Book excerpt: Based on the experiences of social work practitioners, this book provides a detailed account of contemporary practice issues that can influence social work with adults. Written by different authors, each chapter covers a range of topical debates from the assessment of needs, rights and risk in learning disability services, to direct payments and the implementation of individual budgets. This book is a useful resource for social work students completing the Consolidation and Preparation for Specialist Practice (CPSP) programmes and those embarking on the Post-Qualifying Specialist Award in Social Work with Adults.