Social workers have roles that require them to engage with clients and families who may be ′reluctant clients′, ambivalent or resistant towards those seeking to help and protect.

This includes safeguarding roles in relation to children and vulnerable adults, and work to engage with marginalised groups such as young offenders and those with mental health and substance misuse problems.

The text addresses issues in relation to the main client groups, and specific chapters take an overview of issues such as understanding and defusing aggressive behavior and keeping yourself safe from assault.