This third edition of the bestselling Social Policy builds on the strengths of the highly respected first and second editions to offer a broad introduction to current developments in social policy and welfare. Comprehensive, readable and thought-provoking, this is the standard introductory book on social policy in the UK. It provides a framework for exploring key questions such as : What are social policies? How are social policies created and implemented? Why do certain policies exist? This revised edition has been expanded and thoroughly updated to reflect the latest developments in the fields of social policy and welfare. It includes : A new chapter on criminal justice Revised chapters on education, community and social care, and health An updated and expanded glossary of key terms and annotated further reading including websites Social Policy is essential reading for students beginning or building on their study of social policy or welfare. The book is also suitable as a reference resource for practitioners and professional policy makers in fields including health, medicine and nursing, housing, social work and counselling, education, law and criminology.