Book excerpt: The Foundations of Social Work Practice covers the core content required for foundation practice courses in master's-degree programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Practical and comprehensive and written at a more challenging level than most texts, this book covers all the essentials: knowledge needed for practice, skills for practice with systems of all sizes, the ecosystems perspective, and the use of research. With detailed emphasis on today's best practices, this book integrates concept and theory with skills-building exercises. It is an excellent text for preparing students for real-world experience. Book jacket.