This comprehensive introduction looks at the human services profession though the settings where human services work and provides information about social problems within a socio-political context to show how culture and ideology influence people’s perspectives. The foundation of the human services profession is explored by examining educational standards and professional requirements, its roots as a helping profession within the history of social welfare provision, its ethical standards, theoretical underpinnings, and the nature of the generalist practice model. Introduction to Human Services, 5th Edition is updated to include the most current research and information on populations and topics at the forefront of today’s critical issues.