Child welfare and youth services Books

Book SynopsisKinship care – the care of children by grandparents, other relatives or friends – is a major part of foster care, yet there are distinct issues that arise in care involving family rather than 'stranger' foster carers.This book takes an in-depth look at what goes on 'inside' kinship care. It explores the dynamics and relationships between family members that are involved in kinship care, including mothers, grandparents, siblings and the wider family. Chapters also discuss issues such as safeguarding, assessment, therapy, encouraging permanence, placement breakdown, support groups, and cultural issues. The final part of the book looks at kinship care from an international perspective, with examples from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States.Drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives and with contributions from different branches of kinship care, this book provides an invaluable overview of the issues involved and how to provide effective support. It will be essential reading for all those working in the kinship care field, including social workers, therapists, counsellors, psychologists and family lawyers.Trade ReviewPitcher aids the reader's understanding of the subject by providing case studies, practical safeguarding exercises and tool for Social Workers and students... These tools and exercises, whilst being extremely helpful, make the book accessible and highlyreadable... I shall certainly be recommending this text both to colleagues and to social work students to support them to gain an insight into the complex and skilled area of kinship care. -- Social Welfare Portal, The British LibraryDavid Pitcher has put together an eclectic collection of newly commissioned social work, social policy and psychological chapters to aid readers' understanding and appreciation of kinship care in its broader sens... It is most welcome in this book that 'ways forward for kinship care' are identified so that readers are not left simply reading about known problems but different solutions and new approaches...The essence of this important positive publication is its varied and coherent range of insights into kinship care, its evidence base, its practice examples, and therapeutic understandings and messages about what living in kinship care is really like for children, their families, as well as the professionals and organisations working with them. -- From the Foreword by Professor Bob Broad, Weeks Centre for Social and Policy Research, London South Bank University, UKI welcome the authorship and production of this authoritative volume on every significant aspect of kinship care... In my view the book should be required background reading for the family judiciary as well as children's lawyers, social workers and others concerned with the provision and implementation of Children's Services... This book is welcome as a comprehensive and highly readable compendium of chapters which together comprise an up to date study of Kinship Care. -- From the Foreword by Sir Mark Potter, former President of the Family Law Division and former Head of Family JusticeKinship care is a crucial permanence option for children who cannot live at home. It warrants equal status with all other permanence options. This comprehensive kinship care manual covers every aspect of an important social issue. The book made me think differently about relationships we sometimes take for granted. The bond that binds extended families together is beautifully illustrated in many of the well-structured and researched chapters. David Pitcher has assembled a valuable range of contributors, with a prominent international dimension, conveying the central role kinship care plays globally in children's lives. -- Anthony Douglas CBE, Chief Executive, Cafcass, UK and Chair, British Association of Adoption and FosteringThis book not only fills a gap in the literature, it is a stunning weave of professional expertise and lived experience of kinship care. David Pitcher has harnessed the expertise of a group of international researchers, scholar-practitioners and young people and families with experience of kinship care to create an edited handbook of significant importance to the field. The book is timely. The authors are compassionate, thoughtful and hopeful in their approach - but they do not gloss over the complex dynamics of kinship care. Using a wide lens family systems perspective, they engage head on with the needs of children and families, underpinned by a strengths-based approach, and with clear implications for policy and practice. -- Professor Arlene Vetere, Deputy Programme Director, PsychD Clinical Psychology, University of Surrey, UKThis book gives a valuable insight into the benefits and potential challenges in ensuring that this type of care offers the permanence and security that all children deserve and need... The book brings together a range of perspectives from a variety of authors,highlighting the complexity of children being cared for by extended family... There are useful tools included, evidencing that assessment and ongoing work with kinship carers is essential to ensure that kinship placements can offer the safety, security and permanence to children. -- Alison Benjamin, care services team manager, Surrey County Council * Children & Young People Now *This book provides a useful insight into the joys and challenges of kinship placement... The publication is divided into three sections: