Review: Essentials of Social Work Policy Practice (2007)

Essentials of Social Work Policy Practice (2007), by Cynthia J. Rocha, provides a concise overview of policy practice methods and tactics that social workers need to know in order to advocate for policy changes within an organization and different government levels.  Social workers must understand social problems and the ways in which education and social welfare policies are established to address these social problems. Rocha is currently the Associate Dean and Profession of Social Work at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is an expert on social welfare policy, evaluation research, and political social work.

As part of the Essentials of Social Work Practice series, this book is a practical resource that includes step-by-step guidelines for putting a plan into action and working efficiently within a system. Techniques are presented for handling a number of related topics, including effective interpersonal communication and participation, utilizing technology and the media in policy practice, creating change within organizations, and many more. Each chapter features key concepts, case examples, extensive illustrative material, and vignettes that promote critical thinking around planning and policy development.  

This is a skill-based book written for social work students in policy practice classes and is an easy reference guide for social work practitioners. Topics are organized for an easy understanding of the essential material related to a particular practice area. Chapters 3 through 6 provide step-by-step instructions on skills that can be used across organizations and policy levels. Chapters 7 through 10 provide specific strategies for working with the community, in organizations, and at the legislative, bureaucratic, and judicial levels of government.