Now in its fourth edition, completely revised and updated, this book continues to offer in-depth coverage spanning both conceptual debates about empowerment and a range of practice issues. The text provides social workers with a clear framework for critical and empowering practice with service users and carers. The author offers an account of the development of empowerment and participation in practice, considering all dimensions, from work with individuals and groupwork, through to organisational, community and political aspects.

The clarity and accessibility, as well as new examples reflecting varied global contexts and material on empowering children and adults, make it an essential resource at all levels of study.

New to this Edition:
- Strong emphasis on the needs of service users and a clear focus on how social workers may encourage service user and carer prticipation
- Internationally diverse case studies and practice examples, reflecting global concerns as well as the changing service and practice terrains in the UK
- New and extended material on empowering children and adults

ROBERT ADAMS is Visiting Professor of Social Work, University of Teesside, UK. He has worked in social work and criminal justice settings and is the author of a number of books, including Social Policy for Social Work and Quality Social Work. He is also co-editor of the best-selling trilogy, Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates 2e, Critical Practice in Social Work and Social Work Futures.
ROBERT ADAMS is Visiting Professor of Social Work, University of Teesside, UK. He has worked in social work and criminal justice settings and is the author of a number of books, including Social Policy for Social Work and Quality Social Work. He is also co-editor of the best-selling trilogy, Social Work: Themes, Issues and Critical Debates 2e, Critical Practice in Social Work and Social Work Futures.