family perspectives; intervention and support; and international contexts, skilfully linked together by the editor... The need for practical, social and skilled emotional support for families runs throughout this book, making it excellent reading for everyone involved in decision making for children who cannot live with their birth parents. -- Polly Baynes, independent social worker and trainer * Seen and Heard *This book has as its focus an analysis of various perspectives that go o to support the concept of Kinship Care... An interesting complication of various authors and researchers, with informative and thought-provoking content, it is a really easy read that is well worth being present in any social worker's library. -- Carolyn Taylor-Score, CAFCASS Enhances Practitioner * Professional Social Work *Table of ContentsIntroduction. David Pitcher. 1. A Young Person's Experience of Kinship Care, Amy O'Donohoe. 2. What Does Family Support Involve for Parents Who Have Intellectual Disabilities? Sadie Young, Independent Chartered Clinical Psychologist. 3. Siblings and Kinship Care. David Pitcher, Children's Guardian and Family Court Adviser, Cafcass, UK, Sarah Meakings, Research Associate, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK and Elaine Farmer, Professor of Child and Family Studies, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK. 4. The Position of Mothers When a Child is Placed with a Grandmother. Erica Flegg, independent risk assessor and psychotherapist. 5. The Wider Family Context of Kinship Care. Jeanne Ziminski, Systemic Family Psychotherapist, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Sutton, Surrey, UK. 6. 'It Takes a Village': Placing Grandparents and Extended Family at the Centre of Safeguarding Vulnerable Children. Andrew Turnell, social worker and child protection consultant, Resolutions Consultancy, Australia and Susie Essex, retired Consultant Family Therapist, UK. 7. Undertaking an Expert Assessment for the Court. Anna Gough, Independent Clinical Psychologist. 8. Permanence Planning for Children in Family and Friends Care: Establishing a Secure Base in the Re-ordering of Family Relationships. John Simmonds, Director of Policy, Research and Development, British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), UK. 9. 'Get them out of here!' An Exploration of Kinship Placement Breakdown. Tom Hawkins, Lecturer in Social Work, University of Plymouth, UK. 10. A Psychoanalytic Approach to Kinship Care. Graham Music, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Tavistock Clinic, UK and Geraldine Crehan, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Surrey, UK. 11. Support Groups: What they Do and How they Help. Jackie Wyke, Trustee for the Grandparents' Association, UK. 12. What do White Kinship Carers Need to Consider when Caring for Children of Black 'Mixed Race'? Nick Banks, independent Consultant Chartered Clinical Psychologist. 13. Australia and New Zealand: Assessing Parenting Capacity in Kinship Care. Marilyn McHugh, Research Fellow, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia and Paula Hayden, Social Work Consultant, Foster and Kinship Care, Sydney, Australia. 14. Kinship Care Among Families Affected by HIV in South Africa. Caroline Kuo, Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral and Social Science, Brown University, USA, Lucie Cluver, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, UK and Don Operario, School of Public Health, Brown University, USA. 15. The Views of Children in Kinship Care, Their Caregivers and Their Birth Parents: Key Themes from the United States. James P. Gleeson, Associate Professor, Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA. Epilogue. Looking Forward in Kinship Care. David Pitcher. List of Contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisMore than any other challenging behaviour, the sexual abuse of one child by another generates anxiety, puzzlement and confusion.Adults confident in dealing with a defiant or delinquent child find their confidence leaves them when confronted with sexual misbehaviour in a child who they expect to be asexual. In this book, Jackie Bateman and Judith Milner provide an accessible overview of the evidence relating to such problem behaviours, from inappropriate behaviour to sexual abuse. They go on to propose research-based effective and creative methods that professionals can use to develop responsibility-taking and safety in the child, and outline a strengths-based model for practice. Using the model, the authors show how behaviour can be managed through the development of safe care plans for the home and/or school - addressing communication, supervision, and supportive networks. They also provide guidance for working across a range of settings - whether directly with families, in schools or with children with learning difficulties. This practical guide will be an essential tool for social workers, counsellors, teachers, nurses and any professional with responsibility for child protection.Trade ReviewIn a field often dominated by moral imperatives and judgements of risk and deficit, this book offers uncommon sense by shining an ethical light on young people's problem sexual behaviour. Bateman and Milner bring together contemporary theory and research into sound practice to demonstrate just what an ethical or strengths-based focus can bring for safety, affect regulation and connection in relationships. Their clear descriptions, practice examples and exercises for