Using a unique multidisciplinary approach, HUMAN SERVICES IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA, 8e offers a complete overview of the helping field, its available programs, and the practical skills workers can employ.

Completely current, the latest edition reflects the latest policy and practice issues, illustrating how recent governmental policy shifts impact the way human services professionals work. The book presents the history and practice of human services through the lens of a social problems and policy perspective. Real-world examples in every chapter highlight material on social policy. In addition, the authors discuss insightful information on selected careers within the field, including required training and licensing.

"This book helps students obtain a balanced view of policy making, direct service work, and the enormity of many social problems. Of particular usefulness is the updated explanation of the current "state of affairs" in human services and techniques in helping others. The chapter on prevention is excellent and produces thought-provoking discussions by the students."

"The text is comprehensive and useful across the curriculum in human and social services programs. Chapters are relevant and provide realistic examples of professional human service workers...I instruct my student majors not to "resale" the book as they can refer to the information throughout the course of undergraduate study, and even beyond in their careers and graduate school. I utilize sections of the text in virtually every variety of human service class I teach from sophomore through senior year. More importantly I have continued using the text because my undergraduate students have responded to it so positively. Student who perform best have mastered the concepts of this text."