policy advocacy. By examining real-world case studies and scenarios, readers will learn how to identify unmet needs, develop effective strategies, and engage with policymakers to promote social justice and improve the well-being of communities.

Throughout the textbook, a strong emphasis is placed on promoting a value-laden perspective in policy practice and advocacy. It encourages readers to consider the ethical implications of their work and to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of vulnerable populations. The text also highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership building in achieving policy change, emphasizing the need for social workers to work alongside policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, Policy Practice for Social Workers is a comprehensive and engaging textbook that provides a solid foundation for understanding policy practice and advocacy within social work settings. By adopting a value-laden perspective and offering practical insights and examples, this textbook is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and graduate students in social work, as well as practitioners and policymakers seeking to promote social justice and improve the well-being of communities.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138068902
Edition number: 2 ed