Social work with people with learning difficulties [electronic book] / Paul Williams.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Current practice in the field is driven by the government White Paper ′Valuing People′ (2001), which declared radical aims for services for people with learning difficulties. This fully revised second edition includes key updates on this White Paper and provides an up-to-date evaluation of the progress made towards those aims. Using case studies, activities and further reading to reinforce learning, this book explores an important area of social work practice and examines the varied roles social workers might undertake - including the achievements and satisfaction of working with service users with learning difficulties and challenges.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Acknowledgements (p. vii)
• Introduction (p. ix)
• 1 Who are 'people with learning difficulties'? (p. 1)
• 2 The importance of values: a historical account (p. 17)
• 3 The role of the social worker with people with learning difficulties (p. 36)
• 4 A life-stage perspective on needs (p. 57)
• 5 Assessment, planning and evaluation (p. 76)
• 6 Risk, protection and advocacy (p. 104)
• 7 Empowerment (p. 125)
• Conclusion (p. 145)
• Internet resources (p. 147)
• References (p. 151)
• Index (p. 167)

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Paul Williams has 40 years' experience of working with people with learning difficulties. He was a founder member of the organisation Values into Action, which campaigns on behalf of people with learning difficulties. He was co-author of a book on self-advocacy and has been involved in the development of citizen advocacy in the Uk. From 1991 to 2007 he was a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Reading, where he taught working with people with learning difficulties and anti-oppressive practice. He is now retired.
Professor Jonathan Parker is Head of Social Work and Learning Disability at Bournemouth University and, with colleagues, has developed the Centre of Social Work and Social Care Research. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Joint University Council Social Work Education Committee.
Greta Bradley is a senior lecturer in social work at the University of York. Her academic interests are in community care and workforce studies in social work. Her most recent research is on aspects of sustainable practice in social work. Greta is a former Editor of Practice.