Social Work and Social Welfare: A Practical Guide for Future Practitioners helps students become familiar with the field of social work and assess their genuine interest in becoming a social work professional.

Students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a social worker through readings exploring the field. The workbook exercises take learning a step further by giving students a feel for what social workers do on the job and helping them judge what practice area they might want to work in.

The book includes theoretical perspectives for social workers, an assessment of at-risk populations, and a historical perspective on social welfare policy. Students also explore social work specialties such as family and children's services, mental health and health care, substance abuse services, and social work in the criminal justice system. Chapters include interest-building questions and target social work language.

Well-suited to introductory social work courses, Social Work and Social Welfare gives students the opportunity to complete hands-on social work exercises that help them rehearse and practice the core skills needed to succeed in the social work profession.

Kenneth M. Larimore holds a Ph.D. in social work and community services. He is an assistant professor and program coordinator in the Department of Social Work at Ohio University, Chillicothe. Dr. Larimore is also a licensed independent social worker.

Mary Brown holds a master's degree in social work from Ohio University and is a licensed social worker in the medical profession. She has an extensive knowledge of policies in the area of social work regarding drug addiction and insurance benefits and restrictions.