• Explores definitions of advocacy, discusses what it can achieve and explains the different uses of advocacy in social work. • Covers the necessary knowledge, skills and values that social workers need in order to advocate effectively in their own practice. • Discusses critically what independent advocacy is and explains why it has become an integral part of contemporary social work. Examples are provided of where independent advocacy plays an important role in different areas of social work. • Explains what'social workers need to know about working effectively with different types of advocates. • Encourages critical reflection on the relationship between social work and independent advocacy and flags debates and issues relating to the use of advocacy in social work. Aimed at social work students and social work professionals, this book provides an excellent introduction into a topic which is highly relevant to social work, using case-studies and activities to aid understanding.