Overview

Social Work Policy Practice: Changing Our Community, Nation, and the World, now in its fourth edition, is designed to illuminate the process of policymaking and its significance in the social work profession in a way that resonates with today's students. It offers readers a thorough but accessible introduction to political advocacy and the mechanisms of political processes aimed at promoting social justice. The book is divided into three parts. In Part I, students are guided through the history of social welfare legislation in the United States, including the pivotal contributions of social workers in policy development. Part II methodically unpacks the levels and branches of government, providing a detailed perspective on the policy change process, along with strategies that advocates use to effect change. Part III consists of real-world examples where advocates and organizations have taken action to modify policies for the benefit of various vulnerable populations in sectors such as healthcare, mental health, children and families, aging, immigration, and civil rights. This edition has been robustly updated to reflect the latest with respect to policy issues in child welfare, aging, healthcare, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, mental health, poverty and income inequality, rights for BIPOC, and immigration. Key Updates to This Edition: Reflects the latest regarding policy issues in child welfare, aging, health care, mental health, poverty and income inequality, immigration, and rights for women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and communities of color. Contains fresh material on policies that were enacted during the Biden administration, the continuing political divisions in the U.S., and the 2024 presidential election. Presents new material on disability rights and how advocates with disabilities worked to get the Americans with Disabilities Act passed into law. After reading this book, undergraduate and graduate students in courses such as Social Work Policy Practice, Political Advocacy in Social Work, and Legislative Process for Social Workers will have a thorough understanding of why social work practice includes policy practice, and why this must be one of the tools in our toolbox for creating needed social and political change at the macro level.

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Jessica A. Ritter is a professor of social work at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level social work courses. She is a Fulbright scholar and has authored and coauthored numerous books, book chapters, and articles within the field.

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