Book excerpt: This handbook emphasizes culturally sensitive social services for Asian and Pacific Islanders. It integrates conceptual information with concrete, hands-on application of skills. The book is divided into three parts: (1) the nature and scope of social services for Asian and Pacific Islanders (2) Asian and Pacific Islander populations and (3) special issues and problems. The first section establishes a foundation for culturally sensitive practice through an overview of all Asian and Pacific Islander groups. It presents a framework for appropriate intervention with these populations and details the interface of western and eastern psychologies. Section two specifically focuses on seven of the largest Asian and Pacific Islander populations in the United States: the three largest Asian American groups (Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese); the three largest Pacific Islander groups (native Hawaiians, Samoans, and Chamorros); and the newest refugee group (Vietnamese). The contributors provide in-depth information on topics critical to culturally sensitive practice such as history, sociodemographic description, values and behavioral norms, and profiles of social and psychological problems, then discuss appropriate social service intervention. Finally, section three addresses special problems and issues confronting Asian and Pacific Islanders in contemporary society such as family violence, aging, and social literacy. It is projected that in the year 2030, one of every three Americans will be a person of color. It is essential that social and human service educators and providers begin to examine critically those components that constitute culturally sensitive practice for a historically neglected population. This book will be an essential part of that process.