Social work has laboured too long under a 'deficit' model that focuses on failings and problems of practice. Emphasising best practice, strengths and collaborative partnership this ambitious book seeks to redress the balance. Undergraduate and post-qualifying social work students alike will find it a useful resource.

Introduction: Best Practice in Social Work: A Critical Perspective; K.Jones, B.Cooper & H.FergusonPART I: CRITICAL BEST PRACTICE: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES The Theory and Practice of Critical Best Practice in Social Work; H.FergusonBeyond Anti-Oppressive Practice in Social Work: Best Practice and the Ethical Use of Power in Adult Care; A.GardenerSituating Person and Place: Best Practice in Dementia Care; K.Jones with I.PowellEmotional Engagement in Social Work: Best Practice and Relationships in Mental Health Work; C.KeepingConstructive First Engagement: Best Practice in Social Work Interviewing Keeping the Child in Mind; B.CooperPART II: CRITICAL BEST PRACTICE: INTERVENTIONS AND INTERACTIONSBest Practice in Social Work Interviewing: Processes of Negotiation and Assessment; B.Cooper Best Practice in Child Protection: Preventing and Healing Child Abuse; S.Leigh & A.Farmer Best Practice in Child Protection and Family Support: Promoting Child Safety and Democratic Families H.Ferguson Best Practice in Child Advocacy: Matty's Story; J.Dalrymple & H.Horan Best Practice in Adult Protection: Safety, Choice and Inclusion; K.Jones & K.Spreadbury Best Practice with People with Learning Difficulties: Being Seen and Heard; J.Coles & P.Connors Best Practice in Emergency Mental Health Social Work: On Using Good Judgement; J.O'GaraPART III: CRITICAL BEST PRACTICE: PRACTICE SETTINGS AND CULTURES Partnership Working as Best Practice: Working Across Boundaries in Health and Social Care; P.Taylor, K.Jones with D.Gorman Promoting Best Practice Through Supervision, Support and Communities of Practice; J.Thomas & K.Spreadbury Best Practice as Skilled Organisational Work; B.Senior with E.Loades Concluding Reflections on the Nature and Future of Critical Best Practice; K.Jones, B.Cooper & H.Ferguson.