Theory and Practice in Human Services Book

Relating theory to practice is a long-standing concern in the human services. The first edition of this book helped readers appreciate the complexities of many of the key issues surrounding the integration of theory and practice. This revised and updated edition builds on that success, covering the latest developments in the relationship between theory and practice. The altered title reflects the widened focus of the book which now considers not just social work and social care, nursing and healthcare, but also areas such as probation and community justice, youth and community work, counselling, advocacy and advice work. This book argues a case for making theory relevant to practice and ensuring that practice is informed by theory in an open, non-dogmatic way. It is critical of approaches to theory which create a mystique and barriers to understanding. Equally, approaches to practice which neglect th underpinning knowledge base and values are presented as fundamentally flawed and dangerous. The book offers an integrated approach to theory and practice geared towards improving practice, increasing of satisfaction and promoting an attitude of continuous learning an development. The new edition has been substantially re-worked to make it more accessible to a wide readership. It now contains structural devices to aid learning, a glossary and self test questions. It should be of interest to students and practitioners in social work, nursing and other human services.Read More