Child welfare and youth services Books

Book SynopsisThis clear and practical workbook shows the importance of encouraging resilience in pre-school children who live in challenging circumstances. Focusing on assessment of need, Brigid Daniel and Sally Wassell show how to evaluate resilience using checklists and background information.They explain that children in their early years gain resilience from a range of experiences, including attachment relationships, opportunities to develop self-esteem and learning to understand others and behaving in a positive way towards them. With this in mind, they set out ways of encouraging pro-social behaviour in young children: involving them in the process of evaluation, giving support to the parent or carer of the child, and using activities to nurture the child's `theory of mind'. Including guidance on ongoing monitoring and supported by case studies from practice, this book is an essential guide to nurturing resilience for all those who work with young children and their families.The workbook stands alone but also forms part of a set along with two other resilience resources on The School Years and Adolescence. The complete set can be bought together at a reduced price.Trade ReviewThe workbooks are easy to read and use the same format in each volume. They explain resilience theory and encourage practitioners to place intervention and assessment within ecological framework. This entails considering what resources might be available to the child at each of three levels: child, family relations and wider community... The workbooks would be invaluable to parents/carers/foster families and those practitioners who have little child development knowledge. For students and occupational therapists who are new to working with children, they would be a very useful adjunct to learning, to the advanced practitioner they would be a refreshing revisit to child development in relation to occupational lifestyle. -- Napot Journal(Review for the 3 Volume Set)'These three workbooks are a welcome and important addition to the tools available to childcare social workers, foster carers, residential workers and others involved in assessment and direct work with children and young people. Each book stands alone and could be used to inform and illuminate work with a particular child. Taken as a set they are a rich and lasting resource.' -- Adoption & FosteringTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. Introduction to Resilience. 2. When and How to use Workbook. 3. Secure Base. 4. Education. 5. Friendships. 6. Talents and Interests. 7. Positive Values. 8. Social Competencies. 9. Intervention. 10. Case Studies. Appendix. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisHelping practitioners in their work with vulnerable children of a school-going age, this workbook explores ways of nurturing resilience in different aspects of everyday life. Focusing on specific areas such as home life, talents and interests, friendships and social competencies, the authors show how to make thorough assessments and intervene in constructive ways.They discuss nurturing factors relevant to children across the school years age range, such as moral reasoning and empathy, awareness of other people's intentions and the ability to see situations from different perspectives. The authors describe techniques for drawing out such positive behaviour in discussion and observation, through stories, questions and activities. With a strong emphasis on application and encouragement, this workbook is ideal for the busy social or family worker who wants practical guidance on evaluation, intervention and ongoing support.This workbook stands alone but also forms part of a set along with two other resilience resources on The Early Years and Adolescence.Trade Review(Review for the 3 Volume Set)'Designed to be used by practitioners in their work with complex people and their families and carers, these excellent workbooks provide some of the best materials I have seen for experienced and not so experienced practitioners. They should be on the shelves of every department working with vulnerable young people.' -- RostrumThe workbooks are easy to read and use the same format in each volume. They explain resilience theory and encourage practitioners to place intervention and assessment within ecological framework. This entails considering what resources might be available to the child at each of three levels: child, family relations and wider community... The workbooks would be invaluable to parents/carers/foster families and those practitioners who have little child development knowledge. For students and occupational therapists who are new to working with children, they would be a very useful adjunct to learning, to the advanced practitioner they would be a refreshing revisit to child development in relation to occupational lifestyle. -- Napot JournalThese three workbooks are a welcome and important addition to the tools available to childcare social workers, foster carers, residential workers and others involved in assessment and direct work with children and young people. Each book stands alone and could be used to inform and illuminate work with a particular child. Taken as a set they are a rich and lasting resource. -- Adoption & FosteringTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. Introduction to Resilience. 2. When and How to use Workbook. 3. Secure Base. 4. Education. 5. Friendships. 6. Talents and Interests. 7. Positive Values. 8. Social Competencies. 9. Intervention. 10. Case Studies. Appendix. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis practical resource for work with vulnerable adolescents shows ways of promoting resilience and encouraging pro-social behaviour. Discussing concerns associated with adolescence such as peer pressure and moral responsibility and family and peer relationships, the authors suggest ways for practitioners to engage with and support young people who may have social or family problems.Focusing on different areas in which resilience can be cultivated, this practical guide offers an applied perspective on procedures of need assessment and intervention. Grounded in theory and developed through work within real cases, it offers guidance for continuing support and will be an invaluable source of encouragement and instruction for social workers working with young people in troubled circumstances.Trade Review(Review for the 3 Volume Set)'The workbooks are easy to read and use the same format in each volume. They explain resilience theory and encourage practitioners to place intervention and assessment within ecological framework. This entails considering what resources might be available to the child at each of three levels: child, family relations and wider community... The workbooks would be invaluable to parents/carers/foster families and those practitioners who have little child development knowledge. For students and occupational therapists who are new to working with children, they would be a very useful adjunct to learning, to the advanced practitioner they would be a refreshing revisit to child development in relation to occupational lifestyle.' -- Napot JournalThese three workbooks are a welcome and important addition to the tools available to childcare social workers, foster carers, residential workers and others involved in assessment and direct work with children and young people. Each book stands alone and could be used to inform and illuminate work with a particular child. Taken as a set they are a rich and lasting resource. -- Adoption & Fostering.This is a very easy to read and understand book. The assessment section sets out the theory behind an area that resilience can be fostered, i.e. social competence or education, in an easily understandable way and then provides a framework for assessing resilience in that area through questions and practical methods. All is done within Brofenbrenner's ecological framework, which gives a good sociological context to the work. Interventions are given as practical examples and principles of the work. -- Youthwork magazineIt forms an accessible workbook for those working with young people in difficult family and personal circumstances. -- Young People Now magazineTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. Introduction to Resilience. 2. When and How to use Workbook. 3. Secure Base. 4. Education. 5. Friendships. 6. Talents and Interests. 7. Positive Values. 8. Social Competencies. 9. Intervention. 10. Case Studies. Appendix. Bibliography. Index

