This new contemporary introduction to social work is designed to help beginning students understand the role and function of social workers within the context of a range of social service practice settingsNchild welfare, adolescence, older adults, mental health, homelessness, health care and hospice, school social work, religion and spirituality, violence and victim advocacy, and international social work. Students learn to recognize a range of social problems impacting people within society, particularly members of at-risk and disenfranchised populations; understand key psychosocial and clinical issues impacting a range of populations within various theoretical frameworks; and apply key intervention strategies to case studies involving frequently encountered social problems and psychosocial issues. The text is consistent with the current CSWE EPAS, emphasizes ethical practice by infusing the NASW Code of Ethics throughout; integrates the use of technology in margin notes and pop up assessments in the Pearson eText; explores the role of religion and spirituality in the helping process; and examines social policy and legislation through a comprehensive history of related federal policy and legislation.