This classic textbook provides the clearest and most authoritative introduction available to working in situations characterised not only by risk and change but also by high pressure to deliver successful outcomes. Edited by three of the leading names in Social Work, Robert Adams, Lena Dominelli and Malcolm Payne provide an indispensable guide to successful social work practise. Its coherent and thoughtful coverage of practice situations involving complexity, tension and uncertainty is uniquely geared to the needs of students in the final stages of their qualifying Social Work course, professionals returning to study, or those simply wishing to deepen their professional understanding.