Social work with children and families is constantly in the headlines and social workers′ decisions are subject to ever increasing scrutiny at all levels. This aspirational book supports students and newly qualified social workers and suggests practical ways in which they might thrive, rather than just survive, in practice Written at a time when Social Work Reform Board and the Munro Enquiry are charged with looking at issues of effectiveness within children and families social work, the book tackles the different challenges that students and practitioners can be faced with, outlining common pitfalls and how to avoid these. Key topics covered include: - Legislation and policy - Child development - Safeguarding and child protection - Assessment - Communication - Looking after yourself Reflective questions are used throughout the book, ensuring that students critically evaluate their own practice. Case examples and case studies drawn from the authors′ recent practice are included throughout the book to illuminate the realities of contemporary social work with children and families. This text will be essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly as they prepare to go on placement. It will also provide valuable reading for qualified social workers who are interested in fresh and effective approaches to practice.

Keeping children and young people safe is everybody’s responsibility. This requires health, social care and education professionals to make sense of complex family situations that are placing a child or young person at risk of harm. This is no easy feat. The actions we take matter and we need to get this right if we are to truly make things better and improve outcomes for children and young people. Using case studies, reflective questions and checklists for practice, this hands-on guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively and confidently make a difference to the lives of children and young people. This series of books from Learning Matters is aimed at busy social work and health care practitioners, particularly in the context of integrated health and social care, who are looking to enhance their skills and extend their knowledge. Written from a practical point of view, they have clear links to both qualifying training as well as CPD. They are up-to-date, accessible and totally skills focused.

This is the first textbook written in direct response to the Munro review of child protection. It will be valuable reading for students taking courses in social work with families, and also for practitioners across all fields who work on child protection.

Written from a unique interprofessional perspective, this book is an essential introduction to working with children, young people and families. It covers policy, practice and theory, exploring key themes and developments, including: - poverty and disadvantage - ethical practice - child development - education - child protection - children and young people's rights - doing research. The book introduces students to a range of theoretical perspectives, links the key themes to the existing and emerging policy and practice context and supports students in engaging with and evaluating the central debates. With case studies, reflective questions and sources of further reading, this is an ideal text for students taking courses in childhood studies, working with children, young people and families, interprofessional children's services, early years, youth work and social work.

This book focuses on providing information and guidance for professionals involved in the newly emerging multi-agency, interdisciplinary children′s workforce. It does so by helping them to understand the theory behind the issues relating to communication and engagement in multi-agency settings for children and families. The book is of use to both students and those already working in the sector who are undertaking professional development to enhance understanding and skills in the new children′s workforce environment.

This book looks at the changing context of children and young people′s services heralded by the structural, organisational and funding changes put forward in Eileen Munro′s Review of Child Protection. It is strongly grounded in research and theory, and gives specific consideration to how systems theory can help practitioners in understanding families. It highlights the need for every social work practitioner to develop the capacity to undertake unified assessments and interventions in a wide variety of settings with individuals, families, and groups where there are child protection and safeguarding concerns. With case studies, interactive activities, summaries and guidance throughout, this book will be essential reading for all social work students and qualified social work practitioners, as well as all those involved in the field of child protection.

Social work practice with children, young people and families is complex, highly skilled - and fascinating. Writing about social work increasingly acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of practice but rarely features the voice of the social worker themselves. This book takes a different approach, that of Critical Best Practice: a constructive, realistic and strengths-based approach that takes as its starting point the telling and analysing of in depth stories about 'live' practice. The reader is encouraged to join the social work practitioner or manager as they engage with the everyday dilemmas and uncertainties of 21st century practice. Ten narratives, based round the themes of relationships, risk, and negotiation & problem solving provide varied opportunities for critical reflection and learning about social work in different contexts. Insights are offered into social work with children, from young babies to adolescents, and families with differing needs in different parts of the UK: England, Scotland and Wales.

Sixteen British specialists in child welfare provide an overview of successful evidence-based strategies in social care services for children and families. Coverage includes social case services for adopted and looked after children; what works in relation to the social exclusion of children and young people; and interventions and strategies which can reduce morbidity and mortality. For social workers, teachers, youth workers and health care professionals working with vulnerable children. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This interdisciplinary core textbook looks at learning and development from birth to 19 years providing, an accessible introduction to the common areas of study across the many roles supporting learning and development in the young people′s workforce. There is coverage of common themes and issues, and theory is closely integrated with practice throughout. Chapters cover: - physical development - cognitive development - social and emotional development - professionalism - leadership - quality and effectiveness - working with families - safeguarding and promoting well-being - transitions - equality and inclusion Reflection points, workplace activities and professional development planners are all included and these challenge readers and students to critically engage with theory in their own practice. The book focuses on the key areas of knowledge that all those working with children are required to study, and places them firmly in the context of working together to support children and young people. Nadia Edmond is Assistant Head of School (Teaching and Learning/CPD), at the University of Brighton. Mark Price is Principal Lecturer and Foundation and Honours Degree Programme Leader Working with Children and Young People at the University of Brighton.

Carefully researched and highly readable, this textbook explores what enables good and effective practice in local authority field social work delivered to children, young people and their families. The book sets the context for local authority social work practice and then chapter-by-chapter takes the reader carefully through the social work process. Detailed case studies work really well in embedding the legal and theoretical context firmly within the practice challenges of safeguarding children. Overall the book is about social workers effecting change so that children can continue to live successfully with their families and within their communities. Key features include: " Strong links between theory and practice; " Core themes relevant to training and practice- assessment, decision-making, interprofessional collaboration and reflective practice; " Accessible and jargon-free, also includes a useful glossary of relevant legislation; " Learning points and case study exercises in each chapter. Written in a lively and engaging style, students and newly qualified social workers will find this book provides a helpful introduction to children and families local authority social work as it exists today. It will be invaluable for students taking courses in child and family social work and child protection. The book will also appeal to experienced practitioners who want to explore action research or create the space for reflective practice as part of their continuous professional development. It will help other professionals involved in supporting children develop insight into the practice of social workers.