ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides the concise policy frameworks and the knowledge and skills to engage in effective policy practice. It explains the term client that refers to the recipient of the direct service or benefit a social worker provides, rather than to the taxpayer or policymaker. The book presents a more detailed account of how social workers can use the strengths perspective to redefine social problems and to devise more effective policies to address these problems. It shows people how to make their voice and their clients' voices heard in the policy arena and how to be innovative in guiding the policy process. The book examine policies, programs, and practice governing social work with different client groups, in order to understand the relationship between social policy and social work practice more clearly.