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Book SynopsisWith a unique focus on the effects of poverty on parenting in Britain, this book explores what professionals and policy makers can do to support families living in poverty.The authors examine community-level poverty and its relationship to family and individual problems such as low income, poor mental health and child behavioural difficulties. Using data from the first nationally representative survey of parents living in especially poor circumstances, they assess the wider help parents receive, both through formal support services and through informal networks of family and friends. Drawing on a study of 1750 parents by the Policy Research Bureau for Department of Health, this book shows what service-users think of the resources available to them and how policy and practice in family support services could be improved.Trade ReviewThe authors have made great efforts to bring the data to life by presenting the views of the family in a readable format whilst still providing the necessary statistical analysis. Direct quotes are used frequently which provide a pleasant contrast from the tables and figures... This in-depth book would be of use to occupational therapy practitioners who are investigating the issues which affect the uptake of their service in poor environments for two main reasons. Firstly, it provides a useful insight into the perceptions of parents about formal and semi-formal support; secondly, it suggests some new ways of tackling active participation and engagement from families who do not take up an occupational therapy service even though the need has been identified. -- Napot JournalThis is a welcome and timely work, given the continued interest in social capital, and offers a UK perspective on the role of both community ecology and statutory services in the task of child-rearing. -- Social Policy Vol. 33/2The strengths of this book lie both in its structure and in the quality of the quantitative data. The introduction sets out the aims of the study and clearly guides the reader to the content of each chapter. The book is divided into five parts, each with an introduction to the main theme and the issues discussed. The survey design appears rigorous and well constructed, with extensive appendices explaining sampling process, data collection and data analysis. The section dealing with issues of coping was of particular interest for two reasons. First, the authors critically engage with the concept of `coping', acknowledging the lack of a clear, and at times partial, definition. They point out that in relation to child welfare the concept tends to focus on outcomes, i.e. the inability, or ability, to cope. An important part of this study is to broaden the concept to understand the process of coping, by exploring both outcomes and strategies parents use to adapt to stress. Second, suggesting that many parents do cope in difficult circumstances raises a political question: why should governments intervene if parents are able to deal with the stresses they encounter? The authors do not lose sight of potential for misuse of their findings, concluding that "material poverty underpinned so many other risk factors in this study" (p.237). -- Child & Family Social WorkThis volume reports crucial findings from the Department of Health's children's research initiative which document how poverty and "stressors" undermine parents' capacity to parent. This is a valuable book for practitioners in Sure Start, child day care, residential work and social work with children. -- Community CareParenting in Poor Environments reports on a research study with parents that are living in objectively "poor environments"... The nature of the study means that the book has a large volume of quantitative data to convey, however it manages to do so in a digestible way which is aided by a style of writing that re-iterates key messages throughout. -- Journal of Social Welfare and Family LawPolicy-makers and practitioners seeking to focus on the ecology of parenting will find much in this well-written study to inform their knowledge base and daily work. -- Research and Policy UpdatesTable of ContentsPart 1: Introduction and Background. 1. Introduction. 2. Methodology and demographic characteristics of the sample. Part 2: Parents under stress. 3. Stress factors at the individual level. 4. Stress factors at the family level 5. Stress factors at the community and neighbourhood level. Part 3: Social support to parents in poor environments. 6. Informal support. 7. Semi-formal support. 8. Formal support. 9. Support deficits in poor environments. Part 4: Risk, support and coping. 10. Coping and not coping. 11. Coping strategies. 12. Social support and coping: Does support make a difference? Part 5: Summary of key Findings, implications and messages for policy and practice. 13. Patterns of need and support: Priority groups for policy and practice attention. 14. What do parents want from support? Messages for policy and practice. Appendices. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisBased on a qualitative study of child protection practices this book takes a detailed look at what professionals actually 'do', contrasting the relatively straightforward process illustrated in procedural guidance with the uncertainty of the 'real world' of child protection work. Having observed case discussions and child protection conferences and interviewed professionals involved in child protection work, Helen Buckley sets out to clarify the factors that influence decision making in this field.Exploring the practice frameworks and sense-making techniques employed by child care professionals she demonstrates the importance of the cultural, political and organisational context in which the work is carried out. The processing of reported child protection concerns is followed from the earliest stages of identification to assessment, conferencing and long-term monitoring. In addition, data from interviews with parents who have been involved in child protection investigations provides a vitally important perspective for professionals.Emphasising that practice is a dynamic process requiring constant reflection and review, this book looks beyond procedural guidelines to help professionals, academics and policy makers involved with child assessment and protection to gain a deeper understanding of their work.Trade ReviewBuckley's argument is convincingly and cleverly made. It is the sort of analysis that, had it been available at the time, would have shed more light on why child protection professionals in the Victorian Climbié case failed to respond to her safeguarding needs... This book should be required reading for anyone undertaking a child abuse inquiry or serious review. -- Journal of Social WorkBuckley's account of the operation of the child protection process in one health board at a time of "unprecedented development" in the Irish child welfare system provides a unique and fascinating insight into the realities of practice. The meticulous nature of the research presented and the clarity of analysis does constitute a thought provoking and useful text that will assist practitioners, theorists and others interested in understanding the challenges for social workers involved in child protection and the influences on their practice. -- Child Care in PracticeIn this book the author seeks to make visible the professional practices of statutory social workers involved in the child protection process. By finding out more about what happens at the early stages of the processing of concerns about children - the referral stage and beyond- she argues we can understand more about the complexities and uncertainties of child protection work... This book is therefore of great interest to anyone involved in researching social work child protection or child welfare practice in the twenty first century. It will also be a valuable resource for anyone teaching social work practitioners, either as trainee social workers or in post- qualifying courses, as it encourages critical reflection based on the actual work of child protection as acted out by the workers themselves. Social work practitioners themselves will be able to use some of these case studies to help them understand the nature of their own work and the difficulties they daily face'. -- Journal of Practice TeachingThis is a book that deserves to be widely read by practitioners involved in child protection work... Throughout, the author examines in detail the dynamic processes of child protection work, providing the reader with important insights that extend far beyond the "official discourse" of policy and practice. In this way the book makes a major contribution to our understanding of professional practices in this area and gives a critical perspective on the current child protection system. -- Community PractitionerVery helpful references to further research. -- ROSTRUM (Scottish Quarterly Bulletin)This is a frank, no-punches-pulled description and discussion on the child protection system in the Republic of Ireland during the 1990's... It is a thoughtful book, relevant to UK practice too. -- Community CareTable of Contents1. Child Protection: The Social Regulation of Parenting. 2. `Constructing' Child Abuse. 3. Making Sense of Evidence: Assessment of Child Protection Concerns. 4. The Child Protection Conference. 5. The Evolution of Case `Careers': Medium to Long Term Child Protection Work. 6. The Parents' Perspectives 7. Concluding Analysis. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on a three-year multidisciplinary study of children of divorced parents, the authors, leading academics in their fields, present a much-needed guide to understanding the experience of children who are experiencing parental separation. This book provides an in-depth account of how children are actively involved in the process of divorce and how they shape that experience. The topics discussed include how children find out that their parents are separating; how children tell other people about what is happening to them and their family; how parent-child relationships change after separation and ways in which children adapt and cope during and immediately after their parents' divorce.The authors show what children want and need to know as the process of divorce unfolds and how professionals can respond appropriately to help them to understand and adjust to their changing circumstances. Divorcing Children addresses the weaknesses of current legislation in family justice and suggests ways of improving the skills and knowledge of all professionals who work with children during this difficult period in children's lives.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent book that should be read not only by all professionals dealing with children but also by parents and wider family. The quotations from the young people powerfully describe the situation in which they, through no fault of their own, find themselves. -- Child and Family Social WorkThere is a wealth of first-hand accounts by children. The research shows clearly the extent of crisis felt by the children, their need to understand what was happening and what would follow, and their need for emotional comfort. However, the study also highlighted these children's skills and resilience. The work is very relevant for a wide range of social care staff. -- Care & Health MagazineThis straightforward book is an effort to better understand the process of divorce through children's eyes. It provides an expanded overview and discussion of a British study that carefully reviewed the experiences of 104 children, aged 7 to 15, with their parent's separation and divorce... For the most part, this book accomplishes what it has promised to do. Important findings include the common experience of a sense of crisis in these changes for many children, some inconsistency in meeting their needs for reliable information and a variable sense of being adequately supported. Interesting themes were; difficulty communicating with fathers, value of support from friends, and a sense of involvement without understanding the legal process. Direct quotes liven children's emotions, struggles and successes... This study provides a useful way to keep the child's experience at the forefront for parents, clinicians, and others who seek to support these children. This should be of interest to those who work within the legal context or who seek to shape the legal system and public policy in this area. -- J Can Acad Child Adolescent PsychiatryThe objective of the book is admirable as its aim to expose and address "the ambiguity that inhabits much of our thinking about children in contemporary Britain". It is very important that the views expressed by children in the study are brought to the attention of practitioners and policy-makers alike to whom I recommend the book. Improvements in practice are dependent on the availability of research such as this. -- ScolagTable of ContentsIntroduction: Divorcing Children. 1. Children and Divorce: Developments in Policy and Practice. 2. Finding Out. 3. Telling Others. 4. Parent-Child Relationships. 5. Contact. 6. Change and Adaptation. 7. Legal Aspects. 8. Conclusions. Appendix: How to Listen to Children. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisServices for families and children are rightfully the focus of intense scrutiny and debate, and there is a clear need to establish a knowledge of which services work well.This volume provides a comprehensive overview of research evidence from the UK and USA on the effectiveness of selected child welfare interventions. It addresses the challenges of measuring effectiveness in child welfare and explains the policy context for child welfare service delivery. Leading international contributors summarize the evidence of effectiveness in each core area, and consider the impact on children's development, parenting capacity and the wider community. Critically, the book also draws out the implications of the evidence for policy, practice and service delivery as well as for future research.This book is essential reading for policy makers, practitioners and commissioners of services in child welfare as well as students and researchers.Trade Review... this is a timely and important book given the continuing debate around evidence-based practice. It covers a wide range of services, including foster care, adoption, innovative approaches in schools and communities, and interventions with children who have experience abuse or neglect... This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelf for managers and social work practitioners... This is an interesting book for any practitioner or student seeking an overview of current debates about parenting young people and of initiatives undertaken by the TSA in this field. -- Journal of Children's ServicesI think this book succeeds in many ways. It provides solid reviews of the literature on the effectiveness of a range of child welfare interventions from the perspectives of knowledgeable U.K and U.S authors. There are chapters on some vital areas including residential treatment, foster care, home visiting, and school-based prevention programs. Several of the chapters are thought provoking, going beyond the typical literature review format to provide some real insight into the subject matter... this is a worthwhile book that deserves a place on the bookshelves of service developers, policy makers, and service researchers. It is informative and comprehensive. -- APA Review of BooksIf you are interested in learning what is known and particularly, what is still unknown about a comprehensive range of interventions to improve the lives of children in all sorts of difficulties, this is the book for you...There are consequently important lessons for both policy-makers and service providers in this book. Once again, the interventions that seem to be most effective work with children, young people, and parents. They have clear goals, are appropriately targeted and they are delivered by a well-trained and well-supported staff. There is much valuable discussion on the complexity of the problems that children and families face.Workforce investment seems to be the route to making sure that those interventions that we know form this book and others do work, are used routinely, appropriately and with skill. We have a very large and diverse workforce in children's social care. This book illustrates both the need to learn more about what works, with whom and u under what circumstances, but it also illustrates the need to improve the frontline delivery of services now, with the best use of the knowledge we already have. This will only be achieved by skilled and confident practitioners who can learn from this book. -- Children & SocietyThere is a clear need to establish a knowledge of which services for families and children work well. This book provides a comprehensive overview of research evidence on the effectiveness of selected child welfare interventions. -- CAFCASSThis book illustrates both the need to learn more about what works, with whom and under what circumstances, but it also illustrates the need to improve the frontline delivery of services now, with the best of the knowledge we already have. This will only be achieved by skilled and confident practitioners who can learn from this book. -- National Children's BureauThis book... provides a timely contribution to the literature aimed at enhancing understanding of outcomes research in the UK and USA and the importance of developing evidence-based practice. This edited book provides comprehensive insights into the complex area of how intervention strategies impact on children and families in the two countries (UK and USA). The impressive list of contributors cover wide ranging issues concerning policy and service provision... The book is divided into six parts and manages to interweave UK and US perspectives in paired chapters, which is a real strength of the book. This style supports the reader in developing real insights into research undertaken in the two countries and facilitates a comparative analysis of wide-reaching service provision. The reader is able to engage with early childhood who has faced a range of abuse, fostering, adoption, residential care and school and community programmes. Through these areas, the authors manage to provide extensive evidence-based discussion that can be used to inform service providers, policy-makers and students...This book is a welcome edition and the contributors should be congratulated on the scope and depth they manage to achieve. Indeed, their reference list provides an excellent resource for the research community. -- Journal of Early Childhood ResearchThis publication gives an interesting insight into international research evidence on child welfare interventions. It covers a number of areas including general interventions for children; interventions for vulnerable children and families; interventions for children who have been abused or neglected; interventions for children who have been in care, or who have been adopted; as well as innovative approaches for schools and communities. The work covers evidence from both the UK and US. This book provides reliable and informative information and would be useful reading for policy makers, practitioners and commissioners of children's services. -- Child RightTwenty-six contributions from international researchers provide and overview of selected child welfare interventions in the US and the UK, summarizing the evidence for their effectiveness and discussing the implications for their policy, practice and research. In the first section, the program context for the child and family services in each country is described. Subsequent chapters focus on specific intervention, such as home visiting, foster family care, school interventions and community programs. -- Sci Tech Book NewsTable of ContentsForeword, Maria Eagle MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, UK. Preface. Part 1 Child Welfare in the UK and USA 1.Effectiveness of Child Welfare Interventions: Issues and Challenges, Peter J. Pecora, Casey Family Programs and University of Washington, US, Colette McAuley, Queens University, Belfast, UK, and Wendy Rose, The Open University, UK. 2. Child Welfare in the UK: Legislation, Policy and Practice, Wendy Rose, Jenny Gray, Department for Education and Skills, UK, and Colette McAuley. 3. Child Welfare in the US: Legislation, Policy and Practice, Peter Pecora, James K. Whittaker, University of Washington, US, and Anthony N. Maluccio, Boston College, MA. Part 2 Evidence on Interventions with Vulnerable Children, Young People and Families. 4. Early Interventions with Young Children and their Parents in the UK, Marjorie Smith, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 5. Early Interventions with Young Children and their Parents in the US, K. Lori Hansen, The Children's Trust, US, Connie E. Morrow and Emmalee S. Bandstra, University of Miami, US. 6. Home Visiting for Parents of Pre-school Children in the UK, Jane Barlow, University of Oxford, UK. 7. Home Visiting for Parents of Pre-school Children in the US, Maureen Marcenko and Fredi Staerkel, University of Washington, WA. 8. Support for Young People and their Families in the Community in the UK, Nina Biehal, University of York, UK. 9. Support for Young People and their Families in the Community in the US, Scottye J. Cash and Dawn Anderson-Butcher, Ohio State University, US. Part 3 Evidence on Therapeutic Interventions with Children who have Experienced Abuse or Neglect. 10. Therapeutic Interventions for Children who have Experienced Neglect and their Families in the UK, Karen Tanner, Tavistock Clinic, London, UK, and Danielle Turney, The Open University, UK. 11. Interventions for Children and Families who have Experienced Neglect in the US, Diane De Panfilis, University of Maryland, US. 12. Therapeutic Interventions for Children who have Experienced Sexual and Physical Abuse, Arnon Bentovim, Tavistock Clinic, London, UK. 13. Therapeutic Interventions with Children who have Experienced Emotional, Sexual and Physical Abuse in the US, Jacqueline Corcoran, Virginia Commonwealth University, US. Part 4 Evidence on Foster Care, Adoption and Transitions for Children and Young People. 14. Foster Family Care in the UK, Kate Wilson, University of Nottingham, UK. 15. Foster Family Care in the US, Anthony N. Maluccio, Boston College, US, and Peter J. Pecora. 16. Residential Care in the UK, Ian Sinclair, University of York, UK, 17. Residential Care in the US, James K. Whittaker, University of Washington, US. 18. Support for Young People Leaving Care in the UK, Jim Wade, University of York, UK. 19. Support for Young People Leaving Care in the US, Kimberley A. Nollan, Research Consultant, Seattle, WA. 20. Adoption in the UK, David Quinton and Julie Selwyn, University of Bristol, UK, 21. Adoption in the US, Ruth G. McRoy, University of Texas at Austin, US. Part 5 Innovative Approaches in Schools and Community Programmes. 22. Interventions in Schools in the UK, Gillian Pugh and June Statham, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 23. Interventions in Schools in the US, Joy G. Dryfoos, National Consultant, US, and Helen Nissani, Family Support America, US. 24. Community Programs in the UK, Gordon Jack, University of Plymouth, UK. 25. Community Programs in the US, Jacquelyn McCroskey, University of South Carolina, US. Part 6 Summary and Conclusion. 26. Effective Child Welfare Interventions - Evidence for Practice, Colette McAuley, Peter J. Pecora and Wendy Rose. References. The Contributors. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisUnderpinned by substantive research on meeting the developmental and attachment needs of infants, this book offers constructive advice on how to encourage curiosity, confidence and emotional security in young children. Based on a philosophy of respect and sensitive observation of infants, it is appropriate for use in Sure Start programmes. The contributors offer a model that supports children's development and well being without relying on expensive material resources, and enables a coherent care strategy to be applied across different services.They explain the main elements of the RIE approach clearly and concisely and fully explore the practicalities of its implementation in a range of settings, including state-run and independent day care and residential centres, private households and family-based day care.The fresh and effective approach to caring for infants and toddlers outlined in this book will be welcomed by parents and day care professionals, as well as those who manage and evaluate child care provision.Trade ReviewThere is much to recommend in this book. At its heart is an understanding of the role that respectful relationships play in ensuring high-quality provision for our youngest children... this book has important messages for practitioners in early years settings, childminders working with babies and toddlers and practitioners working with parents to improve outcomes for children.I recommend that this is read by policy makers at national and local level. We need to ensure that those making decisions about the type of provision to be offered to our youngest citizens are aware of how they are best supported during these formative years. -- Children NowThis book gives early years practitioners in the UK a welcome chance to read about an approach to the care and education of infants and toddlers first pioneered in post-war Hungary and exported to the USA. Chapter 8 looks at the applicability of the approach in the UK and I hope it will be read widely: the time is ripe for a broader international input to quality "educare" here'. -- Nursery WorldThis new book offers constructive advice on how to encourage curiosity, confidence and emotional security in young children. Based on a philosophy of respect and sensitive observation of children, the fresh and effective approach to caring for infants and toddlers outlined will be welcomed by parents and day care professionals, as well as those who manage and evaluate childcare provision. The writers offer a model that supports children's development and well-being without relying on expensive resources. -- Practical Professional Child CareTable of ContentsIntroduction, Stephanie Petrie, University of Liverpool and Sue Owen, National Children's Bureau. 1. The Work of Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, Stephanie Petrie. 2. RIE Principles and Practices, Magda Gerber, RIE Founding Director, Los Angeles. 3. The RIE Early Years "Curriculum", Ruth Money, RIE Associate, USA. 4. Using the RIE Approach in a Family Day Care Home, Catherine Coughlan, family day care provider. 5. Creating Quality Infant Group Care Programs, Polly Elam, RIE Associate, USA. 6. RIE Parent-Infant Guidance Classes, Elizabeth Memel, RIE Associate and Lee Fernandez. 7. Mutual Respect and Trust: The Role of the Mentor in RIE, Polly Elam. 8. The Applicability of the Pikler/Gerber Approach in the UK Context, Sue Owen and Stephanie Petrie. Glossary. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on one-to-one guided conversations with disabled children and follow-up interviews with their parents and siblings, this volume takes an in-depth look at the effects of disability on disabled children. Approaching this neglected subject through the disabled child's perspective, it considers:* disabled children's understanding of disability* the ways in which children negotiate the experience of disability in their everyday lives* children's perceptions of their relationships with professionals and their knowledge and views of service provision* children's aspirations for the future and their views on the type of support which might help achieve them* siblings' perceptions of the effects on them of having a disabled brother or sister.Informed by the social model of disability, Clare Connors and Kirsten Stalker identify and draw out the implications of their findings for social work and health services. Illustrating effective ways of communicating directly with disabled children, this will prove an invaluable resource for academics, policy makers and practitioners working with disabled children in health and social care settings.Trade ReviewI found this a very readable book and one that I wished had been available in the past for students working with young people, siblings and families in short break situations. I would recommend this book to all social workers and students to ensure that understanding of disability and the impact on young people, their siblings and families is understood and the service offered improved. -- RostrumDrawing on in-depth interviews with disabled children, their parents, and siblings, this well-written book explores disabled children's understandings of disability, how they negotiate disability in their day-to day lives, including their experience of professionals and services, as well as exploring their relationships with their siblings.The bulk of the book is concerned with the practice by children with impairments of negotiating disability whether at home or at school and how it is mediated by the key relationships with parents, siblings, and professionals.In drawing out implications for health and social work services the authors concentrate on health and education, the result of the low level involvement with social services of the majority of families participating in the study. Indeed those comments relating directly to social work come from parents rather than children and were largely negative, in contrast to generally affirmative views presented by children in relation to other (medical and educational) professionals. However, this does not limit the significance of the findings of this research for social work practitioners and educators. The emphasis placed on external-and particularly psycho-emotional-barriers, rather than on the practicalities of managing impairment, coupled with the growing development of good practice around seeking and acting upon disabled children's preferences and aspirations have real implications, not least in relation to resources, for how we engage with disabled children and their families in both practice and research. -- British Journal of Social WorkThe special strength of this book is that the children's narratives are carefully interwoven with interpretation and comments from related literature and theorizing, all contributing to the development of a childhood model of social disability. The authors have specific messages for different groups of professionals in health, education and social work, most significantly to work in partnership with children and their families with difference viewed positively. It is hoped that professionals and students from all sectors will heed the careful analysis of this book. What is also clearly demonstrated is that adults cannot speak for disabled children and their siblings as their views and priorities are frequently dissimilar in subtle but important ways. -- Child and Family Social WorkThis study refutes the stereotype of families with disabled children and emphasises the potential for reciprocal relationships that nearly all disabled children have. The message, for all professionals and families involved with disability, is that it is not only possible to be equal and different but also to feel equal. -- Adoption & Fostering JournalThis book will be a key resource for all policy makers working with disabled children. -- ChildRightDespite government exhortations for services to find out the views of disabled children, many professionals seem to have ambivalent and diffident attitudes towards hearing those children's voices. But here is a book that will not only boost the confidence of professionals unsure how to begin such conversations, but will convince them of the rewards of doing so. -- Community CareThis book provides health and social care practitioners, service planners and providers with a fascinating in-depth look at how disabled children feel about and experience their relationships with professionals, and with the wider world. There is a refreshing amount of first-hand accounts from the children, which should perhaps be mandatory reading for all health and social care staff who are in contact with disabled children. -- Care & Health MagazineThis book was rich in information and was well referenced with a subject and an author index. It was well researched with theoretical support for statements that challenged conclusions or findings by other researchers. It was also informative and made the materials used in the study openly available. -- The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ReviewTable of ContentsGlossary. 1. The Policy and Research Background. 2. Conducting the Research. 3. Children Negotiating Day to Day Life at Home. 4. Children Negotiating Day to Day Life at School. 5. Services and Professionals. 6. Brothers and Sisters. 7. Children's Understanding of Disability. 8. Conclusions. References. Appendices. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis fully updated Reader provides a comprehensive review of recent research and legislation relating to domestic violence and its consequences for children, and identifies the implications for practice.It is divided into three parts. Part One describes evidence for the links between domestic violence and the concomitant abuse of children and assesses the effects on children's future well-being. Part Two is a comprehensive and accessible guide to relevant current criminal and civil legislation. Highlighting the success of multi-agency approaches, the final part details practical issues for interventions with children and their carers, male perpetrators, and, new to this edition, women.Endorsed by children's charities including the NSPCC and Barnardo's, Making an Impact enables professionals working with children to develop informed, sophisticated and collaborative child care and protection responses for children who are experiencing domestic violence.Trade Reviewthis is a highly recommended book and a must-have for all professionals who wish to help and support children affected by domestic violence. -- Child Care in PracticeAs a researcher with a specific interest in domestic violence and socially excluded and vulnerable children, and having spent the last six years evaluating policy and practice in both areas, I found this book to be an invaluable addition to my own bookshelf as it clearly links the two research areas. It also provides an excellent source of information on relevant legislation and literature, not to mention practice tips, and will be much thumbed in the years to come. -- Journal of Children's ServicesThis second edition builds on the important work begun in the first. It incorporates an updated overview of key peices of legislation, both civil and criminal,provides a comprehensive review of research findings and their implications for practice. The author's stated hope is to 'enable professionals working with children and their families to develop informed and appropriately sophisticated responses that safeguard and promote the welfare of children living in circumstances of domestic violence.' Overall, this Reader offers a sophisticated analysis of the issues. It is informed and supported by a broad range of research findings and illustrated with well chosen case examples. The writing is engaging and accessible, and the structure helpful. Reader is an extremely useful resource for individual study and evidence-based practice. It is recommended to any student or practioner in the legal, medical, teaching or caring professions working with children and their families. -- Journal of Social Welfare & Family LawThis is a book that is thorough and comprehensive in its coverage, identifies gaps in knowledge, points to possible future developments and keeps the needs of children paramount, without losing track of other perspectives on the topic of domestic violence. Overall, this is an excellent, accessibly presented resource for practitioners from all backrounds. -- Journal of Interprofessional CarePraise for the second edition:'This book provides an overview of how workers need to acknowledge and protect victims of domestic violence. It reflects on how professional bodies and the law are changing their approaches to focus on the experience of the child... Highlighted in detail are the processes by which professional bodies outline accountability. Domestic violence clearly devastates whole families and all agencies involved must be held accountable and ensure that children and women are not left at risk.' -- Children and Young People NowPraise for the first edition:'It is clear from the first few pages that this book will, without doubt, be a vital resource for professionals and those whose work brings them into contact with children affected by domestic violence, whether they serve as social workers, professional agencies, refuges, churches, police workers, school workers - in fact, anyone who comes into contact with children during the course of their work would do well to read this excellent book.' -- www.adoption-net.co.ukThis impressive summarative text is well-written, well structured, evidence based, focuses on the situation in the UK and is difficult to put down once you have started to read it. This achievement is more astonishing when you consider the tough messages it must convey to practitioners if they are to be equipped enough to intervene in these complex family situations... It is the most imaginative and potentially useful reader I have come across in the last ten years and is an excellent platform from which to build our responses. -- Child: Care, Health and DevelopmentThe Reader is undoubtedly a valuable and informative resource for any professional or agency working within the field of domestic violence. It is suitable for individual study and provides underpinning knowledge to support training in this area. -- Child Care in PracticeA few pages into this pack it was clear that here was a rich and timely resource for trainers who are working to achieve changes in the way all agencies respond to those experiencing, living with or perpetrating domestic violence. -- Child Abuse ReviewThis is a very welcome book, which recognises the complex impact that domestic violence can have on children, and asks how relevant policy and practice might be improved. The material is presented well, the analysis is sophisticated, the language is user-friendly and jargon-free, and the reader can dip into the chapter without having to read it as a discrete unit... The book brings together material from a wide range of sources and has an excellent bibliography. -- Health and Social Care in the CommunityIt is well-constructed, readable, easy to follow and has case studies and legal source material. -- Family LawA valuable addition to the increasing literature on a persistent problem affecting everyone in the family. The authors have put together a resource for all those working with children and families. It offers much for those concerned to enhance inter-agency working and to find creative ways to safeguard women at risk and minimize the emotional damage caused to children witnessing domestic violence. -- Journal of Family Health CareThis publication comprises a set of training materials for front-line staff. It provides an overview of the burgeoning research and considers dilemmas that can confront practitioners in dealing with children exposed to violence in the home. One of the publication's merits is that these dilemmas are explored with close reference to carefully selected case studies and relevant legal provisions. -- ChildRIGHTThis Reader will enable professionals working with children to develop informed, sophisticated and collaborative child care and protection responses for children who are experiencing domestic violence. -- De Politie OfficerTable of ContentsIntroduction. Part One: Children and Domestic Violence. 1. Domestic Violence: What Is It? 2. Domestic Violence and the Abuse of Children. 3. The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children. Part Two: The Legal Context. 4. Making Safe Arrangements for Children Affected by Domestic Violence: Public and Private Law. 5. Protection under Criminal Law. 6. Protection from Violence under Civil Law. 7. Protection against Domestic Violence under Housing Law. Part Three: Practice Interventions. 8. Social Care Responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse of Children. 9. Practice and Intervention with Children in Circumstances of Domestic Violence. 10. Intervention with Male Perpetrators of Domestic Violence. 11. Multi-Agency Involvement and Cooperation in Relation to Domestic Violence. 12. Working with and Supporting Women Experiencing Domestic Violence. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on in-depth interviews with social workers and their managers, and families and young people themselves, the authors of this important book show how the principles embodied in the Assessment Framework have been applied to social work practice. Revisiting the principles outlined in the legislative context and the Assessment Framework, they show how the focus on assessment has affected the work with children, and the experiences of children and families themselves.The authors identify a range of issues that influence the implementation of the Assessment Framework, including the key areas where support and training are needed. They review social workers' and other professionals' appraisal of how the Assessment Framework affects individual practice and inter-agency collaboration, as well as exploring how satisfied young people and their parents are with the assessments they are involved in. Finally, they examine the cost to social services of undertaking a core assessment.Emphasising the importance of a joined-up child care service, the authors' findings have been taken into account in the development of the Integrated Children's System. This book should be read by all those professionals who are working to promote the welfare and well-being of children.Trade ReviewAs the study focuses on social services authorities it is likely to be of most interest to them, but it is a good tool for anyone with responsibility for outcomes for children where initial assessment has to underpin subsequent action. With each chapter summarised at some length and a commendably clear layout, this publication is hefty but straightforward to use. It has a full and intelligible account of the research base and process to assist the reader with evaluation of the author's findings. -- Journal of Interprofessional CareAssessing Children's Needs is well laid out and accessible to a wide audience with different information requirements and levels of interest... I would particularly recommend this book to elected members and senior managers from health, education and social services with responsibility for taking forward the integration agenda in children's services. -- Children NowThis book is a detailed report of the research undertaken by the Department of Health in 24 local authorities, London boroughs and unitary authorities to examine the effectiveness of this project in achieving these objectives, and to gauge the impact of the framework on the work of the practitioners. -- Trainer and ConsultantThe research is multidimensional in taking on board the views of those managing the assessment and those being assessed. It shows the complexity of introducing new frameworks and the depth of training that is needed to ensure that the ethos underpinning the assessment is appropriate and that there is not a disproportionate focus on form filling. This is a book to study not skim! My brief review only covers a fraction of the detail that is contained in the text... The book is worthy of more study and will be important to look very carefully at the lessons from this study... As we move towards using a nationally agreed and more detailed framework for the assessment of the needs and circumstances of children. -- RostrumTrainers working with staff and managers who apply the Assessment Framework when working with children and families, should be able to find much relevant material in this study-based publication. -- Care & Health MagazineTable of ContentsForeword, Al Aynsley-Green. 1. Introducing the Study. 2. Implementation. 3. Involving Families in the Assessment Process. 4. The Experiences of Social Service Managers and Practitioners. 5. Inter-Agency and Inter-Professional Collaboration in Assessment of Children in Need. 6. Referrals: Findings from the Audit. 7. Initial Assessments: Findings from the Audit. 8. Core Assessment: Findings from the Audit. 9. The Cost of Undertaking Core Assessments, Pamela Meadows. 10. Conclusions and Implications for Policy and Practice. Appendix I. Aims and Methods. Appendix II. Tables. Appendix III. Time-sheet for social workers to record time spent in undertaking a core assessment. References

