Making Links Across Specialisms

This publication sets out to assist practitioners to understand the skills, responsibilities and concerns inherent in a range of specialist areas of social work. With social work in the UK being largely organised into specific domains of practice, the editors stress the value of specialisms while also promoting effective working across boundaries.

Through consideration of the similarities and differences apparent between specialisms, the authors identify ways in which practitioners can make the links across practice areas to improve services.

The book falls into two parts. The first chapters explore general issues relevant across several specialisms, while chapters in the second part relate more directly to specific service user groups. The final chapter will particularly interest social work educators. It examines the matter from an education and training perspective and offers exercises to develop knowledge and skills applicable to inclusive working practices across specialist professional boundaries.

The editors have drawn together knowledge that makes a valuable contribution to debates about promoting best social work practice for working within and across specialisms.

Karin Crawford is senior lecturer in social work, Hull School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln.