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The Social Work Experience: A Case-Based Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, 8th edition

Published by Pearson (May 4, 2023) © 2024

  • Mary Ann Suppes
  • Carolyn Cressy Wells
  • Melinda Lee Kiltz Mount Mary University

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For introduction to social work courses.

Authentic cases illustrate social work practice

The Social Work Experience is a case-based, contemporary introduction to the social work profession. In-depth coverage explores 8 major fields of practice and the latest ethical and professional standards. Social welfare policies are presented in historical perspective, along with discussion of current issues and probable future trends. Authentic, current cases help students identify with the real people and real issues of social work.

The 8th Edition incorporates professional social work values and ethics into the new in-chapter case studies and contents of every chapter.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Chapter-opening case studies introduce a wide variety of real-world situations and portray diverse populations in both client and social worker roles.
  • Critical-thinking questions in each chapter challenge readers to consider the meaning and complexity of social work's values as they guide ethical practice.
  • Up for Debate boxes challenge students' current understanding of controversial issues and present opposing views on various social work topics.
  • Social work professional values and ethics; issues of human diversity, equity, and inclusion; environmental justice; social policy; and descriptions of 8 fields of generalist social work practice are woven throughout each chapter.

New and updated features of this title

  • NEW: Short case studies in each chapter, in addition to the chapter-opening cases, illustrate special issues and concerns in contemporary social work practice.
  • NEW: The NASW 2021 Code of Ethics informs the professional social work values and 6 ethical standards that are woven into the content of every chapter.
  • NEW: Potential practice settings for BSWs as well as MSWs are identified. The generalist professional practice competences of the Council on Social Work Education's 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards are reflected, including the 9 recently revised competencies.
  • NEW: Effects of contemporary social problems and concerns on social work practice, such as complications of COVID-19, are discussed in every chapter.
  • UPDATED: Basic, unbiased, coverage of the political spectrum in the United States provides a foundation for understanding how social workers can use the NASW Code of Ethics and social work values to challenge social injustice and promote economic and political action to meet human needs.

The LMS-Compatible Assessment Bank streamlines assignments and grading

  • Quizzes, application exercises, and chapter tests are included in an LMS-compatible packaged file. Questions give students feedback and model responses based on their answers.

Features of Pearson+ eTextbook for the 8th Edition

  • Video Examples, including authentic client/helper interactions and interviews with experts in the field, expand on principles or concepts in each chapter, helping put the reading into context.
  • The Interactive Glossary lets students quickly build their professional vocabulary as they read.
  1. The Social Work Profession
  2. Social Justice, Poverty, and Diversity: The Intersectionality of Multiple Factors
  3. Social Welfare Policy: Historical Perspectives
  4. Family and Children's Services
  5. Social Work in Mental Health
  6. Social Work in Health Care
  7. Social Work in the Schools
  8. Social Work with Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
  9. Social Work with Older Adults
  10. Social Work in the Justice System
  11. Developmental Disabilities and Social Work
  12. The Social Work Profession Looks to the Future
    13.  

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