Designed to give you a solid introduction to the profession of social work, INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE helps you understand the issues that social workers address every day. Using clear, engaging prose, author Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced overview within a unifying theme of critical thinking that will train you to be more evaluative of key concepts. In addition, studying is made easy with the Book Companion Website, which provides you with opportunities to complete self-assessments as well as pre- and post-tests for each chapter. Thoughtful case studies found throughout the text show you what social-work practice looks like in different contexts and with different populations.