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Book SynopsisSocial workers and allied professionals will find this book to be a valuable tool, highlighting ways of improving the cultural sensitivity of disability services and parental and family support. Combining a wide-ranging survey and in-depth interviews, the authors build a rich picture of the lives of South Asian families with a child with severe disabilities and place their experiences in the wider context of how culture and ethnicity can impact on a family's experience of disability.The authors offer clear ideas for practical improvements in:* awareness and mobilisation of formal support services* parental and extended family acceptance of the child's disability* availability of support groups and other informal support* parents' physical and mental health* the child and family's social lifelinking their findings to recent policy initiatives to improve the information and support offered to all carers.Policy makers, academics and practitioners in health, social work and education will find the authors give an invaluable insight into the cultural, religious and language needs of ethnic minority families coping with disability.Trade ReviewThis is an interesting and important addition to an already charted field of research, made so predominantly by the extensive representation of the views and experiences of the parents involved. -- Children and SocietyAny professional or organisation whose work, through practice or policy, is related to this particular area should find this book helpful. A good foundation from which to build social health care policies and practices for South Asian families with children with severe disabilities. What makes this study particularly unique, and hence valuable, is the participatory approach in the research design through the inclusion of the family members, who are also service users. -- Child and Family Social WorkThis book is a tool for social work practitioners, allied professionals and policy makers to set standards of culturally sensitive practice in disability services. -- British Journal of Social WorkTable of ContentsList of Figures and Tables. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction: The Research and Policy Context. 2. The Families. 3. The Child. 4. Information. 5. Informal Support. 6. Formal Support. 7. Family Social Life. 8. Parental Health. 9. Making Connections. 10. Conclusions. Appendix 1. Probe Questions for Phase 1 Interviews. Appendix 2. Interview Schedules Used in the Phase 2 Interviews. Appendix 3. Probe Questions for Phase 3 Interviews. References. Subject Index. Author index.

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Book Synopsis`Whose view counts when we decide what "support" to offer or what qualifies as "success"? What kind of support do parents prefer? And can we assume that all parents, by virtue of parents, want the same kind of support? These important questions are discussed in Supporting Parents: Messages from Research. Author David Quinton is professor of psychosocial development at Bristol university's school for policy studies. His report reviews the results of 14 very different research projects selected in 1994 as part of the then government's contribution to International Year of the Family. This penetrating overview which explores and analyses the over-arching themes and outcomes concerning the nature and experience of support that is evident from these diverse projects.'* Zero to Nineteen* How can agencies mobilize the best support for parents and carers as a vital part of the Children's National Service Framework?* What kinds of support do parents and carers themselves say they find most effective?* What do parents who have difficulties seem to lack in the way of support?* What exactly do we mean by `support' and `parenting'?Supporting Parents brings together authoritative research on supporting parents and carers. Underpinning the government's developing policy for children's services, it is essential reading for practitioners, policy makers and academics working in child care.Professor David Quinton, a nationally recognized authority in the field of parenting and child development, summarizes the key findings of an innovative government-funded series of research studies. The studies explored subjects as diverse as parenting in poverty, disabled parents and children, step-parenting, teenage parents, imprisoned fathers, and parents who reject their children.Drawing out the key messages for practice and policy, this accessible overview shows how `informal' support can be complemented by the provision of a fully integrated multi-agency response from health care, education and social services. This important book should be read by all those professionals working with children and their families, including social workers, teachers, GPs and health visitors.Trade ReviewThe emphasis on helping parents reach their own solutions, reducing inter-professional rivalries, assessing children holistically (and in partnership) and demanding rigorous evaluation echo much that is envisaged for the new children and family services'. -- Adoption and FosteringThis book provides an overview of the findings of 14 government-funded studies, carried out in the Supporting Parents initiative, between 1996 and 2002. The book presents research findings in non-technical language making them accessible to a wide readership. The strength of the book lies in the author's ability to deal with complexity, in terms of sources of support and content; diversity of family structures; problems faced by parents; and views on services. The only obvious omission, though this is understandable, is a lack of focus on supporting parents who do not engage with social work on a voluntary basis, for instance those who are subject to Parenting Orders. This book will be of great value to social workers and managers. It should be read by those planning new, or refocusing existing services. Most importantly, it should form part of a toolkit for children's services inter-agency planning, service delivery and partnership groups. -- RostrumTable of ContentsForeword by Margaret Hodge.The Overview Process. Part 1: Background and Concepts. 1. Origins and Aims of the Research Initiative. 2. What do we Mean by Support? 3. The Policy Context. Part 2: Parenting and its Supports. 4. Studies of Parenting in the General Population. 5. Studies of Foster-care. 6. Parenting and Support in the Context of Disability. 7. Supporting Parents who may be Hard to Help. Part 3: Cross-cutting Themes. 8. Themes and Issues Across the Studies. Appendix A: The Researchers' Summaries of their Studies. Appendix B: The Policy and Practice Readers of the Studies. Appendix C: The Overview Group. References. Subject index. Author index.

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Book SynopsisHow does the world look to a one-year-old? When your child doesn't have words to explain things to you, how can you begin to understand how she feels? How do you support and understand your very young child as his independence increases and he starts to become a toddler, beginning to learn to dress himself, share toys and play with other children? Acknowledging the crucial role of relationships and parenting, Sarah Gustavus Jones offers guidance and reassurance in this sensitive exploration of the issues central to your child's developing physical and emotional needs.Trade ReviewThey are a rich resource of balanced, sensitive and non-judgemental advice to help parents and professionals looking after children. The central subject is the mental and emotional development of children and their parents. And the style is intelligent and friendly, each book is divided into very easily digestible sections, with excellent (and often very funny) case studies scattered liberally throughout and a really detailed contents page for those "where did I see that bit about"moments... The books form a cohesive and continuous guide to almost everything I have ever wondered about bringing up my children. I learnt a lot. And a friend, mother of her first two-year-old, could not wait to get her hands on these when I described them. They are now going into our bathroom "reference library" for family and visitors to peruse and digest. -- 0-19 MagazineTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Brave New World. 2. The Value of Exploration. 3. Emerging Personality. 4. Having a Good Idea and Keeping It. 5. A Life of my Own. Conclusion: Looking forward with hope. Further Reading. Helpful Organisations. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis important text shows how child development theory applies to professionals' working practice. Considering theories of development throughout the lifespan from the early years through to adolescence, and transitions to adulthood, this resource is essential reading for a range of professionals including social workers, teachers, and health and mental health professionals. The authors build up an integrated picture of the developing world of the child, looking at genetic and biological influences alongside individual psychological, interpersonal, familial, educational and wider community domains. The final part of the book looks specifically at issues for practice, including chapters on communicating with children exercising professional judgement, and planning, interventions and outcomes in children's services.Trade ReviewThe Developing World of the Child is a well-written and accessible text aimed to meet the requirements of the post-qualifying award in children's services and the social work degree. A number of eminent academics and a range of experienced practitioners contribute to the book, which was commissioned by the Government as part of a series of resources aimed at supporting the training and practice of the children's workforce in the UK. The official sanction for the book's potential contribution towards professional development is evident in the Forward by Maria Eagle MP (at the time Parliamentary Under Secretary of Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families).The book is a welcome edition and a useful resource, articulating theoretical perspectives, interspersed with a number of examples from research and a range of helpful practical advice on practice with children and their families. It is clearly written in a style that would be a good model for students to follow in their own writing. It would be a valuable introductory text for the intended audience of trainee social workers, and also contains sections that will benefit students on early childhood and childhood studies courses, health and teacher education. -- Journal of Mental HealthThe Developing World of the Child out-lines child development theories and their implications for practitioners. It provides the reader with a robust understanding of child development research and shows how this knowledge can inform methods for outcome-focused practice. This increases the value of the text for any person who has responsibility for working with children... The production of this book is timely as UK government policy is highlighting the need to promote good outcomes for all children. This emphasis is beneficial in both research and practice terms, not least because it refocuses services away from being resource led and puts children at the heart of decision-making. -- Adoption & FosteringThis comprehensive handbook was commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills for use by a wide range of practitioners in children's services. It has sections focusing on early years and "adolescence and beyond", in which leading academics consider theories of child development. Its aim is to "build vital bridges between the understanding of child development and the ways practitioners work". -- Young People NowThis important new edited collection by Jane Aldgate and her colleagues makes an invaluable contribution in seeking to link together the current policy context, an overview of child development research, and implications for practice. The book is deliberately aimed at a children's workforce that in the UK is becoming increasingly characterized by interprofessional and multi-disciplinary working. It will appeal to social workers but will also be extremely helpful to those in education and child mental health who work with vulnerable children. -- Journal of Interprofessional CareThis is a precise, up to date handbook for all professionals involved with children, young people and their families. I would strongly recommend it for the resource pack in all departments of health and social care and education and particularly as a listed reading for foster carers. -- www.adoption-net.co.ukThis is a worthy book. Above all it's an optimistic one. -- Children NowThis tract on child development is an essential resource for practitioners, their managers and anyone studying social work with children and families. -- Community CareTable of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements. Preface. Part 1. Child development: frameworks, theories and influences. 1. Children, development and ecology. Jane Aldgate, The Open University. 2. Frameworks and theories. Janet Seden, The Open University. 3. Genetic and biological influences. Marian Perkins, The Park Hospital for Children, Oxford. 4. The place of attachment in children's development. Jane Aldgate and David P.H. Jones, The Open University. 5. Self development. David Quinton, University of Bristol. 6. Socio-genealogical connectedness: knowledge and identity. Kwame Owusu-Bempah, University of Leicester. 7. The influence of parenting and other family relationships. Hedy Cleaver, Royal Holloway College, University of London. 8. The impact of community and environmental factors. Monica Dowling, The Open University, Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway College, University of London, and Jane Aldgate. Part 2. Children developing: early childhood to adolescence. 9. Developmental progression. Wendy Rose, Jane Aldgate and David Jones. 10. Early childhood: zero to four years. Brigid Daniel, University of Dundee. 11. Middle childhood: five to eleven years. Gillian Schofield, University of East Anglia. 12. Adolescence and beyond: twelve years onwards. Susan Bailey, Adolescent Forensic Service, Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust. Part 3. Promoting positive developmental outcomes for children. 13. Direct work with children. Jane Aldgate and Janet Seden. 14. Communicating with children about adverse circumstances. David Jones. 15. Making plans: assessment, intervention and evaluating outcomes. David Jones, Nick Hindley and Paul Ramchandani, The Park Hospital for Children, Oxford. 16. The developing world of the child: children's perspectives. Wendy Rose. 17. Afterword. Jane Aldgate, David Jones, Wendy Rose and Carole Jeffery. References. List of Contributors. Steering Group. Advisory Group. Index.

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Book SynopsisProviding services that are culturally relevant is an ongoing challenge for practitioners, managers, and policy-makers within the social services. Culture and Child Protection is a concise exploration of the close links between social service practices and cultural values which offers a culturally sensitive model of child protection practice.The authors demonstrate the ways in which a combination of personal, professional and societal attitudes often influence practice decisions. In a context where children from ethnic minorities dominate the welfare statistics of the Western economies, the authors argue against a reliance on rigid approaches to working with particular ethnic groups. They propose effective alternative strategies that will assist social workers in responding appropriately to diverse cultural needs and circumstances. Implications of cultural difference are also considered with respect to class, socio-economic group, gender and age, reinforcing the need to recognise broader interpretations of difference within practice. This book is full of integrated examples and case studies and also discusses wider practice issues, such as working with offenders, the impact of funding restraints and the dynamic of reflexivity in practice and supervision.Culture and Child Protection is a key text that will help social workers and culture academics to understand the ways in which cultural thinking affects and shapes child protection practice.Trade ReviewThe book offers a thoughtful analysis of the complexity of child protection work and of the influence of the specific cultural contexts, of practitioners and clients alike, on effective child protection decision-making. It offers approaches for valuing both the professional initiative of workers and the inclusion of clients in service provision. -- Community CareI enjoyed reading this book. It covered more than I initially thought it would. The reader is comfortably and systematically introduced to the possibility of considering the meaning and implications of culture in child protection work. -- Te Awatea ReviewThe book has been written for both practitioners and researchers in the domain of child protection. It is also concerned, as previously mentioned, with offenders against children and such offenders are viewed in a compassionate light since very few actively seek to hurt children, albeit their offences against children are likely to be damaging. The aim of the book is to contribute positively towards the protection of children, families and improving the relationships of children, families as well as offenders against children. -- Police Journal and Internet Law Books ReviewTable of ContentsPreface. Part One: Culture and Child Protection Work. 1. Culture, the Client and the Practitioner in Child Protection Work. 2. Culturally Reflexive Responses in Abuse Work. 3. Ethnic Culture, Child Protection and the Professional Environment. Part Two: Working with Cultures in Child Protection. 4. Childhood Cultures, Care and Protection Work. 5. Family Cultures and Protecting Children. 6. Cultures of Risk, Offending and Good Lives. 7. Culturally Reflexive Theory and Practice in Child Protection. 8. Further Thoughts. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisBabies and very young children in care often experience several changes of placement and carer, which can have a negative impact upon their long-term ability to develop secure attachments.Babies and Young Children in Care examines why babies enter care or accommodation and why securing their long-term future can be a lengthy process. It analyses the circumstances, characteristics and experiences of these young children before, during and after being looked after, including reasons for changes of carer and placement disruptions. It looks at how young children are affected by the lack of stability in their lives, and explores the consequences of reunification with their parents after long periods in care. Drawing on interviews with birth parents, carers and social care professionals, the authors trace the complex decision-making process that influences these children's early experiences and the impact this has on their later development and well-being. They offer a clear explanation of the outcomes of services for very young children and signpost messages for practice.This book is a key text for researchers, practitioners, policy makers and social care managers.Trade ReviewIt was with a painful sense of déjà vu that I read this account of the lives of 42 babies placed in local authority care. Painful, because it has too many uncomfortable echoes of Rowe's and Lambert's study, Children Who Wait, which back in 1973 exposed the scandal of far too many children being "warehoused" without plans. Those earlier children mostly stayed in one place in a climate of very little activity, whereas the babies in this study have all too often experience multiple moves and been subject to frequent court hearings - all the unintended consequences of the Children Act 1989, which was intended to avoid delay yet has seen it increase each year since its passing. This highly readable study draws on research to illuminate particular cases, the accounts of which flesh out in a very practical way the theoretical underpinnings. -- YoungMinds`The strength of this book lies in the careful description of the lives of the children in the sample. Extensive use of individual case reports, supported with comment from those responsible for the care of the child, illustrates for the novice reader the complexity of the decisions made on behalf of the children and the input from different agencies at different points. The role of siblings and extended families, the particular considerations for children of dual heritage in placements and stability and suitability in foster placements are all introduced through the stories of particular children. The poignant description of the children's lives makes the contents of this book accessible and brings the complex issues surrounding best-interested judgements to the fore.' -- Children and Society`Written in relatively jargon free prose, providing case studies and qualitative analysis supported by quantitative statistical data, this book will be useful for all those required to demonstrate informed evidence-based practice…The authors identify difficulties in both inter-departmental and inter-agency collaboration in providing appropriate resources and services to facilitate positive and timely interventions. It will, therefore, be particularly informative for students and qualified practitioners in health and social work, those studying for post-qualifying awards and their managers.' -- Professional Social WorkSocial workers in childcare teams and their managers, children's guardians and workers in adoption and fostering teams could all find this book thought provoking and useful. -- Adoption & fosteringThis book provides a timely reminder of the importance of attachment for babies and young children and complex decisions that social workers have to make on a daily basis... I would recommend the text to fieldwork, fostering and adoption social workers and students as well as other professional involved in the lives of young looked-after children. -- Children NowThe work is easy to read with case examples that underscore the complex circumstances of the families whose babies are admitted to care. The structure of the book works well with useful conclusions and points for practice at the end of each chapter. This will be helpful to busy professionals who can dip in and out and find relevant material under the various headings. -- Foster CareAn excellent combination of solid academic study, and a very readable, anecdotal analysis of practice issues. -- Community CareAn in-depth look at the most vulnerable group within children's services - babies and young children in care. It examines why babies enter care or accommodation and why it can be difficult to secure their long term future. There are interviews with birth parents, carers and social care professionals which, form part of an analysis that highlights the detrimental effect changes of placement and carer can have. What makes this a compelling read are the messages that the authors signpost for practice... I'd recommend it to practitioners, policy makers and social care managers in children's and services alike. -- Sure StartTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Babies' Circumstances, Characteristics and Life Pathways. 3. Attachment and Change: Babies' Experience of Stability. 4. Factors that Delayed the Achievement of Permanence. 5. Conclusion: Long-term Implications. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisHelping traumatized children develop the story of their life and the lives of people closest to them is key to their understanding and acceptance of who they are and their past experiences. The Child's Own Story is an introduction to life story work and how this effective tool can be used to help children and young people recover from abuse and make sense of a disrupted upbringing in multiple homes or families.The authors explain the concepts of attachment, separation, loss and identity, using these contexts to describe how to use techniques such as family trees, wallpaper work, and eco- and geno-scaling. They offer guidance on interviewing relatives and carers, and how to gain access to key documentation, including social workers' case files, legal papers, and health, registrar and police records.This sensitive, practice-focused guide to life story work includes case examples and exercises, and is an invaluable resource for social workers, child psychotherapists, residential care staff, long-term foster carers and other professionals working with traumatized children.Trade ReviewA fluent and engaging narrative. -- Children & SocietyI found the book both clear and well written with a sound and thorough explanation of methods to carry out this work. There are really useful exercises that foster carers (or anyone else carrying out this work) can use. -- Foster CareThis is an excellent guide for professionals undertaking life story work with children or practitioners working with traumatised children. It has useful sections on general work with children. For example, it briefly outlines attachment theory and breaks down the process of interviewing, offering advice about each stage. It is easy to read and the format makes it simple to find or recap particular sections. The authors offer examples from practice and also suggest a series of exercises which prompt and provoke the reader to empathise with the child involved in this process. The worker is encouraged to move away from viewing the process as the production of a book but rather to see it as an effective therapeutic tool. -- Community CareIt's easy to read and a good reference for multi disciplinary teams of staff and foster carers alike -- Adoption-net.co.uk`This is a valuable and must have resource for all those who work with and alongside traumatized children and young people. Work with traumatized children and young people requires a creative and supportive worker who is able to provide a 'afe place' to explore, discover, and ultimately piece together the perceptions that have developed through those experiences. This book gives a framework to go on the journey of discovery and face the known and unknown. It is a book that has case vignettes, creative exercises, and some reference to theory of attachment and identity. Its main focus though is the child and how to develop a coherent and understandable narrative, with the therapist being a guide who supports the journey of discovery.' -- British Psychodrama Journalhis book gives us solid reasons why abused children usually need therapeutic work, without which there is a great risk of the abuse continuing to the next generation. The authors feel that traumatised children, who may have had several foster-parents or institutional placements in their lives, need to be offered a special kind of life story work. This is much more than a simple explanation of their placements or basic information about their birth parents as is used in adoption. It includes full explanations about race, culture and religion which may even extend to children being given tapes of their parents' voices to demonstrate their accents. The authors begin with a very full explanation of attachment including the latest information about how the brain is affected by abuse... Condensed case histories are highlighted throughout the book and this adds clarity and interest to what is undoubtedly a good idea that will benefit children. -- Young Minds MagazineTable of ContentsForeword, Mary Walsh, Co-founder and Chief Executive of SACCS. 1. Who am I? The Importance of Identity and Meaning. 2. A Tale of Two Children. 3. The Truth and Something Other Than the Truth. 4. Interviewing: Art not Science. 5. Safe at Last: Providing a Safe and Stable Environment. 6. Internalization. 7. Making the Book. 8. But Does it Really Work Like This? 9. Life After Life Story. Appendix: The Story of SACCS. References.

