Strengths-Based Practice in Adult Social Work and Social Care

Drawing on the expertise of researchers, educators, practitioners, and those with lived experience of accessing social work and social care services, this book presents both an objective and practice relevant overview of strengths-based practice in the UK and international examples of strengths-based practice being applied in other contexts.


The potential benefits for individuals, families, and communities of social work adopting a strengths-based approach in adult social work and social care are widely recognised across the four nations of the UK. Despite this, there remains much uncertainty about what good strengths-based approaches are, and how they can be practically supported in practice, policy, and research. Presenting a contemporary picture of how strengths-based practice is understood within a UK social work and social care context within each of the home nations, this book draws on the latest research and practice knowledge to discuss and critique the impacts and implementation of the main strength-based models. Drawing on learning from other countries and practice within children’s services, it also reflects on the theoretical thinking which underpins strengths perspectives and identifies future challenges and opportunities within adult social work and social care in the UK.

It will be of interest to all scholars, students, and practitioners of social work and social care across all four nations of the UK, and those from other countries who are interested in international learning.