In this clear and insightful book, best selling author Malcolm Payne analyses the major elements of social care practice, explaining how caring and social work skills and values are crucial to effective social care. Through theory, research evidence and skill development, Payne identifies the varying contexts in which social care takes place, the agencies that provide it and the relationships at its heart. The book explains the key practical social care skills: - How to be receptive to users' and carers' own understanding of their needs - How to develop continuity in service provision - How to use effective interpersonal engagement with users and carers to ensure a positive future for them in which they have as much control over their care as possible - How to work in partnership with colleagues and other agencies With practice and case examples, research boxes, further reading and reflection activities, this book is a stimulating read for social work and community care students and practitioners.