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Book SynopsisFamily support is an increasingly important strategic approach to welfare services for children and families. This invaluable resource for all professionals engaged in the development and delivery of these services is underpinned by reflective practice values and structured around four themes:* conceptual frameworks and vocabulary (defining)* policy and organisational structures and processing (planning)* tools for creative practice (doing)* approaches to evaluation (measuring).Contributors from around the world provide international perspectives on core issues in family support. These include the importance of community, the role of statutory and voluntary agencies, youth advocacy, culturally appropriate family support, child protection, disability services and effective means of evaluation. Providing a combination of clear theoretical frameworks and practical guidance, with clear 'how to' messages and a strong emphasis on evaluation, this book will be of interest to social workers, care staff, teachers, community development and police officers, students, policy-makers, evaluators and all those working in all areas of family support.Trade ReviewThis collection is a highly engaging and creative ensemble of insights and approaches to the broad practice of family support. The result is the creation of a rich bed of information that practitioners can link to their own practice... The book is a worthwhile project and an accessible read. From a practice perspective, Family Support is a valuable resource. Pinkerton, in the chapter entitled `Reframing Practice as Family Support' identifies the "key problem at present in the Irish system is the lack of integration of family support into the 'high priority' child protection system". This book will help the reframing of this by creating a positive and constructive discourse on family support work. -- British Journal of Social WorkThis is a well organized and comprehensive work. A highly recommended read. -- The Relational Child and Youth Practice JournalThis book is particularly, timely given that it combines core themes at the heart of contemporary childcare practice. -- Children and SocietyI think that everyone who works with or develops policy about children and families should read it. Family support ought to be very high on the agenda, and this book helps to inform that debate. -- Children NowThis is a well organized and comprehensive work, and I continue to be impressed by the literature on CYC practice coming from Ireland, Scotland and England... This book can become part of an academic course, a resource for CYC family support teams, and a planning tool for administrators. A highly recommended read. -- The Relational Child and Youth Practice JournalIf you are looking for clarification of the idea of family support in a way that provides readable and understandable links between the concept, policy and organisation, models for practice - then look no further... The book emphasises the importance of reflection and evaluation in the practice of family support by practitioners and has a wealth of interesting reading within it. It is an excellent resource for those of us in the family support field of practice'. -- Community CareThis is an ambitious book in the breadth of its coverage within such a limited sized volume and the authors are to be commended for its coherence and the balance it strikes between challenging the reader conceptually while not losing a clear focus on practice. -- Journal of Interprofessional CareFamily support seen as an important strategic approach to welfare services for children and families. Of interest to anyone working in areas where support to families is part of practice. -- British Institute of Learning DisabilitiesTable of ContentsForeword. 1. Family Support: From Description to Reflection by Pat Dolan, John Pinkerton, Queen's University Belfast, and John Canavan, Child & Family Research and Policy Unit, Galway. Section A: Engaging with Policy and Organisation. 2. School as a Base for Family Support Services by Ilan Katz, Children and Young People's Unit, London. 3. Family Support as Community-Based Practice: Considering a Community Capacity Framework for Family Support Provision by Robert J. Chaskin, Chapin Hall Centre for Children, University of Chicago. 4. Supporting Families through Local Government: A Danish Case Study by Peter Steen Jensen and René Junker, Municipality of Odense, Denmar. 5. Implementing Family Support Policy: Empowering Practitioners by Alex Wright, Glasgow University. 6. A Comparative Perspective: Exploring the Space for Family Support by Michelle Millar NUI, Galway. Section B: Using concepts, frameworks and tools. 7. Safeguarding Children Through Supporting Families by Ruth Gardner, Royal Holloway College, London. 8. Youth Advocacy: Programming Justice-Focused Intervention: Family Support Intervention by Jeff Fleischer, Youth Advocacy Programme, and Judy Warner. 9. Supporting families with disabled children: A Case Study by Rosemary Kilpatrick. 10. Enhancing Support for Young People in Need: Reflections on Informal and Formal Sources of Help by Pat Dolan and Brian McGrath. 11. Cultural Competence, Cultural Sensitivity and Family Support by Fatima Husain. 12. Reframing Practice as Family Support - Leaving Care by John Pinkerton. 13. Assessment, Intervention and Self Appraisal Tools for Family Support by Pat Dolan. 14. Culturally Appropriate Family Support Practice: Working with Asian Populations by Monit Cheung and Patrick Leung. Section C: Advancing Evaluation 15. Developing an outcome Evaluation Framework for use by Family Support Programs by Charles Bruner. 16. School- and Family-level Income Effects in a Randomized Controlled Prevention Trial: A Multilevel Analysis by W. Todd Abraham and Daniel W. Russell, Institute for Social Behavioral Research, Iowa State University, Max Guyll, Linda Trudeau, Catherine Goldberg-Lillehoj and Richard Spoth, Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute, Iowa State University. 17. Towards an Inclusive Approach to Family Support Evaluation by Jackie Sanders and Robyn Munford. 18. Reflecting for Action: The Future of Family Support by John Canavan.

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Book SynopsisParents, teachers and other professionals often struggle to know how to deal with disruptive, abusive or aggressive behaviour. This book addresses the urgent need for a realistic, practical and effective approach to dealing with severe disruptive behaviour in children and adolescents. Adapting the principles of non-violent resistance originally advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, the book provides de-escalation techniques which empower the adult and unburden the distressed child. The authors outline the theoretical basis upon which the approach was developed, and explain how and why it can be so effective. Case studies demonstrate how the approach can be used to reach more successful places with unhappy and disruptive children of different ages. A separate section for parents provides useful advice on how to take the theoretical material and use it to deal with problematic behaviour in everyday life. As effective as it is original, this approach will empower desperate parents and despairing caregivers by equipping them with hands-on tools to contain, counter and positively direct the aggression and opposition which they face from children in distress.Trade ReviewWhat immediately appeals to me about this book is the practical, child-centred nature of the approach... This is an important book offering a very specific set of ideas, which can, however, be interpreted in different ways to provide strategies that are flexible enough to meet the needs of individual children and families. -- Child Abuse ReviewIt contains some very good explanatory information about the principles adopted when working with the model, with excellent advice on how to deal with the child's resistance to the parent's methods, even suggesting ways to anticipate and prepare for the child's negative response in the initial stages... Overall, I liked this book and the model, and found myself thinking of families and young people I am currently involved with for whom this approach may effect change... I believe the methods described on how to increase a parent's presence in the life of their child; the non-acceptance of abusive behaviours and how to communicate this to the child without escalation or provocation, and the return to the parent being in control of the household are all outcomes professionals are trying to achieve day in and day out. This will be an excellent guide on how to go about achieving this where parents have the capacity to follow through the methods described. -- RostrumMore readable than many of their counterparts, Avraham-Krehwinkel and Aldridge have presented some interesting strategies here for dealing with aggressive and hostile children and young people. Their parent-centred focus comprehensively outlines a range of techniques that can be used to deal with complex family relationships...The Munro review of child protection concerns all professionals who make judgments about the best interests of children. Pertinents to this, the authors offer observations from a series of case studies that are directed at antisocial behaviours and situations where families are struggling with parent-child relationships. The latter half of the book includes a clear and extensive guide for how parent can employ the principles of the proposed approach, which could be a useful resource for practitioners. -- Children and Young People NowViolence answered with more violence only begets even more violence. "A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children in Distress: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" is a guide to dealing with disruptive and aggressive behavior from children and how to discourage this behavior in a way that will leave to a more harmonious household. Aimed at both parents and child psychologists, the information is expertly researched with plenty of thoughts and theories to help curb this inappropriate behavior. -- The Midwest Book ReviewI believe it may substantially complement and enrich current approaches to avoiding and managing violence while supporting children and adults with autism. -- Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders.Table of ContentsIntroduction. 1. The Politics of Family Conflict. 2. An Ecological Approach. 3. The Non-Violent Resistance Model. 4. From Theory to Practice - The Intervention. 5. Young Child with Self-Destructive Behaviour. 6. A Barricaded Teenager. 7. A Teen at Risk. 8. Family and Community. 9. The Child, the Parent and the School. 10. The Model of Non-violent Resistance - A Guidebook for Parents. 11. Overview. References.

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Book SynopsisPraise for the first edition:'Ann Cattanach writes with enormous empathy and warmth, and with a refreshing lack of sentimentality... [This] is an unpretentious and optimistic book, and a very positive addition to recent publications.'- British Association of Play Therapists'I would recommend the book to anyone working in this field. This is a well presented, clear and easy-to-read book, providing a balanced mixture of factual information and case material.' - British Journal of Occupational Therapy'What impressed me so much about this work was Cattanach's knowledge of children and their inherent strengths as well as their vulnerabilities. This practical and easy to apply book is recommended for anyone who works with abused children and would like further insight as well as practical and informative advice on healing the traumatized child.'- Trauma and Loss: Research and Interventions'Her accounts of the way in which play is used to make sense of traumatic experiences are full of insight and often moving. All aspects of the work are covered. This is an exceptional volume - goes far beyond a mere text book.' - Therapy WeeklyThis second edition of Ann Cattanach's highly commended book explores the use of play therapy with abused children as a way of helping them heal their distress and make sense of their experiences through expanding their own creativity in play.The book provides practical ways of starting play therapy with abused children and explains how the child can use this process for healing. Models of intervention are described with consideration given to the particular needs of the child and the work setting of the therapist. Suggestions include short and medium term interventions, individual/group and sibling work. This edition provides new case study material, up-to-date information on relevant legislation on children's rights and welfare and recent developments in research in the field.This book is essential reading for professionals working with abused children, as well as those interested in the use of creative therapies.Trade ReviewPlay Therapy with Abused Children is a text that presents a powerful way of working with a particular group of children. Cattanach uses the theory and practice illustrated to make the reader aware of the negative experiences that these children may bring to the therapeutic play sessions. In doing this, she prepares the reader for the reality of what practitioners encounter within the therapeutic work but also indicates the benfit that the children experience as a consequence of working in this non-directive and playful way. -- DebateCattanach's style exudes warmth and compassion and has enabled the text to retain its human perspective. but the addition of a subject index makes it far more accessible for those new in this field. The text continues to cover a broad range of topis, from the history and cultural context of play, through to consideration of the fundamentals of play therapy before using case examples to probe different types of child harm within a clinical text. To gain an understanding of the impact of harm on a child and the use of play therapy to aid the child in seeking resolution, this book remains a key introductory text to the field. -- Children & Young People NowThis insightful book is a must read for anyone in contact with abused children, Ann Cattanach's practical approach provides a good starting point for carers, adopters, teachers and workers alike. Practising therapists will also gain greatly from the wisdom in these pages. Readers will be struck by the immense inner strength Ann has for herself, in her capacity to come so close to experiences and in understanding and supporting the children's healing. Readers will want to keep this book on their shelf to refer to many times over: Highly recommended. -- Adoption TodayThe book has become a classic in play therapy and related fields... This book is essential reading for professionals working with abused children. -- Play for LifeTable of Contents1. The Rights of Children and the Abused Child. The Rights of Children. New Approaches to the Care and Support of Children in the United Kingdom. Every Child Matters: Change for Children. Protecting Children and Young People: The Charter. The Abused Child is the Invisible Child. Definitions of Child Abuse. The Trauma of Abuse. The Effects of Abuse on the Child's Future Development. The Effects of Sexual Abuse on Children. Transition from Victim to Abuser. 2. Play Therapy as a Healing Process for Abused Children. The Meaning of Play. What is Play? Play as a Cultural Phenomena. History of the Study of Play. Child Development Theories and Play. Representing the Social World in Play. Play and Dramatic Play. Playing with Children. Children Playing Together. Play as Therapy. Non-Directive Play Therapy. Cognitive-Behavioural Play Therapy. Prescriptive Play Therapy. Play and Healing for Abused Children. 3. Starting Play Therapy: Settings, Materials, Boundaries. Play Therapy to Heal the Hurt Child. The Therapist. Supervision. Assessing the Need for Therapy. Timing the Intervention. Information about the Child. Investigations and Therapy. Starting Play Therapy. Finding a Safe Place for the Child. Material for Play. Play with Toys. The Use of Toys and Play Material in Play Therapy Across Cultures. 4. The Play Therapy Process for the Abused Child. The Play Therapy Process for the Abused Child. The Role of the Therapist. Preparation for Play. Starting Play. In the Middle Lies the Monster. Am I a Monster? Losing the Monster. The Final Stages of Play. Becoming Visible. 5. Play Therapy with Physically Abused Children. Helping the Physically Hurt Child through Play. 6. The Emotionally Abused Child. Emotional Abuse. The Sessions. 7. The Sexually Abused Child. The Difficulties of Young Children. Children with Learning Difficulties. Sexually Abused Boys. Getting Rid of the Monster: Ways of Coping. 8. The Therapist's Journey. References. Books for Children. Index.

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Book SynopsisPublished in association with Save the ChildrenPriscilla Alderson examines the often overlooked issue of the rights of young children, starting with the question of how the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to the youngest children, from birth to eight years of age. The question of finding a balance between young children's rights to protection, to provision (resources and services) and to participation (expressing their views, being responsible) is discussed. The author suggests that, in the belief we are looking after their best interests, we have become overprotective of children and deny them the freedom to be expressive, creative and active, and that improving the way adults and children communicate is the best way of redressing that balance.This second edition has been updated and expanded to include the relevance of UNCRC rights of premature babies, international examples such as the Chinese one-child policy, children's influence on regional policies, and the influence on young children's lives of policies such as Every Child Matters and those of the World Bank, IMF, OECD and UNICEF.This readable, informative and thought-provoking book is a compelling invitation to rethink our attitudes to young children's rights in the light of new theories, research and practical evidence about children's daily lives. It will be of interest to anyone who works with young children.Trade ReviewThis book gives an accesssible introduction to the complex subject of children's rights, suitable for most practitioners working with young children. There are real life examples past and present, helping the reader gauge how attitudes towards children's rights have changed through time. The book looks at the issues arising in different cultures and the influence of gender on rights, and assesses how children can be given a voice in the decision-making process. All of these are hot topics in education and this book offers readers a sense of perspective that can enhance the teaching and learning offered to children in their own work environment. -- The TeacherAlderson writes with clarity, sprinkling her text liberally with examples from published sources while drawing deeply from her well of personal experiences as mother, researcher and pradtitioner working with young children... Alderson's arguments are reasoned and her analysis spot on. She us forthright in her championing of children's rights: children must be informed, included and consulted - above all, adults must listen... the book is informative and genuinely enlightening. Priscilla Alderson has produced an inspiring analysis of the state of children's right in Britain. -- Journal of Social Welfare and Family LawThis book is a stimulating and thought-provoking read for anyone who works with (or is a parent of) young children. -- ChildRightThere is much to be commended in Alderson's book. It is written with clarity and passion and adopts a child-centred perspective, and most of Alderson's points are well backed up with appropriate, illustrative, research and practice examples. -- Child Abuse ReviewThis book will prove invaluable to any who are involved in research or professional practice with children. It is also carefully and quietly making 'child-citizens' thinkable. A final commendation is that it takes the 'tough' cases of young children and babies as its primary focus and still makes a very reasonable and compelling case for their abilities to participate in decision-making. -- Infant and Child DevelopmentThis is a highly accessible book that is a useful contribution to the debate about the children's rights and citizenship. It will provide a stimulating and thought-provoking read for anyone who works with (or is a parent of) young children and, despite the fact that she did not win over this reader entirely, Alderson has given fresh impetus to the need to continually rethink our attitude to children's rights. -- International Journal of Early Years EducationIt is a joy to read such a book, which puts into words dearly held principles that are rarely clearly expressed. Alderson discusses the importance of treating young children as individuals and as holders of rights... Practitioners who work regularly with children will find this book helpful. It articulates the issues and the importance of treating all children with respect, as holders of views, which should be taken seriously. The creativity and good sense of children's solutions to problems affecting them are illustrated in a way that is helpful and illuminating. It contributes to the canon of work illustrating why consulting with children is so important in reaching good solutions for them. -- Seen and HeardTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword, by Mary John. Introduction. 1. Children's Provision Rights. 2. Children's Protection Rights. 3. Children's Participation Rights. 4. Young Children as People. 5. Beliefs and Feelings About Consulting Young Children. 6. Methods and Levels of Involving Young Children. 7. Consulting Young Children and Taking Risks. 8. Working Together: Sharing Decisions and Responsibility. 9. The Key Messages from the Evidence and Experience. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisChildren have a right enshrined within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to participate in decisions that affect them, and their participation in social care services can have a positive impact on their own self-esteem and confidence, but also the quality of service and decisions made by the social care professionals working with them. Everyone seems to agree on the idea that children have to be heard, but not on how, where and when they can participate, or the organisational cultures needed to facilitate it. Promoting Children's Rights in Social Work and Social Care addresses these questions. Margaret Bell looks at the reality of children's life experiences, examines the variety of definitions of participation and highlights creative initiatives for children's involvement which have proven successful. Four research studies on children's participation in the UK are presented, which draw on interviews with children aged 6-19 and cover children's views on decision-making and recording processes, their opinions on the social work help they have received, how involved they feel, and the responses of the agencies involved.This book will be essential reading for any social work or social care professional working with children, as well as students and academics in the social work and social care fields. It will also be invaluable to those involved in promoting children's rights and child participation.Table of ContentsSeries editor's foreword. Mary John, University of Exeter, UK. Introduction. Part 1. 1. What is Participation? Definitions, Arenas and Outcomes. 2. What is Participation? Different Methods. 3. The Policy and Background to Participatory Practice. 4. The Theoretical Underpinnings of Participatory Practice. 5. What Gets in the Way? Adult Attitudes, the World in Which Children Live and Organisational Culture and Values. Part 2. Introduction: Research Studies on Children's Experiences of Participation. 6. The Involvement of Children in Family Group Conferences. 7. The Participation of Children in Initial Child Protection Investigations. 8. The Participation of Children in Social Work Electronic Records. 9. Children's Views on their Involvement in Service Evaluation and Design: the RUBeing Heard Project. 10. Implications for Practice. 11. Conclusion. References. Author Index. Subject Index.

