This revised second edition analyses social policy in Scotland since devolution in 1999 and reflects the nascent and distinctively Scottish policy agenda. Along with updated chapters, there are two new inclusions: a chapter analysing post-devolution Scotland and a chapter on the likely impacts of Brexit on and within Scotland.

Part 1: Context 1. What is social policy? 2. A history of social policy 3. Ideology: how theories and ideas influence policy, people, welfare and practice 4. People, policy and practice 5. From devolution to Brexit Part 2: Themes and issues 6. Poverty, austerity and social exclusion 7. Protecting people across the lifespan 8. Care and caring in Scotland: evolution, growth and development 9. Welfare rights 10. Social policy perspectives on empowerment Part 3: Policy for practice 11. Health and health inequalities 12. Mental health 13. Social policy for social work: a gerontological perspective 14. Impairment and disability 15. Children and their families 16. Education and training in Scotland 17. Substance use and social policy in Scotland: the struggle to make sense of things 18. Social policy in the criminal justice system 19. Asylum and immigration 20. Housing and homelessness 21. Conclusions: policy and practice for an uncertain world in uncertain times