Social workers practice across a wide range of settings with many different people. Some work primarily with individuals, some work with families or groups of people in therapeutic or community contexts, while others focus on community advocacy, community action and social change. In such diverse disciplinary contexts, the notion of theoretically informed practice can seem complicated. Written as a core text, the book captures the critical information students need to feel confident in the application of theory to practice. Integrated case studies from both Australasian and international perspectives illustrate how theory works in practice and how theory facilitates change. Social Work Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive exploration of knowledge in practice, the use of evidence as a basis for practice, and the ways in which theory helps practitioners to understand, make sense of, and respond to complex human needs.