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Book SynopsisYoung homeless people are ordinary young people trapped in an extraordinary situation. This accessible guide provides information and advice on how to understand the needs of these young people, and how to ensure they are supported effectively. It combines the latest research and practice to establish what works best when helping young homeless people and provides insights into their world through diary excerpts and interviews. Key issues covered include the relationship between drug and alcohol misuse and youth homelessness, current policies on housing and support for homeless youths and strategies for renewing a young person's familial bonds and friendships after an experience of homelessness. This book is an invaluable guide for anyone working with young homeless people, including youth workers, counsellors, social workers, residential care staff, teachers, health visitors and managers in the housing, education, health and social welfare sectors.Trade Review...this is an important book which fills a gap in terms of translating research and working knowledge about youth homelessness into practice. The book's content conforms broadly to its title and presents a very useful resource concerning issues to consider when working with homeless young people. It describes the forms of practical and psychological issues that need to be addressed in assisting young vulnerable people to develop a sense of self-efficacy and hope for the future. -- Child and Family Social WorkShines much needed light on the world homeless young people inhabit. -- Roof MagazineThis book is insightful, instructive and comprehensive; in short, an excellent read. -- Children and Young People NowSome history, some peer research and a lot of sound advice on working and understanding young people who experience homelessness is what this book provides. -- HousingTable of ContentsIntroduction - What this Book is About. 1. Definitions and Measures of Youth Homelessness. 2. Characteristics of Young Homeless People. 3. A History of Youth Homelessness. 4. A Geography of Youth Homelessness. 5. Something to Do - Education, Training and Employment. 6. Family - A Help or a Hindrance? 7. Friends and Acquaintances - Helping Young People to Maintain and Rebuild Social Networks. 8. Drugs and Alcohol - Dealing with Substance Misuse. 9. Housing and Support - Working for Sustainable Futures. 10. The Human Factor - What Works When Responding to Adolescent Behaviour. 11. The Future of Services for the Homeless. Appendix: The Quarriers Research Project - How Young People's Views Can Be Heard.

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Book SynopsisWritten by a leading child psychologist, this clearly written and practical book provides a template for interpreting change and meaning in children's lives through their play activity. It shows how each child's pattern of play has a distinct profile of measurable features. These can be identified - and can be used to assess the child's development.The processes of change that a child goes through and the different kinds of play profiles are clearly illustrated with examples from real life. This will be a useful resource for all professionals who work with children and are looking to support their development through a deeper understanding of their inner experiences, including family therapists, educational psychologists, special needs teachers, play therapists and child care social workers.Trade ReviewProfiles of Play is a good source for tracking the progress of young patients. Some of Chazan's authoritative statements on the meaning of play in the treatment process might make useful handouts to give parents of new child-patients who are bewildered why anyone should be paid for just playing with their troubled children. The whole book impresses one with the richness of the enterprise. -- PsychologistChazan uses a structured approach to observational data and contextual involvement in order to make sure that specific circumstances will not stop her asking important questions about what is going on at any stage of the therapeutic process - with questions she needs to ask in order to understand. At this level, the tension between interpretation and encounter - which is the therapist's version of the thought/feeling conflict - may be prevented from interfering with the reader's own imaginative participation in what is being described. The result is an extremely vivid piece of writing. -- The Journal of the British Association of DramatherapistsTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction. Observing Play Activity. 1. Structural Analysis of Play Activity. 2. The Adaptive Player. 3. The Conflicted Player. 4. The Rigid/Polarized Player. 5. The Extremely Anxious/Isolated Player. 6. Play Activity, the Player, and Development of the Self. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisAdoptive, foster and stepmothers, like biological mothers, find their lives completely changed by motherhood although they are not always granted the rights and privileges accorded to those who give birth. Barbara Waterman explores the common experiences that are shared by all those who enter the motherhood portal. She highlights the importance of wider family, community and professional support for non-biological parents and primary care-givers of both genders, and their children. A stepmother herself and a practicing psychologist, Waterman's writing is illustrated throughout with vignettes of children and parents from a range of backgrounds. She shows the important ways in which a non-biological attachment is both more similar to and more different from a biological attachment than is currently understood. In doing this, Waterman broadens the notion of the `traditional' family, and offers a positive alternative to the myth of the perfect mother. All kinds of step-, adoptive and foster families and those coming into contact with them will find this thoroughly researched and personal book an indispensable guide.Trade ReviewA well-informed and passionate book, interspersing real life stories with research findings from social psychology, films and novels. The tone is intense and committed and likely to inspire and support many non-birth mothers and challenge some prejudices. -- Community CareIn this much anticipated book, Barbara Waterman artfully draws us into the world of the non-biological mother and her children. Readers will be impressed with the broad spectrum of psychoanalytic theory to feminist object relations. Whether we parent children, the pluralism of family and parenting situations is increasingly part of our patients worlds, and this book will help all of us gain greater understanding. -- Anna Sweetnam Ph.DTable of Contents1. When the Child is Delivered to You Rather than You Delivering the Child. 2. Cracked Wide Open. 3. Longing and Belonging. 4. Holding the Mirror; Holding Up the Ideal. 5. Love and Difference. 6. The Supporting Matrix. 7. Becoming a Mother. 8. Mothering as a Spiritual Commitment. 9. Conclusion. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe application of assessment frameworks hinges on human qualities and skills which are naturally prone to bias and inconsistency. Making Sense of Child and Family Assessment aims to support workers in analysing and making sense of the information gathered, and increasing accuracy and empathy in assessing the needs and risks for vulnerable children and young people. This book offers best practice guidance on how to analyse information gathered during the assessment of children and young people and their families. Good assessments take time and need to be appropriately resourced. A range of analytical tools are also needed if practitioners are to present assessments of children's needs which lead to meaningful care plans and improved outcomes. Helm introduces the key messages emerging from policy and research, and provides insights into today's multi-disciplinary practice. Professionals working in child welfare and protection roles, such as social workers, health visitors, midwives and teachers will find this practical guide to analysis invaluable in interpreting needs and outcomes.Trade ReviewThe book draws on the most up to date research into what works best for children. It goes on to provide practical, realistic suggestions as to how practitioners in social work, health and education can aim to achieve enhanced resilience and safety of the children under their care... The author, Duncan Helm, Senior teaching fellow at Sterling University has sensibly and coherently put together the subject matters of searching and seeing, building the picture, developing explanations, using intuition effectively, whilst keeping the child at the centre in order to make sense of the assessment. The book aims to fill the gap in the field of analysing children's needs, which is a crucial and most demanding part of the assessment process. The book places emphasis on how the practitioner's skills and human qualities play a role in assessment of a child's needs and in approaching recommendations. The book provides an overview of the key elements of theory behind the practices, and explains quite lucidly issues such as how information gathering, and their analyses by different professionals in different sectors leads on to develop hypotheses about cases. The readers will find the book informative of theories behind many activities that we, the health care professionals in particular, may already be carrying out without conscious knowledge of the bases. The professional development this book may potentially offer to the readers it to instil confidence in the work that we often do by default in the fields of safeguarding and assessing a child's need. The theoretical knowledge base would go on to add credence to any service development. -- BACCHNEWSIf you are a practitioner trying to make sense of all the changes, and how best to integrate the various tools you have been asked to use with your own observations, to analyse and formulate easy to understand plans - without losing sight of your all important 'gut feeling' - then this is the book for you. Easy to read, helpful and above all informative, the book has seven very easy to grasp chapters, each jam-packed with information... I commend the author for his ability to describe the various links between government objectives, target setting and research, all somehow set out within a context that understands the challenges of working within the 'real world' of social care.... This book explains the 'what', the 'why' and the 'how' of it all - in other words, what's relevant to the work we do. -- Professional Social WorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Glossary. 1. Making Sense of Analysis. 2. Searching and Seeing in Assessment. 3. Building the Picture. 4. Developing Explanations. 5. Using Intuition Effectively. 6. The Child at the Centre. 7. Developing Practice in Analysis. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisChild well-being, which covers everything from family relationships to their material well-being, is now increasingly being talked about in policy and practice nationally and internationally. However, a lack of clarity remains about what the idea really means and how it can help children.This book brings together contributions from international experts in order to define child well-being and to further understand how it can improve children's lives. Issues covered include how the idea is being used in government policy and practice in the UK and USA, how children can contribute to the understanding of child well-being, recent advances in the exploration of indicators and measures of well-being, and the importance of context in making comparisons. A concluding chapter explores whether child well-being is a useful concept in understanding children's lives, whether it positively contributes to policy and practice, and the value of international comparisons. This edited collection is essential reading for all those involved in understanding children's lives and who have responsibility for improving them, including practitioners, policymakers, students and academics.Trade ReviewChild Well-Being, by editors Colette McAuley and Wendy Rose, provides a timely and well-informed text that offers essential reading about a notion - well-being - that, while in common currency, has been exposed to relatively little critical treatment of its value for driving policy, practice and research in children's services... The book casts much needed light on a central element of welfare discourse - well-being - and charts the likely direction of future debates in this field. Essential reading. -- Research, Policy and PlanningThe collection is a welcome reminder of the need to re-order priorities with regard to children's lives and perceiving the issues... There is much in this book including a large research bibliography. It belongs in university libraries and in courses in sociology, politics and education. -- Metapsychology Online ReviewsThis book brings together contributions from 16 international experts from Ireland, Israel and the United States, as well as the UK, in order to define child well-being and to enhance our understanding of children's lives and how they can be improved. Issues covered include whether the concept assist professionals such as social workers, teachers and youth tribute to the understanding of child well-being; and how the idea is being used in government policy and practice... Recommended if you want more depth in your understanding of children's well being. -- Play for LifeThe views of children and parents are discussed in some detail, as is the disparity between them, and an insight into the Children's Society's 2008 subjective well-being survey makes for interesting reading... The text makes for an interesting read for all those working directly with children. -- Professional Social WorkTable of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements. Preface. Part 1. Understanding Children's Lives at Home, School and in the Community. 1. Child Well-Being, Child Development and Family Lives. Jane Aldgate, The Open University, UK. 2. Children's Views on Child Well-Being. Colette McAuley, University College Dublin, Ireland, Roger Morgan, Children's Rights Director of England and Wendy Rose, The Open University, UK. 3. Introducing the Concept of Child Well-Being into Government Policy. Wendy Rose and John Rowlands, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, UK. 4. How Schools Can Contribute to Pupils' Well-being. Pamela Munn, University of Edinburgh, UK. 5. Youth, Civic Engagement and Support: Promoting Well-being. Pat Dolan, Child and Family Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. Part 2. Child Well-Being: International Developments and New Policy and Research Directions. 6. Developing Indicators for Child Well-Being in a Changing Context. Asher Ben-Arieh, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. 7. National Reporting on Child Well-Being – The State of the Nation's Children's Reports in the Republic of Ireland. Anne-Marie Brooks, Sinead Hanafin and Sylda Langford, Office of the Minister for Children, Dublin, Ireland. 8. The Challenge of Improving Children's Well-Being and Measuring Outcomes – An American Perspective. Peter J. Pecora, University of Washington and Casey Family Programs, USA and Markell Harrison-Jackson, Pinal County Education Service Agency, USA. 9. The Subjective Well-Being of Children. Jonathan Bradshaw, University of York, UK, Gwyther Rees, Children's Society, UK, Antonia Keung, University of York, UK and Haridhan Goswami, Children's Society, UK. Part 3. Child Well-Being: Current Issues and Future Directions. 10. Child Well-Being - Current Issues and Future Directions. Colette McAuley and Wendy Rose. References. List of contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisQuality Matters in Children's Services brings together authoritative research to explore critical concerns for those working with vulnerable children, young people and their families. Subjects covered include reunification, stability and wellbeing, kinship care, educating vulnerable young people, child protection, domestic violence and parental substance misuse, the participation of disabled young people and advocacy services. Mike Stein discusses key issues for policy and practice in the development of quality services including identifying and sustaining quality through involving stakeholders, integrated working and quality services, the development of policies, procedures and organisational processes and carrying out quality assessments, training and workforce reform.This book is essential reading for practitioners, senior staff, commissioners, managers and anyone involved in developing quality children's services.Trade Reviewthis book collates a lot of the recent research into what works in various areas of children's services into one easily accessible volume. -- RostrumThe content, issues and questions raised in this publication have relevance not only for children's social care but also for practitioners, managers and commissioners across Children's Trusts. As with previous publications in this series I find the presentation of research evidence in this type of overview format to be really useful. It offers information in an easy to digest way alongside both analysis and discussion of key implications for practice. The incoporation of the "Questions" sections encourages some real interaction with the text. It also offers a helpful tool for readers at different levels in organisations to consider how the quality of their service might improve to bring about better outcomes. What I particularly like about this publication is the fact that a real effort seems to have been made to link the research to the current children's services context. I also liked the fact that additional materieals have been produced and made freely avaliable designed to help promote and support the implemenation of the key messages into practice. -- Research, Policy and PlanningTable of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements. The Overview Process. Chapter 1. Quality Matters. Chapter 2. Coming and Going. Chapter 3. Going Home. Chapter 4. Going to Kinship Care. Chapter 5. Safeguarding and Supporting. Chapter 6. Caring and Educating. Chapter 7. Advocating and Participating. Chapter 8. Quality Matters in Children's Services.Appendix A. The Researchers' Summaries of Their Projects. Appendix B. The Advisory And Implementation Group. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisAround three quarters of people who turn to adoption do so because of infertility and those working in this field need information, guidance and support to assist them in the process of adoption to support the adopters and to deal with any issues that may result from infertility.Adopting after Infertility is an accessible and informative interdisciplinary book that addresses the issues that professionals working with adopters and the adopters themselves face when going through the adoption process and the impact of infertility on their experiences. The book includes chapters on the effects of infertility, why people may choose adoption and the assessment and preparation process. It also covers what an Adoption Panel needs to know about the prospective parents, the experiences of those coming to adoption from minority communities or when living with health conditions and post-adoption support needs. Personal accounts by people who have experienced adopting after infertility are included throughout the book.This book will be essential reading for professionals and academics from a range of disciplines including social work, psychology, health, mental health and counselling. It will also be invaluable to students studying for post-qualifying awards.Trade ReviewI would recommend reading the book from start to finish as it is structured to follow the path taken by many adopter. This book does achieve its objective to provide those working in this field with information, guidance and support to assist them in the adoption process and to support adopter; it will be a useful reader to inform practice for professionals, academics and students. -- Seen and HeardADOPTING AFTER INFERTILITY is a highly sympathetic read and in my view one of the best books to cover this complex and soul searching subject for prospective adoptive parents and professionals alike... It is a gentle and empowering book that offers hope and direction whilst cutting through any hypocrisy or platitudes that may smother anyone dealing with infertility... In my view, it is perfect for anyone undecided whether adoption is the journey they wish to pursue, the prospective adoptive parent who has so much to consider, or professionals wishing to gain insight into this area for assessment and understanding of others. -- Adoption TodayThis book is a very helpful guide for assessing social workers and for post-adoption workers on the topic of infertility... This useful book, which includes first hand accounts and has a cross-cultural perspective, should be seen as core reading, particularly for those who are new to the field. -- Family FuturesThis book is a must-read for those with an academic, professional and personal interest in the topic of adoption and assisted reproduction. It provides an accessible, insightful - and at time emotive account - of what it means to be infertile, how the adoption process works, and what it is like to be an adoptive parent. -- BioNewsThe premise of this interesting and much needed text is to understand and begin to fill the gap, identified by the editors, in the research into the "influence of fertility experiences on adoptive family life"...This book is well thought out, well written and up to date, pertinent and accessible. Every Assisted Reproductive Unit should have a copy, and every independent counsellor should read it. -- BICA JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction. Marilyn Crawshaw, University of York, UK and Rachel Balen, University of Huddersfield, UK. 1. The impact of infertility and treatment on individuals and couples. Lone Schmidt, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. 2. When treatment ends; the experiences of women and couples. Gayle Letherby, University of Plymouth, UK. 3. The shift from medical treatment to adoption: Exploring family building options. Petra Thorn, Practice for Couple and Family Therapy, Germany. 4. Where infertility arises from a prior health condition - fit to adopt? Marilyn Crawshaw and Rachel Balen. 5. Assessing infertile couples for adoption - Just what does 'coming to terms with infertility' mean? Marilyn Crawshaw. 6. Adoption and infertility: The role of the Adoption Panel. Jenny Gwilt, independent adoption consultant, UK. 7. 'For him, it's got to be your own son': Adoption and infertility in British South Asian communities. Lorraine Culley and Nicky Hudson, De Montfort University, UK. 8. 'A sense of belonging': The experience of a Black adopter. Sally Baffour, ThankU Charity, UK. 9. Infertility and intercountry adoption. Gill Haworth, Intercountry Adoption Centre, UK, Peter Selman, Newcastle University, UK and Jan Way, Intercountry Adoption Centre, UK. 10. A child at last: Adoption after infertility. Anthea Hendry, Art Psychotherapist, UK and Penny Netherwood, Leeds Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, UK. 11. Nature and nurture: What do theory and research tell us? Olga van den Akker, Middlesex University, UK. 12. Infertility and adoption: The search for birth parents and the impact on adult family relationships. Julia Feast, British Association for Adoption and Fostering, UK. Final Thoughts. Index.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Family Support provides a definition of family support and a clear perspective on the role that it has in promoting the welfare of children and their families.Family support is a concept that has been used in a range of ways to describe various aspects of child welfare policy and practice. The authors argue that this weakens family support as an overarching child welfare paradigm. They present a unifying definition of family support along with ten principles and a series of reflective practice questions applicable to: legislation and policy; organisation, management and planning; direct work with children and families; and research and evaluation.This is an important resource for any professional engaged in policy development, service design, delivering or evaluation of family support, including social workers, residential care staff, community development workers, teachers, community police, human services managers, evaluators and policy makers.Trade ReviewThe authors of this important book have been central to keeping family support on the policy agenda for many years now. As part of this project they have produced an excellent text which is relevant to all those with an interest in family support. A major strength of the text is that it is simultaneously both theoretically well-informed and practically relevant. The elegant use of theory means that the book forms a coherent and consistent whole. This book is a must read for policy makers, practitioners, academics and students alike - highly recommended! -- Nick Frost, Professor of Social Work (Childhood, Children and Families), Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett UniversityThe authors of this very accessible book have made a significant and lasting contribution to theory, policy and practice on family support. They have established the field internationally and promoted comparative research-led thinking amongst academics, policymakers, managers and practitioners. This book provides principles, tools, methods and a critical foundation from which to evaluate, question and review the way we work. Key issues include: boundary-spanning, strength-based working, post-modern management and global analysis. At the heart of this text is an aspiration to develop family support from children and parent's perspectives and the book successfully provides detailed advice on how we can collaboratively ensure better outcomes for children, families and communities. -- John Davis, Professor of Childhood Inclusion, The University of EdinburghThis book makes a significant contribution to theory, policy and practice of family support. By attempting to develop a clear definition of what is (and what is not) family support, the book clarifies and opens up an important debate about the nature and context of family support. The book also situates family support within global developments in policies which increasingly recognise the importance of state support for families. Policy makers, academics and practitioners will all benefit from its important insights and discussions. -- Professor Ilan Katz, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, AustraliaParticularly noteworthy are the ten principles of family support practice, which could serve as a checklist for practitioners, administrators, policy-makers, and those who wish to extend high-quality family support services globally. The book argues for the importance of theory as the foundation for family support and for rigor, with sensitivity to the needs of individual families, in evaluation. The authors offer sound advice for practitioners and administrators who plan for the future and make decisions about asset allocation in social service agencies. They stress the importance of teamwork across agencies, flexibility in meeting families' needs, and providing a supportive work environment for family support providers. Looking to the future, the authors offer a vision of expanding the model of family support globally, after careful analysis of the cultural and political factors that must be considered in this effort. The book will be useful for students, practitioners, managers, and those who craft policy that influences the lives of children and families. -- Dr. Carolyn Cutrona, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Iowa State UniversityTable of Contents1. Taking A Position on Family Support. 2. The Policy and Politics of Family Support. 3. Managing and Leading in Family Support. 4. Direct Work with Children, Parents and Communities. 5. Family Support Evaluation. 6. Family Support as a Globalising Agenda.

