ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the relationship between social workers and the people they work with, and surveys the wide range of circumstances that can bring somebody into the world of social work. It looks at the controversy concerning the terms used to describe the people who use social work services and the ambivalent, sometime hostile, feelings that people have towards social work. The complexities of gender, race and ethnicity are explored in relation to social work. The chapter considers examples of social work dilemmas: making judgements about the right thing to do, finding the relevant knowledge, and knowing how decisions can best be put into practice, particularly when risks are taken. Finally, the chapter reviews what research and experience suggests people want from their contacts with social work.
