Drawing together theory and practice, this comprehensive resource presents guidelines for good practice in community care work. The contributors describe the planning and implementation of pioneering initiatives in the community, analyse their effectiveness and outline their practical implications in the light of the current legislative framework.

The collaborative action-research projects with community care teams can be used as case studies for students and post-qualifying social workers and as a practice resource for more experienced professionals. They include a local rehabilitation scheme developed jointly by the social and health services, the implementation and development of a race equality strategy in partnership with ethnic minority communities, and a scheme for linking individual social workers to general practice clinics. Key concepts such as risk-taking, guardianship and empowerment are examined, and the contributors highlight the central importance of partnership and participation in community care practice.

Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. Changing Community Care. Vicky White, University of Warwick and John Harris, University of Warwick. 2. Improving the Quality of Written Assessments: A Participative Approach. Ann Morrison, Warwickshire Social Services. 3. Progressing Race Equality: Dynamics of Partnership. Mehrunnisa Lalani, Derby City Council, and Jon Whiting, Warwickshire Social Services. 4. Working with Health: From Collaboration to Partnership. Carol Roy and Eileen Watts, Warwickshire Social Services. 5. Working with Health: Partnership in Community Setting. Barbara Walters, Warwickshire Social Services. 6. Empowerment as a Participative Process. Linda Fleming, Warwickshire Social Services and Carole McSparran, Warwickshire Social Services. 7. Partnership in Prevention: Messages from Older People. Denise Tanner, Coventry University. 8. Guardianship: A Participative Approach. Nicolette Barry, Birmingham Social Services. 9. Multi-disciplinary Partnership in a Community Mental Health Team. Jez Millen, Warwickshire Social Services and Lesley Wallman-Durrant, North Warwickshire NHS Trust. 10. Developing Good Practice: Prospects and Possibilities. Chris Hallett, Warwickshire Social Services. Appendices. References. The Contributors. Subject Index. Author Index.