This is the first introductory textbook written for social workers to provide a critical account and discussion of the core knowledge, values, and skills required. Social Work Competences main purpose is to help its readers understand how to carry out the tasks and duties of social work in a reliable and efficient way. A well-respected team of contributors concentrate on three areas: social work with children and families, community care and social work with adults, and crime and probation and social work with offenders. Each area is covered in detail and helps readers to understand and apply some of the core requirements expected in each of these areas for competent practice. Social Work Competences is also unique in offering readers a practical tool to identify and monitor compentences--they are defined by stating the main components and indicators for readers to use as problem-solving devices against which their own understanding and practice of competences can be monitored, measured, amended, transcended, or improved. This up-to-date volume will be essential reading for those either training to become social workers or existing social workers who would like to stay current with the changes required under statutory and professional codes of practice. "In clear jargon-free prose Antony Vass gives a succinct and critical account of the causes of crime, which any student or lecturer will find a boon." --Community Care