Back to the Poverty Police? The title encompasses more than just a question. The authors critically examine developments in various fields of social work within the context of the concept of an 'Activating Welfare State.' Current key terms such as social space orientation, community work, and prevention are questioned regarding how they represent the relationship between assistance and control. The developments occurring in the area of SGB II (Hartz IV) are analyzed from both ideological and legal perspectives. Ultimately, it also addresses the question of what critical social work is today and what objectives such an understanding of practice may include.