reflection provide an excellent resource for practitioners seeking a developmental approach that is firmly located in a systemic context of family, school and community. -- Alan Jenkins, Director, Mary St. Program, Adelaide, South Australia.This book is a welcome and essential overview of attitudes to and understanding of child sexual behaviours, with a clearly laid out explanation of strength based approaches and how these strengths are used to promote and effect change. This book shows how, despite several attempts at reform, professionals have often found themselves isolated and struggling to handle these cases. Here is a much needed vital handbook that provides clear pathways through these complex behaviours. I strongly commend this sensitive thoughtful book and recommend it as essential reading for anyone working with children or young people in this difficult situation. -- Adrienne Katz, author of Cyberbullying and e-safety: What educators and other professionals need to knowIn writing this bookboth authors havebeen able to draw onmuch relevantprofessionalexpertise... Each chapter follows a format which makes the book's contents very accessible, especially to newer practitioners or more experienced practitioners who are unfamiliar with the models and approach the authors present. Relevant theory and techniques associated with solution- focused and narrative approaches are described and illustrated with both shorter and longer practice examples drawn from the authors' own experience of child protection work with children and young people whose behaviour is sexually concerning or harmful, and sources of additional reading are regularly signposted... very well written. -- Helen Masson, Editor * Nota News *This book is written by two experienced practitioners (...) it is relentlessly practical and provides great material for a reader who is looking for fresh practice ideas. The authors' clear strengths-based values and approach are open and transparent, allowing the reader to engage with and understand the practices that are described. Those who are new to strengths-based approaches will find this a useful introduction to their application in this field, and those who are more familiar with them will find stimulating new ideas located in this practice context... The book contains illustrated examples of plans and actual work that has been done with children, which enable the reader to see the ideas in the text in action... The book will be a key resource for anyone who wants to work in creative and empowering ways with children who display sexually concerning or harmful behaviour. -- Steve Myers, University of Salford * Journal of Sexual Aggression *A very interesting read... It can provide some good ideas to help move families forward in dealing with these issues. -- Play for LifeTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Myths, Realities and Possibilities. 2. Developing Safety Through Strengths And Solution Talk. 3. Assessing Risk And Building Safety. 4. Conversations With Young People About Their Behaviour. 5. Working Within The Context of The Family. 6. Working with Young People with Learning Needs. 7. Working within the Context of The School Environment. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisChallenging Child Protection offers a ground-breaking new perspective which will illuminate and improve the professional understanding and practice of social workers and child protection workers.Taking a fresh look at the principles underlying child protection, this book provides a thought-provoking analysis of the evidence base which underpins professional understanding and intervention. It outlines the ways in which agencies have worked to prevent child abuse and neglect and traces key changes in UK policy, as well as situating these amid wider trends in Europe. With contributions from a wide variety of disciplines, including philosophy and anthropology, this is a uniquely diverse collection of academic perspectives. This book challenges our conceptions of child protection and encourages readers to think critically about why children are harmed by adults, how society views child abuse and how this informs practice.Trade ReviewWaterhouse and McGhee tackle unconventional issues in child protection with authority and sensitivity. They challenge us to re-imagine our conceptualisations of child protection, daring us to deconstruct and then reconstruct an understanding of how we might approach protecting children from abuse and neglect. -- Professor Julie Taylor, Chair of the Child Protection Research Centre, University of EdinburghWith highly esteemed international contributors, this collection seeks to trouble some of the current settlements about child protection and family welfare and also to provide clear practice and policy relevance. This is achieved through the inclusion of 'practice near' research findings and open-minded engagement with the recurrent and vexing questions in this morally contentious domain. -- Sue White, Professor of Social Work (Children and Families), Institute of Applied Social Studies, University of BirminghamThere has been much written over the last thirty years on the issue of the abuse of children, and professional responses. Rather than repeating what has already been said the authors in this fine collection challenge our thinking of how we conceptualise and understand these complex issues. In doing so the editors and contributors push at the boundaries of our understanding, and readers