Social Work with People with Learning Difficulties

"This book will be an invaluable support for social work and social care professionals seeking to develop their role in ways which promote inclusive and valued lives for people who need to rely on services." Professor Jan Walmsley, Assistant Director, The Health Foundation

Creating better lives with people with learning difficulties, where they are socially included and connected and have opportunities to exercise real choice and control, lies at the heart of this engaging and accessible book. Those studying social work and social care at undergraduate and postgraduate levels will find a wealth of critical debate, illustrative examples, challenging questions for reflection, and pointers to helpful resources, to enable them to better implement key policy and practice ideas of the 21st Century. Its contents should also be of interest to experienced practitioners wanting to review and reflect on their practice.

Julie Ridley, Reader in Applied Social Sciences at the School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire, UK

Prior to retiring, Susan Hunter was a senior lecturer in social work with research and teaching interests in learning difficulties, ageing and adult support and protection (ASP). She is independent vice chair of an ASP committee; Denis Rowley is Project Consultant with Thera Trust Development Team. He was previously Director of Equal Futures. He has worked with people with learning difficulties and their families for over four decades.

1. Introduction:;

Part 1: Context;

2. Key Ideas;

3. Historical and Contemporary Policy Context;

4. Underlying Conceptual Frameworks;

Part 2: Transitional points;

5. Transition to Adulthood;

6. Setting Up A Home;

7. Getting a job: from occupation to employment;

8. Founding families and having children;

9. Growing older;

10. Capacity, Risk and Protection;

11. Supporting people with complex needs;

12. Challenges for Social Work Practitioners;

Part 3: Conclusion;

13. Conclusion.