This study aims to contribute to a better knowledge and understanding of the work of social services in the XXI century and offer students and professional tools for decision-making. The book is structured around three key questions:

What ethics for social services? Not enough that every professional take responsibility. An ethic of social services should specify guiding values ​​and the role of people served. Beyond welfarism, a model of participation and empowerment centered on people, that is also able to anticipate the possible circumstances of vulnerability is proposed.

Who are targeted social services? Shedding the stigma of "charity" homeless or marginalized, social services must meet anyone at risk of social exclusion and / or dependence, either because of illness, functional diversity, domestic violence, poverty, supervening or other adversities.

What are the principles that guide decision making and what are the virtues required in social services? a series principles and values ​​that can be useful when deliberating on the best actions and policies to be carried out, and a series of virtues without which it would be difficult reception and support of people by professionals is proposed .