Includes bibliographical references and index.

Social welfare, past and present -- Social work and other helping professions -- The ecological/systems perspective -- Social work practice with individuals, families, and groups -- Social work practice with agencies and the community -- Poverty, income assistance, and homelessness -- Health care -- Mental health, substance use, and disability -- The needs of children, youth, and families -- Services to children, youth, and families -- Older adults : needs and services -- Criminal justice -- Social work contexts : rural and urban setting and environmentalism -- Social work in the workplace -- The globalization of social work.