An Introduction to Family Social Work celebrates social work's proud history as the first professional group to work with families. The #1 bestselling book on the market for family practice, this book is written for BSW and MSW students who are employed in agencies that do not offer traditional office-based family therapy. Many beginning and community-based social workers are employed in agencies that provide support, teaching, and concrete services to families experiencing a wide spectrum of needs and problems. These services are provided in the community and client's home, not in the office. Such settings include child welfare, women's shelters, family support, mental health, schools, and prisons.

An Introduction to Family Social Work provides an overview of initial work with families and multiple generations from a generalist perspective. This book draws from the rich theoretical base of family therapy literature and translates working with families into practical, hands-on, social work practice. It also incorporates a family-in-environment approach, so that social workers can tap into social environmental resources as needed.

Donald Collins' profile page

Catheleen Jordan's profile page

Heather Coleman's profile page

Tara Collins' profile page

David Cory's profile page

Donald Collins is Professor Emeritus of Social Work at University of Calgary.

Catheleen Jordan is Professor Emerita of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Heather Coleman is Professor Emerita of Social Work at University of Calgary.

Tara Collins is an instructor of social work at University of Calgary.

David Cory is a licensed clinical social worker, former instructor of social work, and former president of the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards, Inc.

"Strengths and diversity woven through text [...] Examples and case situations, questions for students to ponder! [...] Great text to introduce students and other professionals to generalist approach and understanding of families! A house starts with foundation and this text is a start to empower the reader to build a home!" - Leanne Murray, Professor of Community Services at Sault College

"I am eagerly awaiting the new edition. I have looked at other texts and keep coming back to this one. [...] I really like this text. It is the foundation of the course. I look forward to the new edition. I have essentially everything I need in one text. […] The only limitation is being somewhat out of date. […] Complete, easy to read, practical, related to our undergraduate students. [...] I am ready to adopt for this summer!" - Jeanette Hoover, Clinical Instructor of Social Work at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

"Sources need to be updated throughout. [...] Add the content for the 5th edition as proposed. Everything that the authors propose are important and should be included in the next edition which will make the textbook more relatable and engaging to social work students. I wish the 5th edition was published already with the proposed changes so that I could use it the next term when I teach the course, Social Work with Families. The textbook provides the solid foundational knowledge, skills and values that students need to learn about when practicing as a family social worker. I look forward to the day I can adopt the 5th edition textbook!" - Kathryn Bonach, BSW Program Director at Carlow University

"A major strength of this book is the integration of family diversity throughout the text which provides students with the opportunity to see inclusion in action and not the 'othering' of diversity when it is isolated to a 'special topic' chapter. This is a very strong introductory text to family social work."--Abigale Sprakes, Lakehead University

"Practical and applicable to entry-level education and professional settings, the text is appropriate for any entry-level human service professional. Content is relevant, practical, and reflective of 'real world' practice experiences."--Misti Silver, Mayland Community College