This innovative text offers comprehensive coverage of the discipline of social policy and its central relevance to social work, social care and related practice in Scotland. Designed to complement teaching and study associated with the new Honours degree in Social Work (Scottish Executive 2003), it fills a notable gap in the literature on this subject and will be essential reading for students, professionals and academics within a variety of health and social care occupations. Read more... Cover; Contents; List of figures; List of tables; List of contributors; Foreword; Introduction; Part I Context; 1 What is social policy?; 2 A history of social policy; 3 Ideology: How ideas influence policy and welfare; 4 People, policy and practice; Part II Themes and issues; 5 Poverty and social exclusion; 6 Risk, support and protection; 7 Changing patterns of care; 8 Welfare rights; 9 Social policy perspectives on empowerment; Part III Policy for practice; 10 Health and health inequalities; 11 Mental health; 12 Older people; 13 Disability: A question of perception