Since devolution in 1999, social policy within Scotland has burgeoned. The Scottish Parliament has a range of powers in relation to key policy areas including social work, education, health, law and home affairs, and housing. These powers and the existence of a distinct legal tradition in Scotland means that social work practice has developed a distinctive style, attuned to the particular needs of Scotland. Scottish distinctiveness however, has rarely been properly represented in textbooks on either social policy or social work. This innovative text offers comprehensive coverage of the discipline of social policy and its central relevance to social work, social care and related practice in Scotland. The authors discuss the core themes and issues permeating policy making and policy implementation in Scotland, including need, poverty, inclusion and exclusion, risk, empowerment and advocacy, immigration and welfare rights. They look in detail at those policies which are current within Scotland across fields including health, community care, education, substance abuse and criminal justice.Designed to complement teaching and study associated with the new Honours degree in Social Work (Scottish Executive 2003), this book fills a notable gap in the literature on social policy. It will be of value to students, professionals and academics in social work, social care, nursing and other health related occupations, housing, welfare rights and education.