Provides students and practitioners with a clear overview of the complex issues they face and a map of the theory they need to draw on in order to conduct thorough, effective and meaningful assessments Explores the complexity of the assessment task and the essential theory professionals need to conduct meaningful and effective assessments Generic applied framework, suitable for all social work degrees, with sufficient depth for postgraduate as well as undergraduate qualifying course markets Helps students connect theory to practice using an attractive 'maps' metaphor for the different theoretical frameworks Material linked to cover Professional Capabilities Framework, Standards of Proficiency as set out by HCPC, and latest policy developments Theoretical coverage extended to include Brofenbrenner and ecological/systems theory in a new chapter, with narrative and solutions focused approaches combined in a new chapter on strengths based approaches Greater consistency achieved for the book's pedagogical infrastructure, so that students are easily identify the discussion they need and are given plenty of support in integrating different ideas effectively new_to_this_edition Updated and revised chapter on Signs of Safety/Strengths in light of recent research and guidance Coverage of recording and sharing information included throughout the text Added coverage of confidentiality and inter-agency working Updated material in light of the Mental Capacity Act More material on Cultural differences throughout Updated legislation and professional guidance throughout Refreshed and updated examples thought-out the text A more detailed outline of the different national perspectives within the UK.