All social work practice is regulated by social policies. Professionals, however, cannot arbitrarily select which policy to follow in any circumstance. Knowing what comprises a given policy is essential, but equally important is understanding how to amend a policy by applying unique skills that reflect the social work profession's shared values and beliefs. Recognizing that a series of interdependent social policies govern every aspect of social work in both nonprofit and public organizations, this practice-specific textbook focuses on influencing social policies in an agency setting or through formal governmental processes. Purposefully, the Handbook also relies on information comes from the digital world; using the web as a primary source builds on the social work profession's long-held belief to "begin where the client is." Using the links to the various data and citation sources, readers will learn to identify and discern the features of a valid web site. As a whole, The Handbook of Policy Practice is an essential resource for all BSW and MSW students.

Ira C. Colby, DSW, MSW, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Houston. Dr. Colby describes his social work career as one of discovery, passion, concern for others, and civic engagement. His political beginnings began as a youngster when he volunteered in a neighbor's campaign for a local city council seat. Over the years, his political work led him to: participate in and lead local, state, and national advocacy efforts and groups; provide testimony to numerous local, state, and national legislative groups; and chair a political campaign. His global-to-local perspective has been enhanced by his travel and international work to more than 25 countries.

PART 1: Context and Framework Introduction to PART 1 Chapter One - Social Policy and Social Work: An Overview Chapter Two - Recognizing the Underpinnings of Social Policy and Social Welfare Policy Chapter Three - Justice Theory and the Social Work Profession: Is This Fair and Just Chapter Four - Critical Thinking: The Key to Policy Practice Chapter Five - Contours of Analysis PART 2: The Making of Social Policies Introduction to PART 2 Chapter Six - Federal Government-Based Policy Development Chapter Seven - State and Local Government-Based Policy Development Chapter Eight - Agency Based Policy Development PART 3: Impacting the Policy Making Process Introduction to PART 3 Chapter Nine - Policy Practice Strategies, Tactics, and Techniques Chapter Ten - Social Media, Info Sheets, and Other Tools for Effective Communication PART 4: Not the End but the Beginning Introduction to PART 4 Chapter Eleven - Glossary of Policy Practice Related Terms Chapter Twelve - Final Thoughts Appendices Appendix 1 - Congressional Caucuses, 115th Congress Appendix 2 - Example of Federal Register Call for Proposed Rules Change Appendix 3 - Social Workers in Congress, 114th Congress and Social Workers in State and Local Offices Appendix 4 - Examples of Op-Eds Written by Social Workers Appendix 5: Op-ed and Letters to the Editor Guidelines, 100 On-line and Print Publications Appendix 6: Example of Policy Issue Brief Index