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Neil Moonie et al, Care management series, Heinemann,

ISBN 0435401262, £17.99

STAR RATING 4/5

The interaction between the social worker and service user is explored here, and the empowerment that occurs when diversity is respected, writes Joy Bounds.

The authors examine how people construct their identity and the support the worker can give to this by listening to each individual story, avoiding discriminatory assumptions.

There is extensive, interesting underpinning from narrative theory. I was less sure about the sections on rights, social policy conflicts and ethical dilemmas. But, although thought-provoking and informative, I did wonder whether there weren't two books here.

A "student book" with a relationship to NVQs, the book's complexity is offset by the clear layout, including boxed case studies, pictures and summaries.

Joy Bounds was a social care services manager until 2004