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Book SynopsisThis book guides childcare professionals through attachment theory and provides techniques for caring for children with attachment difficulties. It explains what attachment is, what different patterns of attachment look like in children and young people, how early attachment experiences affect their lives, and how this understanding can help childcare workers to develop therapeutic ways of caring. By understanding these issues, childcare workers are better equipped to help and support the troubled children they care for. This book shows how to promote recovery through secure base experiences in a therapeutic environment and provides solutions and methods to tackle challenging and problem behaviour, anger and the effects of trauma in children with attachment problems. This essential book will be invaluable to professionals such as residential carers, social workers and foster carers who work in a therapeutic environment with vulnerable and troubled children and young people.Trade ReviewThis book explores the impact of attachment difficulties on the behaviour of young people and offers a therapeutic framework and approach to care that attempts to address this behaviour. It offers a valuable resource to practitioners who work directly with young people, providing them with a strategy and practical tools to manage difficult behaviour in a way that supports young people and ensures their recovery -- Practice: Social Work in Actionthis is an excellent easy-to-read resource which can help practitioners in their work... I would thoroughly recommend Chapter 1 for those interested not just in patterns of attachment but also the implications of attachment in families where domestic violence is a feature... this book adds so many extra dimensions to the understanding of attachment and adds such extra value to the understanding of problematic attachment behaviours ad their management that it would be a shame not to have it on your bookshelf. -- Professional Social Work...this is overall an excellent, practical resource for those caring for children with attachment difficulties, and for the professionals supporting them. -- Journal of Mental Health`An excellent book that is well written, comprehensive and easy to read. It is full of practical advice and things to make readers think about attachment difficulties in teenagers...The book makes special reference to carers working in children's homes and would make an excellent text for care home workers. However, the book is not just for those who work in children's homes, as it contains some excellent practical strategies for parents and carers as well. There are also chapters on working with anger, working with conflict and working with challenging behaviour. Highly recommended.` -- Youth in Mind`This book is divided into eight easy to read, well-structure chapters each prefaced by a list of learning outcomes...Author Chris Taylor uses his own experience to provide an attachment-based model for making residential care a supportive environment for children recovering from the emotional damage done by dysfunctional families and the care system...This is a balanced and quietly persuasive text, with an admirable determination to ensure troubled children receive the highly skilled care they need...I doubt whether we are even close to having the systems, models and career structures to make a residential care revival viable, but this book may prompt us to think again.` -- Children and Young People Now, Jeffrey Coleman, southern England director, British Association for Adoption and FosteringThe concise learning outcomes for each chapter make this book an ideal resource for professional development in the caring field. It may be tempting for people to go straight to the final chapters on dealing with behaviours, and it invaluable as a practical handbook; but it is well worth reading from all the way through as it will deepen the reader's understanding and empathy for children and young people with attachment difficulties. -- Foster Care MagazineA Practical Guide to Caring for Children and Teenagers with Attachment Difficulties is an important bridge between attachment theory and research and providing appropriate care for children who are most in need. Most importantly, it reminds us that in order for these children and young people to successfully recover from their relational traumas, those providing their care must keep in mind the key concepts of attachment security. The author successfully utilizes cognitive and behavioural interventions in the context of attachment, maximizing their effectiveness and demonstrating how best to care for these children and young people. -- Dan Hughes, Ph.D., Psychologist and author of Building the Bonds of Attachment, 2nd ed., Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Parenting.This book provides a wealth of information and practical ideas for parenting young people who have experienced early trauma and disrupted attachments. Parents and carers are given a whole approach to parenting as well as specific ideas for specific problems, and special reference is made to the often neglected issue of how to parent children living within children’s homes. This book is a treasure trove of theory and practical ideas for foster carers, residential care workers and for the professionals who are supporting them. -- Kim S. Golding, MSc Clinical Psychology, DClinPsy, Clinical Psychologist with the Integrated Service for Looked After and Adopted Children (ISL), Worcester, UK.This volume is designed to provide carers with detailed guidance to help them to understand attachment theory... Taylor offers a practical and accessible approach, bringing a wealth of experience to the task of helping carers to enable children with attachment disorders to achieve more positive, healthy and secure relationshipswith others. Social workers, guardians, psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists will also benefit from Taylor's creativity and clarity... This book is well constructed and successfully achieves its aim of being a very useful and practical tool for carers. Each chapter sets out learning outcomes, enabling carers and professionals to employ this text both as a readily accessible reference and a source of further ideas for care planning. A Practical Guide for Caring for Children and Teenagers with Attachment Difficulties fills a gap, offering guidance to carers and a more focal understanding of relevant issues for professionals involved in care and family work. We suspect that thisbook will acquire a well-worn look on the book shelf or desk of many individuals who are regularly asked to provide advice and support to carers working with vulnerable and traumatised children. -- Child Abuse ReviewTable of ContentsIntroduction.1. Patterns of Attachment. 2. The Planned Environment – an organizational representation of a secure base. 3. Ways of Caregiving – working within the frame. 4. Working for Recovery – relational representation of the secure base. 5. Working with Conflict. 6. Working with Anger. 7. Managing Challenging Behaviour. 8. Changing Problem Behaviour. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisNeglect is the most common form of child abuse, but recognizing the signs, assessing the family's and the child's needs, and undertaking intervention can be difficult and complicated. This book, based on extensive research of the evidence, outlines how neglect can be recognized, examining the signs that parents give to signal their need for help, and the signs that a child's needs are not being met. It then covers how practitioners should respond, including assessment, planning, and appropriate interventions. The authors examine whether practitioners are well-equipped to recognize child neglect, and whether professional responses to help could be swifter. Finally, the prevention of child neglect is considered, and a proposal for a public health approach and early intervention is outlined. The book includes case studies and makes recommendations for policy and practice.This book will help practitioners to understand better child neglect and to improve practice in this important area. It will be vital for all those likely to encounter child neglect, including child and family social workers, health visitors, teachers with safeguarding responsibilities, nursery staff, and educational psychologists.Trade ReviewOne of the biggest strengths to this text is how it sparks the imagination, motivating creativity of response to situations of neglect... I personally was left with the hope-filled message that "it is possible to prevent child neglect" (p.160)and the confidence to believe the necessary systemic change might actually be achievable. -- Practice: Social Work in ActionThis book is strongly recommended for practitioners and as a resource for researchers. -- Child and Adolescent Mental HealthThis is a well rounded book, supported by many up to date research studies. -- Play for Lifean excellent book. Indeed the comments made above essentially highlight the importance and complexity of the subject, and the authors rightly identify several areas as meriting more research. Jessica Kingsley are producing quite a flood of interesting texts at present, and they are to commended for publishing this book. -- Children Webmag[T]his book is a most welcome and timely addition to the literature on child neglect. The authors write with assurance and understanding, recognizing how emotionally draining and professionally demanding the work can be; they also offer a challenge to current thinking and practice. This is a must-read book for all those whose work brings them in contact with neglected children, for their managers and those responsible for their training and education. -- From the Foreword by Enid Hendry, Head of Strategy and Development (Looked after Children), NSPCC, UKThe book includes brief, helpful summaries of different interventions.. The small size of the book is encouraging for busy practitioners and it lends itself to 'dipping in and out' rather than reading cover to cover. The authors use extensive sources, which are clearly referenced and cited throughout. The text is consistently well-presented and adequately supported by relevant tables and figures... The 'case studies' are realistic and helpfully illustrate themain content of each chapter, while the 'activities' boxes are thought-provoking and encourage reflection on practice. Also helpful are the 'key messages' at the end of each chapter, which succinctly summarise the mainpoints.This book does broadly achieve its aims to challenge practitioners to reflect on practice and values. -- Jess McCormack, Social Worker * Practice: Social Work in Action *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Enid Hendry, NSPCC. 1. Understanding Child Neglect. 2. Signs that Parents Need Support. 3. Signs that Children's Needs are Not Being Met. 4. Responding to Children Whose Needs are Not Being Met. 5. Helping the Neglected Child. 6. Preventing Child Neglect. Appendix 1. Systematic Review Methodology. Appendix 2. Papers Included in the Systematic Review. Bibliography. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisHow do you spot the signs that a young person has been victimised? What do you do if you are approached by a young person who has been affected by crime or bullying? What is the impact of crime and how can you best aid the young person’s recovery?Are You Okay deals with these issues that many adults may face when trying to help a young person in their care in the aftermath of a crime. It provides detailed information on the different types of crime from assault and hate crime to cyberbullying and sexual abuse, and explores how they may affect the young person in different ways. The author also addresses difficult issues such as dealing with fears of retaliation, confidentiality and whether a crime should be reported, the grey area between crime and bullying and how best to assess the young person’s needs.This accessible guide will be essential reading for anyone working with children and young people aged 8+, including social workers, youth workers, teachers, police, education welfare officers and victim support and witness service workers.aTrade ReviewI found this an accessible, easily readable and practical book. -- BASPCAN NewsThe use of case studies and subheading makes this book easy to use. It is simple to find what you need and it covers a wide range of areas from identifying children at risk, the range of crimes, the legal points and how to help. There is also a range of references and resources to allow the reader to gain further insight into each area. For anyone working with children, this book will be well thumbed and well read. -- The SL JournalIt is clear that we need to do more to help children who have been victims of crime. This book will enable people to do exactly that - help people get started with some tried and tested advice and techniques to help young victims. -- Sara Payne, Victims' ChampionThis book provides a practical guide to supporting young people who have been victims of crime; from assault, bullying and robbery to sexual and physical abuse. The statistics used helpfully contextualise the young people's experiences, but most useful are the case studies showing how crimes against children can be dealt with effectively... The information is presented clearly without oversimplifying what are often complex issues, and without dichotomising "victims" and "offenders". Although aimed at practitioners, policy makers would do well to learn from this book as they look to reform the youth justice system, taking note of the need for early intervention and the use of restorative justice. -- Children & Young People NowTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. Key Concepts: Protective Behaviours and Restorative Approaches. Part 1. 'What happened?' The crimes and their consequences. 1. The crimes. 2. Indirect victimization or 'hidden harm'. 3. Understanding the effects of crime and recognizing the signs. Part 2. 'You are not alone' stepping in to help. 4. Raising the issue and responding well. 5. Assessment, confidentiality and reporting. Part 3. 'What will happen now?' The criminal justice system. 6. A swift navigation through the criminal justice system. 7. Restorative approaches. 8. The overlap between offending and victimization. 9. Next steps. Conclusion. Resources. Index.

