Despite current population movement towards urban areas, rural people remain a significant yet under-served population. These communities share a rich and distinctive culture, but also face specific problems including higher rates of poverty, increased rates of obesity, and decreased access to health coverage and social services. Rural Social Work in the 21st Century, Second Edition provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and issues central to the practice of social work in small towns and rural communities. The updated second edition features a new chapter on social, economic, and environmental justice. An expanded history chapter presents new information on the use of poor farms to serve dependent rural people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Later chapters discuss rural social services, a model for rural social work practice, and ethical practice. The final chapters focus on the practice of rural social work and challenges for the future.