Understanding and Using Theory in Social Work (Transforming Social Work Practice)

Understanding how theory informs social work practice is a key requirement of the social work degree, yet it is an area students find difficult to understand and demonstrate. Written in an accessible style, this book introduces theory as an explanatory framework that is drawn upon by social workers to inform their decision-making process, and helps to 'make sense' of what is going on. The book uses the key skills of critical thinking and reflection to guide the reader in thinking about the formal and informal knowledge sources drawn upon to guide practice and to help evaluate validity.