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Book SynopsisAdolescent neglect is a significant problem within child protection, but focus on child neglect and other forms of maltreatment means that it can often be overlooked.This book outlines how adolescent neglect differs from child neglect, the context of why it is overlooked, how it is defined, the causes and consequences of neglect, young people's views, and what professionals can do. Based on original research, the book establishes an evidence base and considers the implications for policy and practice. The concluding chapter sets out a practice-based framework for recognizing and working with adolescent neglect. Each chapter includes reflection points to stimulate thinking on key issues. This will be essential reading for all those who work with young people, particularly those in social work, health services and education, as well as academics, policymakers and students in these fields.Trade ReviewIn the book, the authors bring together the existing research relating to adolescent neglect... while briefly evaluating key overall messages. At the conclusion of each chapter, they provide their own analysis of potential means for addressing particular issues in relation to adolescent neglect... they pose question to stimulate thinking with regard to these issues... Adolescent Neglect: Research, Policy, and Practice is a useful tool that bring the issue of adolescent neglect to the attention of researchers, policymakers, and those who work in child services, as well as students, parents, and adolescents who are interested in gaining a better understanding of this issue. -- Journal of Youth and AdolescenceAdolescent Neglect is well organised and covers an area of neglect that has often received very little attention. This book is particularly useful for all those who are working with young people, particularly in social care and education. -- PSW - Professional Social WorkTable of Contents1. The Neglect of Young People in Context. 2. Defining the Neglect of Young People. 3. The Causes and Context of Young People's Neglect. 4. The Consequences of the Neglect of Young People. 5. Young People's Views about Neglect. 6. Whose Business is the Neglect of Young People? 7. Interventions with Neglected Young People. 8. Conclusions. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisSocial pedagogy is an innovative discipline that supports children's upbringing and overall development by focusing on the child as a whole person. It has been described as where education and care meet or as 'education in its broadest sense'.This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory, principles and practice of social pedagogy and the profession of social pedagogue. With chapters from leading international contributors, it outlines the roots of social pedagogy and its development in Europe, and its role in relation to individuals, groups, communities and societies. Also covered is how it applies in practice to working with children and young people in a variety of settings, including children in care and in need of family support, and its potential future applications.This seminal book on an increasingly important topic will be essential reading for all academics, researchers and practitioners working with children.Trade ReviewI really liked the book. It seemed to me it is opportune, interesting, and useful... much of my enthusiasm for this book is due to the above-mentioned, quality criteria. But also, it is due to the authors' confidence in the ability of social pedagogy to transform society through its work with children and young people - a trust and a hope shared by all those who have chosen to become involved in this field, from th3e academic sphere or from the professional sphere. -- European Journal of Social WorkIt is a hopeful book, which conveys a combination of enthusiasm and serious intent for an approach that has the potential to radically innovate an overly administered UK system of care and education. -- Pastoral Care in EducationThis book will prove invaluable to those wanting to explore the thinking and practice of social pedagogy. The contributions are not only insightful and inspirational but also ambitious and aspirational, challenging the reader to participate in the evolving discourse on social pedagogy. It is a much needed resource, charting the history of social pedagogic developments to date and acting as a steady companion in the professional advancement of the reader. It is also a full reference tool and an aid for further dialogue. -- Jonathan Stanley, National Centre for English Residential Child Care, UKI thoroughly enjoyed this book; it is an excellent addition to the current literature on social pedagogy. It provides comprehensive coverage of the subject, outlining the principals and the most up-to-date thinking and interpretation of social pedagogy today. -- Gareth Wall, Registered Manager of a residential children's home and owner of www.residentialchildcarenetwork.comTable of Contents1. Social Pedagogy: Current Understandings and Opportunities. Claire Cameron and Peter Moss, Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU), Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 2. Conceptual Foundations of Social Pedagogy: A Transnational Perspective from Germany. Gabriel Eichsteller and Sylvia Holthoff, ThemPra Social Pedagogy, Germany. 3. Diversity in Early Childhood Education: A Matter of Social Pedagogical Embarrassment. Michel Vandenbroeck, Filip Coussée, Lieve Bradt and Rudi Roose, Ghent University, Belgium. 4. Interpersonal Communication: The Medium for Social Pedagogic Practice. Pat Petrie, Centre for Understanding Social Pedagogy, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 5. Social Pedagogy as Relational Dialogic Work: Competencies in Modern Society. Inge M. Bryderup and Anna Kathrine Frørup, University of Aarhus, Denmark. 6. The Supportive Relationship in 'Public Care': The Relevance of Social Pedagogy. Janet Boddy, TCRU, UK. 7. Communication and Conflict: An Important Part of Social Pedagogic Relationships. Stefan Kleipoedszus, TCRU, UK. 8. Understandings of Danish Pedagogical Practice. Jytte Juul Jensen, VIA University College, Denmark. 9. Early Childhood Education in Reggio Emilia and Social Pedagogy: Are they Related? Peter Moss. 10. Radical Democratic Education and Emancipatory Social Pedagogy: Prolegomena to a Dialogue. Michael Fielding, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 11. Social Pedagogy: Future Directions? Peter Moss and Claire Cameron. Contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe Social Worker's Guide to Child and Adolescent Mental Health provides a comprehensive guide to working with children and young people who are experiencing mental health problems, and equips the reader with the knowledge and skills to provide the best service to these vulnerable young people. The first part of the book considers what role social work can play in child and adolescent mental health, and explores key ideas related to mental health and young people, including attachment issues, children's emotional development and common and complex mental health problems. The author then covers how social work skills and methods can be applied to working with children and young people with mental health problems, including guidance on assessment tools, intervention, and multi-disciplinary working. The final section focuses on the wider context, such as legislative and policy frameworks and the importance of considering cultural, spiritual and religious identity. Case examples, reflective activities and practical exercises are included to underpin theory and knowledge.This book will be essential reading for all pre- and post-qualifying social work practitioners involved with children, adolescents and families, in particular those working in mental health settings, as well as approved mental health professionals.Trade ReviewThere are many publications on this engaging topic but what set this one apart is that it proves to be a comprehensive guide with a far-reaching examination of a subject that continues to be amongst the most challenging areas of social work. -- Seen and HeardI would recommend this book to all who work with children and adolescents and especially those who are keen to develop their knowledge around the complex area that is "mental health"... This is a key book for this field of practice and one that I will share with my colleagues at CAFS, and utilise both in my practice and with fieldwork students. -- Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work`For me, and I am sure for others in my profession, some action or level of understanding is better than nothing? The caveat to this is that the aim should be to gain a basic understanding so as to ultimately direct or signpost to the most appropriate supportive service. It is in this regard that this book is a welcome addition to any caring and empathetic professional, since child and adolescent health can bring with it many frightening challenges to social work practitioners...At the start of each chapter are learning objectives which, having read the book, I can state with every confidence are met at every juncture and in every section.` -- Professional Social Work, Carolyn Taylor-Score, Family Court Advisor, CAFCASS BoltonAt a time when the criticism is that social workers hold too many eggs in their basket, the title of Steven Walker's The Social Worker's Guide to Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) speaks for itself. There are no shortage of books on mental health generally or young people in particular but Walker's is very unusual in focussing on the needs of this professional group. It looks at the role of social work with mentally ill young people, while also examining key ideas like attachment, emotional development and common and complex mental health problems. Its value really is in showing how social work skills and methods can apply rather than borrowing from other professions. -- Young Minds, Terry PhilpotTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Stephen Briggs, Tavistock Clinic, UK. Introduction. Part 1. Social work assessment and intervention. 1. The role of social work in CAMHS. 2. Child development and attachment. 3. Mental health problems. Part 2. Applying the skills of social work. 4. Social work skills and methods. 5. Multi-disciplinary and interprofessional working. 6. Family and community support. Part 3. The context of social work with children and young people. 7. The organisational and legal framework. 8. Culture, ethnicity and diversity. 9. Understanding spirituality and religion. Conclusions. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisChildren from abroad who are alone in the UK are vulnerable and at increased risk of harm without the care and protection of their parents or caregivers. They may be unaccompanied asylum seekers, refugees, or victims of trafficking. This book examines the issues and problems faced by these children, what their needs are, and how these needs should be met in order to ensure their effective safeguarding. It demonstrates that these children often receive a different level of service to children who are UK citizens, and examines how these gaps in services can be addressed. Chapters cover the identification and age assessment of separated children, accommodation provision, private fostering, mental health, detention and returns, and the role of the guardian. Case studies and best practice points are included throughout the book.This important book will be essential reading for all those who encounter separated children, including social workers, counsellors, health care professionals and those working in the voluntary sector.Trade ReviewOverall the book achieves its aim of being an accessible document for a variety of professionals who may be involved in work with separated children. It demystifies practice, highlighting the need for a focus on the needs and welfare of children, while it does not shy away from the complexities of working with a particularly vulnerable group of children on the move. -- Practice: Social Work in ActionThe book is highly readable and the chapters cover a wide range of issues, enabling the reader to dip into particular topics. -- Professional Social WorkThis book highlights... contemporary legal, policy and practice developments. Personally, I was surprised by the new Scottish pilot programme for unaccompanied asylum seekers, but, to find out more, I highly recommend reading this book. -- FrontlineThe book is a realistic one. It does not shy away from the more unsavoury aspects of child refugees or asylum seekers. It holds out no false hope but there is the suggestion that where legislation is used properly, more help than harm is offered to these children and young people. There is a wealth of references and an extensive bibliography at the end of each chapter which will be invaluable to students and professionals where this phenomenon is a key aspect of their work. -- Children's Webmag.This edited collection includes work from contributors with a variety of expertise in children's social care, research, immigration law, policy and paediatric mental health, and will be particularly relevant for professionals in these fields with an interest in, or responsibility for, separated children. Each chapter contextualises a particular aspect of safeguarding within relevant policy frameworks and legislation, before drawing on research literature and case studies to reflect on the issues raised...this book will do much to raise awareness of the complexity of separated children's experiences, and can only improve our safeguarding responses as a result. -- Child Abuse ReviewTable of ContentsIntroduction. Emma Kelly, University of Salford, UK and Farhat Bokhari, Independent Consultant. 1. Separated Children in the UK: Policy and Legislation. Farhat Bokhari. 2. Identification of Separated Children in the UK. Phil Ishola, Harrow Children's Services. 3. Asylum, Age Disputes and the Process of Age Assessment. Heaven Crawley, University of Swansea, UK and Emma Kelly. 4. Safe Accommodation for Separated Children. Hannah Pearce, ECPAT, UK. 5. Living with Unrelated Adults: Private Fostering. Catherine Shaw, National Children's Bureau and Savita de Sousa, British Association of Adoption and Fostering. 6. Safeguarding the Mental Health Needs of Separated Children. Ruth V. Reed, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Mina Fazel, University of Oxford, UK. 7. Return of Separated Children to Country of Origin. Nadine Finch, Garden Court Chambers. 8. Listening to Separated Children. Emma Kelly. 9. The Role of the Guardian for Separated Children. Stefan Stoyanov, Children's Commissioner for Scotland. Index.

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Book SynopsisFostering is vitally important: the majority of looked after children are fostered, yet these children are often left out of the agenda and their voices are not heard.This book sets out a child-centred approach to foster care which argues against thinking about children purely from a psychological perspective and instead places children's views, rights and needs at the centre of care. It sets out the theory behind working in partnership with children who are fostered, and discusses children's views about fostering systems and living with foster carers. The book then outlines how to put the theory into practice, offering models, processes and best practice examples. Practical advice is given on establishing effective communication and good working relationships between practitioners, carers and foster children. This insightful book aims to promote better services and outcomes for fostered children, and will be essential reading for social work practitioners and students.Trade ReviewThis is a book which anyone working with children and young people in foster care needs on his/her shelves. -- Children & SocietyThe author's model is aspirational, informed by children and young people's views, and give practical advice on effective communication and participation... overall the book offers a very useful review of developments in fostering practice, and utilises a wide evidence base. It is well-structured and would be of interest to a broad range of practitioners. -- Children & Young People NowBased on thorough, sociologically informed research into children's stories about being fostered, this book challenges some of the dominant theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding children's experiences... [It is] an excellent review of literature as well as a research-informed text in its own right..[and] offer[s] real possibilities for a way forward and for shaking up professional vocabularies about children and fostering where these have become stale. -- From the Foreword by Sue White, Professor of Social Work (Children and Families), University of Birmingham, UKThis book... promotes a rights-based approach to social work with children and young people in foster care... This is an interesting and somewhat challenging book. It is not difficult to read or follow and offers interesting, valuable and usable information. Social workers working with children in care or with their caregivers, as well as managers and those involved in the provision of foster care services, should read this book and keep it close by as a book to refer to... A must read for anyone interested in the provision of child-focused social work with children in care. -- Jacques Coulton, ANZASW Member * Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work *Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part One. Setting out the Terrain. 1. Introducing the Contexts of Fostering. 2. The Theoretical Approach. 3. Fostering Research. 4. What Children and Young People Say about Being Fostered. Part Two. Setting out the Evidence Base. 5. What Children and Young People Say about Moving to a Foster Home. 6. What Children and Young People Say about Living in a Foster Home. 7. Children's Views About Fostering Systems. Part Three. Putting Children's Views into Practice. 8. Best Practice. 9. How to Communicate with and Support Children who are Fostered. 10. Participation. 11. Selecting Carers. 12. Conclusion: Towards Better Outcomes for Foster Children. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisDisorganized attachment is the most extreme form of insecure attachment. This book is a practical guide to caring for children and young people with disorganized attachment and related emotional and psychological difficulties. Synthesising attachment, trauma and mentalization theory into a useful practice model, Empathic Care for Children with Disorganized Attachments proposes ways of meeting the needs arising in children and young people with disorganized attachments. Focusing on the importance of interpersonal bonds to facilitate the child's capacity to mentalize, it aims to equip the reader with the appropriate skills to provide effective, sustained and, most importantly, empathic care to the most vulnerable and troubled children. This structured psychotherapeutic approach to caregiving will enable the development of child–carer relationships and can be used to create informed, safe environments that support both the young person and the caregiver. This useful guide will be invaluable to health and social care professionals including residential carers, therapists, counsellors, and those working with vulnerable and troubled children and young people including those supporting foster and adoptive families.Trade ReviewI warmly recommend this book to anyone working with or caring for traumatised children... Providing helpful introductions to attachment theory and recent developments in neuroscience, the book is written in a clear, accessible style... The book manages to combine theory and research while providing practical advice on how to work with traumatised children. The tone of the book is compassionate and understanding, with an emphasis on curiosity and empathy in working with vulnerable children. -- Children & Young People NowThis is a very engaging text from start to finish and should be on a play therapist's and trainee's reading list. -- Play for LifeThis book combines contemporary theory and research with considerable expertise and sensitivity. It should be on students' 'essential reading' lists and prominent on practitioners' bookshelves. Chris Taylor shows how young minds struggle to deal with the paradoxical 'fear without solution' resulting from a child's safe haven simultaneously being a place of dread and fear. Here also is a definitive account of how trauma can be overcome through caring, reliable and secure relationships. -- Professor David Shemmings, Co-director of the Centre for Child Protection, UK and Director of the Assessment of Disorganised Attachment and Maltreatment (ADAM) ProjectChris Taylor's book outlines clear introductions to the theories related to mentalizing, attachment and trauma, and explains how this understanding can be practically applied in therapeutic parenting work. A wealth of approaches are described, which provide an excellent range of tools and methods that are not only clear and practical, but also supported by the latest findings of neuroscience research. This is a unique and valuable book in that it takes a growing and respected theoretical approach and applies it specifically for those involved in the residential and foster care of traumatized children. -- Patrick Tomlinson, children's services consultant and author of Therapeutic Residential Care for Children and Young PeopleTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. 1. A Recovery Model. 2. Attachment. 3. Trauma. 4. A Mentalizing Approach. 5. Attachment and Trauma-Informed Care. 6. Interventions for Attachment Style. 7. Mentalizing and Emotional Arousal. 8. Plan, Do, Reflect, Review. Appendix. Community of Communities: Core Values. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisChild Protection and Child Welfare draws on the knowledge of child protection experts and social care professionals to provide an authoritative international overview of child protection strategy and policy. Devoting particular attention to the role played by culture in determining child welfare issues and child protection responses, this book illustrates the impact of both long-term influences, such as the legacy of the caste system in India, and more recent global events, such as the development of international trade in Ghana and shrinking budgets in Italy on national approaches to supporting families and children. The international perspective aims to enhance our understanding of the range of possible approaches, encouraging researchers, policymakers and practitioners to think critically about current models, and providing insights for developing practice.This important book will be essential reading for social workers, policy makers, child protection service workers, commissioners and managers across child and family welfare services, as well as researchers and academics in the field.Trade ReviewWelbourne and Dixon's wide-ranging collection of studies into child protection and child welfare services around the world makes a significant contribution to the academic literature; it also has major implications for policy and practice. This important book should be widely consulted. -- James Midgley, Harry and Riva Specht Professor of Public Social Services, University of California, Berkeley, USAThe chapters in this edited collection capture the global diversity of ways of thinking about children and the role of the state in promoting their welfare and protecting them. The authors set out to make sense of this diversity and in their commitment to an international perspective not only do they help us think more critically and reflexively about children, family life and child protection they also require us to engage with the very different life circumstances of children globally. As the authors argue, child welfare and child protection are international issues that should be of concern to all of us not just because the lives lived by children are so varied, often marked by extreme socio-economic disadvantage and exploitation, but also because historical and contemporary patterns of migration have rendered visible very different ideas of what constitutes a "good" family life, the rights of children and families, family privacy, what it is to be a child and how children should be cared for. -- Jeremy Roche, Dean and Director of Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UKThis is an ambitious and rigorously constructed book that examines how the historical, cultural, political and economic context affects child welfare and child protective services in 11 different countries from different regions around the globe. It will be invaluable for all those who want to analyse and critically review these services to help inform these areas in their own country, and understand the similarities and differences in these important areas worldwide. -- Brian Littlechild, Professor of Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UKTable of Contents1. Introduction. Penelope Welbourne, University of Plymouth, UK and John Dixon, Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research, Kazakhstan. 2. Sweden. Sven Hessle, University of Stockholm, Sweden. 3. The United States of America. Otrude Nontobeko Moyo, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA. 4. The United Kingdom. Clare Colton, University of Plymouth, UK and Penelope Welbourne. 5. Italy. Annamaria Campanini and Teresa Bertotti, University of Milan Bicocca, Italy. 6. Romania. Contiu Soitu and Daniela-Tatiana Soitu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Romania. 7. Japan. Kathryn Goldfarb, Harvard University, USA. 8. India. Selwyn Stanley, University of Plymouth, UK. 9. Kazakhstan. Nazgul Assylbekova and Anuarbek Kakabayev, Kokshetau State University named after Sh. Ualikhanov, Kazakhstan. 10. Middle East. Alean Al-Krenawi, Ben-Gurion University of the Nregev, Israel and Dennis Kimberley, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. 11. Ghana. Marie-Antoinette Sossou, University of Kentucky, USA. 12. Australia and New Zealand. Menka Tsantefski and Marie Connolly, University of Melbourne, Australia. Notes on Contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisReclaiming Social Work (RSW) is a radical new system for delivering child and family social work in the UK. The system was first piloted in the London Borough of Hackney and the model has gained national recognition. At the heart of this innovative system is the endeavour to keep children together with their families.This book sets out what the Reclaiming Social Work model is, how it was implemented, and how it works. It explains the RSW system of social work 'units' made up of clinicians and therapists and headed by a consultant social worker, and demonstrates how it has worked in practice. The evidence base and theories underlying the model are also explained. Several chapters are written by consultant social workers with extensive experience of working within RSW, which outline the methodological approaches used. This book on a pioneering new social work model will be of great interest to social work managers, policymakers and academics.Trade ReviewThis book is the account of how the London Borough of Hackney took up the same challenge in its children's services. It brings seriously good news from every point of view. From a professional perspective, it offers a model of practice that is coherent, ethical and effective in changing people's lives. From a managerial perspective, it demonstrates how to produce change in a large bureaucratic organisation, to make it more effective and simultaneously save resources of time and money. From a political perspective, it takes social workout of the hair of politicians and out of the media limelight. -- European Journal of Social WorkReclaiming Social Work is the answer provided in the London Borough of Hackney. The editors and Debra Philip (the latter of whom the book is dedicated to) led a radical change to the delivery of social work services in the borough. An evaluation in 2010 found that since the introduction of the model there had been a reduction in costs fewer children in public care, a reduction in staff sickness and improvements in practice... this is a stimulating and at times inspiring read to be recommended to practitioners, managers and policy makers. -- RostrumSocial Work Reclaimed sets out the "story" of the Reclaiming Social Work model from its pilot in the London Borough of Hackney to its position as an internationally recognised progressive model of social work. The contributors to the book illuminate the reader about the methodology, values and practicalities of the operational model of Reclaiming Social Work that Hackney rolled out...Social Work Reclaimed will interest any practitioner who is concerned with the challenge for social workers to effect change in complex family systems. It should also be essential reading for anyone who is interested in an evidence-based alternative to how child and family statutory services are currently organised, and how the future of social work could be shaped to be a more positive experience for families in crisis and social workers themselves. -- Professional Social WorkThis book offers an exciting and persuasive account of how children and their families can receive better help from social workers... [It] shows one successful way of reforming social work to produce not just a happier workforce but, more importantly, happier children, young people and families. -- From the Foreword by Eileen Munro, Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political ScienceEdited by two of the key innovators in child and family services in England, this book could not be more timely. The Munro Review of child protection in England has recommended a sea change in the way services are designed, with an emphasis on local innovation. That Steve Goodman and Isabelle Trowler achieved such a system redesign whilst under the strictures of a particularly pernicious centralised regime is a noteworthy, indeed remarkable, achievement. Managers in children's services need to see design as their day job, and they need to design around the needs of families. This book is indispensable for social work managers, social workers and academics. Buy it, read it, do it. -- Sue White, Professor of Social Work (Children and Families), University of Birmingham, UKTable of ContentsForeword. Eileen Munro. Introduction. Isabelle Trowler and Steve Goodman, Morning Lane Associates, UK. 2. A Systems Methodology for Child and Family Social Work. Isabelle Trowler and Steve Goodman. 3. Systemic Practice in a Risk Management Context. Nick Pendry, Institute of Family Therapy, London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust, London. 4. Behavioural-based Interventions: Social Learning Theory. Stewart McCafferty, The Attachment Practice. 5. Stories Lived, Stories Told: Using a Systemic Approach to Case Recording in the Social Work Unit. Julie Rooke, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. 6. Preconditions: Structure, Continuity and Momentum. Karen Schiltroth, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 7. Working with People in Transition. Timo Dobrowolski, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 8. The Centrality of Relationships. Karen Gaughan and Sonya Kalyniak, London Borough of Hackney Leaving Care Service. 9. Liberated Thinking within a Social Work Unit. Rick Mason, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 10. Helping People Move Beyond Their Own Histories. Martin Purbrick, independent social work consultant. 11. Seen and Heard: The Unfolding Story of Reclaiming Social Work Through the Eyes of a Children’s Practitioner. Charlie Clayton, London Borough of Hackney, Children and Young People's Services. 12. Conclusion and Reflections on Our Journey. Isabelle Trowler and Steve Goodman. List of Contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe decision whether or not to reunify a child in care with their birth family is one of the most serious taken by children's services, and often involves considerable risk.This book examines the long-term consequences of this decision for children who entered public care for abuse or neglect. It compares the experiences and progress of children who remained in care or returned to their birth families up to four years after the decision was taken. It covers how the decision is made, the factors taken into account when making it and provides important suggestions for effective decision-making. It compares the progress made by the children in relation to their safety, stability and emotional well-being. The book demonstrates that, contrary to common belief, long-term care can be a positive option for maltreated children.This book provides important messages for reunification policy and practice in relation to maltreated children. It will be essential reading for social work practitioners, researchers and policy makers.Trade ReviewOverall the book provides a useful read for EPs, particularly those who work specifically with looked after children. It reminds all involved in supporting children, young people and their families of the role they play in safeguarding. -- DebateThis is a well-written and well-presented book. It is useful for social workers, social work students and professionals working with young people in the public care system faced with making the decision of whether a child should remain looked after or returned home. -- PSWThe decision to return a child home after a period in care couldn't be more critical. If you want a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the issues and consequences of these life changing professional decisions, then this is a 'must read'. -- John Simmonds, Director of Policy, Research and Development, British Association for Adoption and FosteringTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Study Design. 3. The Children's Admission to Care. 4. The Effective Decision: How Children and Parents Were Getting On. 5. How the Effective Decision was Made: Planning and Outcome. 6. How the Effective Decision was Made: Experiences of Parents and Children. 7. Children's Experiences at Home and in Care: The First Six Months. 8. Placements and Stability at Follow-up. 9. Well-Being and Progress at Follow-up. 10. Exploring Well-Being at Follow-up. 11. Case Studies: From Admission to Follow-up. 12. Conclusion. Appendix A. A Global Outcome Measure of Child Well-Being. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisToday's child welfare services operate under a limited supply of resources which are being stretched by economic cuts and an increasing number of referrals to children's social care. This book provides a comprehensive costing approach which examines how finite resources can be most effectively used to provide support to the most vulnerable children and their families.Drawing upon the latest research and data, it outlines a methodology which has been applied to a range of child welfare services. The methodology breaks services down into component parts, creating a 'unit cost' for each type of case and task. This 'bottom-up' approach ensures that costing is consistent and allows for variations specific to each type of case and welfare organisation. By looking explicitly at the links between needs, costs and outcomes, this book gives social care commissioners and managers an indication of the most effective and efficient way to allocate and channel resources. As well as offering these implications for practice, this book will offer policymakers evidence of the effectiveness of early intervention and preventative measures.In providing a detailed assessment of children's needs, costs and outcomes across the full range of child welfare services and cases, this book will be of essential use to both social care professionals at the commissioning level and policymakers who wish to improve the effectiveness of child welfare services.Table of ContentsPreface. 1. Introduction 2. The Conceptual Framework. 3. The Calculation of Unit Costs. 4. Additional Services. 5. Understanding Children's Needs and Outcomes. 6. Making Use of Cost Calculations: Building and Supporting an Evidence Base. 7. Conclusion: Implications for Policy and Practice. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe journey to adulthood is a big step for all young people. However, for young people leaving care it may be far more difficult, coping with major changes in their lives and at a younger age, especially if they lack preparation and support.Young People Leaving Care explores the journey from care to adulthood through the main challenges these young people face: in being in settled accommodation, in fulfilling their potential in education, employment or training, and in achieving and maintaining good health and a positive sense of wellbeing. For each of these pathways, the book provides a comprehensive review of relevant research, how young people might be best supported, and how the services they receive have the potential to increase resilience and boost their chances of enjoying a fulfilled life as a young adult.This is an essential book for all those who work with young people from care, including social workers, personal advisers, counsellors, teachers, policy makers, researchers and students in the field of child welfare.Trade ReviewThis book provides a comprehensive overview of the needs of care leavers and the services needed to support them to enhance their outcomes. It is a helpful resource for any professional involved with care leaver. -- PSW (Professional Social Work)Young people Leaving Care. Supporting Pathways to Adulthood is not the first book to be published on the subject but with Mike Stein as the author it is one of the Best. -- Young Minds MagazineIt is a useful book that covers important practical considerations for young people leaving care. It is full of interesting examples and discusses relevant and current research in a meaningful way. -- Gloria Pottor, "Open" Magazine for OU, the Fostering NetworkThis book maps out the journey that young people take when leaving the care system... I would suggest that it is read by anyone working with young people in or from care. It should be used as a key resource for highlighting some of the challenges that we face during early adulthood when our support from children services has been withdrawn... It provides a comprehensive review of the development of policies in England; at the same time, it also highlights the needs of the most vulnerable young people to leave the care system and suggests ways in which professionals can promote their successful transitions into adulthood. -- Áine Rose Kelly, doctoral student at the Rees Centre & care leaver * REES Centre Newsletter *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments. 1. Introduction. Part 1. Setting the Context. 2. The Making of Leaving Care Law and Policy, 1948 – 2012. 3. The Organisation of Leaving Care Services. Part Two. Pathways to Adulthood. 4. Being in Settled, Safe Accommodation. 5. Careers and Accommodation. 6. Homelessness, Housing Outcomes and Leaving Care Services. 7. School Education: Laying the Foundations for Future Careers. 8. Further and Higher Education, Training and Employment. 9. Health and Well-Being. 10. Young People Needing More Support. Part 3. Conclusion. 11. A Journey of Ideas. 12. Promoting Resilience. Appendix 1. Figure: Needs Assessment and Content of Pathway Plans for Relevant and Former Relevant Children. Appendix 2. Planning for Education, Training and Careers. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe quality of the assessment of children in need has a significant impact on outcomes for the children concerned. Good assessment contributes to better outcomes, but poor assessment can have tragic consequences. Understanding what makes a good assessment is vital.This book brings together findings from 10 years of UK research that shed light on different aspects of child and family assessment, and examines the evidence for what works in promoting the best outcomes for children. It covers thresholds for assessment and intervention, what information should be collected in assessments, and assessments in different contexts. It also examines key aspects of practice and the factors that can help or hinder good quality assessment. These areas include analysis, critical thinking and reflection; engaging with children and families; and inter-professional working. Structural, procedural and organisational factors are also considered.In summarising the research, this important book provides key messages on the links between assessment and outcomes for children, and offers implications for policy and practice. It will be essential reading for social work practitioners, academics, students and researchers, and all those in the child protection field.Trade ReviewThis book is an essential companion for any social worker wishing to enhance their assessment skills and confidence in managing the assessment process effectively, whilst taking into account the interacting risks to consider. The book is well written and certainly provides opportunities for practitioners to reflect and analyse their assessment and decision making skills in an era of resource shortage and high thresholds. A recommended read. -- Professional Social WorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Thresholds for Recognition, Assessment and Intervention. 3. The Content of Assessments: What Information is Collected? 4. Assessments in Particular Contexts. 5. Analysis, Critical Thinking and Reflection in Assessments. 6. Engaging with Children, Young People and their Parents. 7. Inter-Professional Working. 8. Structural, Procedural and Organisational Factors. 9. Assessment and Child Outcomes. 10. Conclusions. Appendix A. Method. Appendix B. List of Empirical Studies Used in this Review. References. Index.

