Book excerpt: "As social work advanced into the new millennium, new knowledge and skills will be required. The pace of change will continue to accelerate. The principles and skills that you learn as a social work student will serve you in the future as a social work practitioner. This textbook is a valuable part of the learning process ; it will help you to acquire skills and knowledge you will need in an ever-changing global society. Your text will also help you to connect with the latest research and debates in the field...This text can serve as a building block of your professional library as you enter into the practice of social work" -- Back cover.