As the profession of social work is being utilized more and more, a larger number of people are choosing to enter the field. Yet in order to embrace the profession and to begin training, one must fully understand the discipline. Thus unlike other introductory books that employ a social problems approach, this book takes a discipline approach to framing the foundations of social work. It also reflects the new NASW Code of Ethics (1996) and the latest changes resulting from recent welfare reform measures. In doing so, the authors' combined experience of over thirty-eight years as social work educators is evident. This book offers a thorough introduction to the profession and discipline of social work. The book's topics include values and ethics, cultural diversity, social justice, social work practice, human behavior, populations at risk, and policy and services. Additionally, the book details the roles of the social worker in the functions of consultation, resource management and education. Social workers, social work educators, and career changers.