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Book Synopsis"I'd die without my Blackberry" - one young person's comment sums up a generation of young people who are increasingly living their daily lives through their phones and the internet. Cyberbullying is rife, affecting one in five 10-19 year olds. It causes anxiety, unhappiness and mental health problems; in extreme cases even leading to suicide.This book provides a compelling and up to date account of the constantly evolving problem of cyberbullying: the different forms it can take, how the impact differs on boys and girls of different ages, and which children are most vulnerable. Drawing on the findings of the author's survey of over 9,000 children and teenagers, Cyberbullying and E-safety provides a revealing account of the direct experiences and views of children. It describes how a new world where emerging technologies such as smartphones have transformed online social behaviour requires a new, more relevant approach to e-safety and the problem of cyberbullying. The author provides this in the form of a youth-led, age- and gender-appropriate model for cyber-education in the modern world; a 3-tier model comprising universal e-safety education accompanied by targeted and intensive support and advice for children at most risk. She also outlines a school-wide model for preventing and responding to cyberbullying in children, young people and teachers, and provides a wealth of guidance and tools for individuals and schools including templates and lesson plans.Cyberbullying and E-safety is required reading for teachers, counsellors, youth workers, social workers, and other professionals working with children and young people.Trade ReviewThe 250 pages are an excellent resource that will be of considerable benefit to social workers, teachers, youth workers, and all those working with young people who are concerned about the terrible, and oft-times lethal impact of bullying in general, and, in particular, the pernicious and pervasive risks of cyberbullying. The author's prodigious research draws on a survey of over 9,000 children and teenagers. The perceptions and experiences are described of those young people who are adjusting to a world where new and powerful technologies require radically different and relevant responses to e-safety and cyberbullying. -- Nurturing Potential, Potential UnleashedThis is an extremely useful book for teachers and other professionals working with young people, It provides a review of the current evidence together with thorough guidance for dealing with the problem of cyberbullying... This is not just a description of a problem but a handbook for action... an invaluable guide for any school that wants its staff and pupils to move in a safer and happier cyberworld. -- Special ChildrenThis is a well-researched book provides ideas, models, guidance and plans that should help you prevent cyberbullying. It will help you understand the experiences and needs of those suffering. It doesn't provide just evidence, but also offers good ideas on how to respond. -- The Teacher(...) a comprehensive, bang-up-to-date compendium about how the British teenagers' addiction to smartphone use has changed our society for ever... It is currently the essential guide to the sheer awfulness of some children's experiences of cyber-bullying, and the current best practice in both putting a stop to it and preventing it from happening in the first place. -- Church TimesA well-balanced and accessible text which provides a comprehensive overview of current research and policy in the field. This text provides excellent guidance and useful practical strategies on how to tackle cyberbullying and improve e-safety for children, young people and professionals in schools and the wider community. It is an extremely valuable addition to the field of cyberbullying and e-safety. -- Nathalie Noret, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Director of the Unit for Child and Youth Studies Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, York St John University, UKAdrienne Katz has gone beyond her already impressive research into and experience in the field of cyberbullying and the effects it has on children and young people with this new book. She looks here at what advice we can give to young people, as professionals, that will really work, and that young people can understand and use to protect themselves against cyberbullying. The book gives an insight into what young people really feel about this type of bullying, what they want us as professionals to do about it, and what is the most effective way of protecting them against it. They want to be more involved in the strategies to reduce cyberbullying, and to be consulted during the process.This book answers the important question, how can we give young people the freedom to enjoy technical communication, whilst keeping themselves safe? It is a compelling read and a must for every school's bookshelf. -- Val McFarlane, Director, Bullying Intervention Group, UKBased on extensive practice and research, this book provides you with easy to follow approaches to engaging young people with effective e-safety education and to successfully tackle bullying issues in the school community. The author skilfully engages young people to advise on how we can 'nudge' them to adopt safer behaviours when using communication technologies. Young people's voices and case studies give us insight into experiences faced by youth in today's technological age.Bullying through the use of new technologies is a phenomenon impacting on young people 24/7. Using Cyber Surveys to find the 'digital self' of teenagers, the author describes the trend in the use of mobile communication devices to hurt and humiliate, with young people de-sensitised to shocking messages on-line. This insightful and practical guide explores what cyberbullying is, how it affects young people and what to do to prevent it, as well as how to respond if it happens to you (or someone close to you)! -- Mohammed Bham, Chair of the National Association of Principal Educational Psychologists, and Anti Bullying Lead at Solihull Council, UKThis book focuses the author's wealth of experience and expertise upon the single biggest issue currently facing those passionate and determined to challenge bullying in the 21st century. Amid a swiftly evolving lexicon of put downs and bullying insults, Katz's book will quickly establish itself as a 'must have' tool in our kit to help adults guide children safely along our ever expanding digital highways.We must now add 'digital literacy' to the skills young people require to navigate safely the 21st century. -- Jonathan Charlesworth M.Ed. Executive Director, EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia), UKThis is a comprehensive and priceless resource for all those who share the passion and dedication of the author to prevent and tackle cyberbullying and educate our youngsters with regards to e-safety. It provides insight into the virtual world of our young people and the realities of the impact that cyberbullying can have on their lives. -- Graham Tilby, Head of Safeguarding, Dudley Safeguarding Children Board, UKAt last a really good, practical, down to earth book about the menace of cyberbullying. Written by an expert in the field, this is an innovative guide for teachers and educators in a time when technology has moved from 'share the computer' and 'get off the phone' to a time when young people have the world at their fingertips - both the good and the bad. Talking to young people about their experiences, how they want to use their electronic devices, how they can enjoy and use them with confidence and purpose and how they can avoid being both the bully (sending unkind messages to schoolmates and others) and the victim (the receiver of an unkind messages) is as much an educative process as teaching a child their times tables. The difference is that while the times tables remain constant, what we taught them last year/month/week about the smart phone may well be out of date already.This book contains good advice for teachers and educators to help young people think about the power they have at the push of a button. I am sure that this book will be a seminal work on cyberbullying. -- Carrie Herbert, MBE., Chief Executive, Red Balloon Learner Centre Group, UKAdrienne's Cyberbullying and E-safety is a must read for those policy makers, practitioners and educators who are really committed to listening to and supporting our most vulnerable children for whom this is a growing issue. -- Lorna Jackson, Professional Advisor for Suffolk County Council on Safeguarding Learning and Quality Assurance, UKTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. 1. Young People in the New Connected World. 2. Bullying and Cyberbullying: What Do We Mean? 3. New Tools for Bullies. 4. The Kinds of Bullying Young People Experience. 5. Meeting the Needs of Both Boys and Girls. 6. Meeting the Needs of Different Age Groups. 7. Meeting the Needs of the Most Vulnerable Students. 8. E-safety: Developing a New Three Tier Strategy. 9. Cyberbullying: Prevention and Response. 10 Protecting Teachers and Staff. 11. Useful tools. 12. About the Cybersurvey. Appendix 1. The UK Context. Appendix 2. The US Context. Appendix 3. School Grades and Terms in the UK and US. Sources of Help. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisParents who neglect children present considerable challenges to child welfare professionals, and are often resistant to change. This book addresses an urgent need to ensure that social care interventions provide better long term outcomes for neglected children across services. Based on a substantial research study into social care provision for children, it provides a rare insight into the experiences of neglected children over a period of five years, examining the responsiveness of parents and children to social care support and their progress. Close-focus study of the decisions made on either side of services - by the children, the parents, the caregivers and related social and healthcare professionals - shows what works and what doesn't, in the long term. This important book highlights gaps in provision for neglected children after the initial referral stage, the risks and potential for professional interventions and how well the child protection system and the courts protect children. It suggests ways that local authorities and other professionals can meet the complex needs of the children most likely to fall through the safety net, the factors related to good outcomes for them and how to improve safeguarding strategies within and beyond children's services. Providing a critical account of policy, systems and practice, this book is essential reading for anyone who needs the latest evidence about safeguarding children, including policymakers, social workers and professionals in health care and the family justice system.Trade ReviewThis is a substantial book that will help Social Services professionals understand issues of child neglect and it provides clear indications of approaches that may be taken... The book is based on a major research study that followed a cohort of neglected children who had been looked after in the care system before being eventually reunified with a parent... The book is well structured and logically laid-out, with each chapter examining in detail the methodology and findings, and it is well illustrated throughout with case examples... In conclusion... there is much value in looking at this research as a clear way of ensuring that effort is made in recognising the seriousness of neglect, in taking direct action, and in making the legal process work for the children who are at risk of neglect. -- Child and Adolescent Mental Health... the book takes the reader logically through what is currently known about neglect and the aims of the study. It then progresses through topics such as the children's early experiences, services and interventions and case management. Particularly interesting chapters include the exploration of social worker's views and those views obtained from the children and families... It is clear that there is more that professionals can do to improve outcomes for neglected children and young people, particularly for those over the age of six, and the authors make recommendations for changes in policy and practice which they suggest have the potential to achieve this. To conclude, whilst this book focuses on work carried out by social workers with neglected children and young people, it makes for thought-provoking and informative read for any practitioner working with this vulnerable group. -- BASPCANThe authors discuss definitions of neglect; the backgrounds of the children exposed to neglect and the issues that present in social work cases of neglect... The book highlights that some professionals are doing an excellent job but it remains keenly evident from the text that there are a lack of services available to address some issues. -- Professional Social WorkThis study offers practitioners a unique bird's-eye view... taking time to read this book would be a good investment, helping practitioners to step outside of their day-to-day difficulties and focus on the long-term impact of neglect on the child. -- Children and Young People Now, Kate Mulley, head of policy and research, Action for ChildrenThis book (...) gives an insight into the experiences of neglected children over a period of five years, examining the responsiveness of parents and children to social care support, and their progress during that period of time... The study reflects different experiences and views of neglect and some of the complexities involved... This is an informative and comprehensive piece of work... The book would be of value to a variety of professionals. -- Child Abuse ReviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1. Introduction: What We Know. 2. Study Aims and Methods. 3 The Children and their Early Experiences. 4. Services and Interventions. 5. Case Management: Responding to Risk and Working with Safeguarding Procedures and the Courts. 6. Case Management: Working with Parents and Children and Overall Patterns of Case Management. 7. Social Workers' Perspectives. 8. Interviews with Parents and Children. 9. The Children's Progress and Outcomes. 10. Explaining Outcomes. 11. Implications for Policy and Practice. Appendix. References. Index.

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