will be rewarded with big ideas, clearly articulated and convincingly argued. -- Dr John Devaney, Chair of the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and NeglectThis is a wide-ranging and unusual collection of essays that examine the ever present and pressing problem of child abuse and protection. It is well-informed, evidence-based and takes forward the boundaries of thinking in this area, especially through bringing together different disciplines. It will be essential reading for all working in child protection as well as a substantial text for students in the field. The editors have put together a tightly structured, well-coordinated, original volume. They have chosen their authors with care. The book provides some outstanding analyses of approaches to practice. The recognition given to the central role of women as mothers, and the issues of power inequalities this raises in practice is uncomfortable but compelling reading. The book ends with a return to the fundamental issue of relationships as central in the treatment of child abuse and ends with a critical message about the nurturing of workers if they are to effect change in the children and families with whom they engage. -- Jane Aldgate OBE, Professor Emerita, The Open University and Honorary Professorial Research Fellow, University of EdinburghTable of ContentsIntroduction. Part 1. Challenge One: Examining Preconceptions About Childhood and Harm to Children. Chapter 1. Treatment of Childhood, Professor Walter Lorenz, Free University of Bozen-Bolsano. Chapter 2. Dynamics of Culture, Dr. Heather Montgomery, Open University. Chapter 3. Rule of Law, Professor Kay Tisdall, The University of Edinburgh. Chapter 4. Armed Conflict and Political Violence, Dr. Jason Hart, University of Bath. Part 2. Challenge Two: Reviewing the Evidence. Chapter 5. Ethics of Predictive Risk Modelling, Associate Professor Tim Dare, University of Auckland. Chapter 6. Safeguarding Children Research from a United Kingdom Perspective, Dr. Trevor Spratt, Queen's University of Belfast. Chapter 7. Research in Child Abuse and Neglect from a Finnish Context, Tarja Poso, University of Tampere. Chapter 8. Developments in Australian Child Protection Research, Dr. Fiona Arney, Associate Professor Leah Bromfield and Research Assistant Stewart McDougall, University of South Australia. Chapter 9. Advances from Public Health Research, Dr. Melissa O'Donnell, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. Part 3. Challenge Three: How to Work with Children and Families. Chapter 10. Integrating Family Support and Child Protection in Child Neglect, Professor Brigid Daniel, University of Stirling. Chapter 11. Practitioner-mother Relationships and the Processes That Blind Them, Lorraine Waterhouse and Janice McGhee. Chapter 12. Emotional and Relational Capacities for Doing Child Protection, Professor Andrew Cooper, Tavistock Centre and University of East London. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisIs it possible to overcome the enduring problem of child maltreatment?In Eradicating Child Maltreatment, leading international figures in the field of child welfare address this enduring and thorny question, setting out a public health approach to prevention. It draws on groundbreaking research and practice on prevention and early intervention from around the globe spanning health, social care, education and criminal justice. Contributors describe what is known about the incidence of child maltreatment, how far we have succeeded in eradicating it, which preventative strategies have been proven to be effective, and offers evidenced recommendations for policy and practice.Aiming to draw us nearer to the goal of a world free from child maltreatment first articulated by the visionary paediatrician Dr. C. Henry Kempe in 1978, this important book provides new insights for professionals, managers, academics and policymakers across the range of child and family welfare services.Trade ReviewThis book blends together current thinking about child maltreatment from a group of expert clinicians, researchers and policy makers. Its emphasis on prevention, appropriate use of systems, practical preventive programs and the use of a public heath approach to reduce child abuse is particularly welcome. -- Kim Oates MD DSc MHP FRACP, Emeritus Professor, University of SydneyThe maltreatment of children is one of the greatest social problems of our time, rarely out of the media, but often lacking in public understanding of what could effectively be done to reduce children's suffering. In this excellent book Arnon Bentovim and Jenny Gray have brought together a highly regarded group of scholars and practitioners to share their knowledge and understanding of the presentation of different forms of childhood maltreatment, and evidence informed approaches to the prevention of, and response to, multiple forms of child harm. The book is an ambitious undertaking, and all the better for being so. -- Dr John Devaney, Director of Education, Queen's University Belfast, and Chairperson, British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and NeglectThe content of each chapter is relevant to all child protection professionals... This is not just a well-researched academic book, as it goes beyond describing why child maltreatment needs to be eradicated and how Case studies are used to bring alive the complex needs of the families we work with. As most of us working is safeguarding would agree this book purports the view that prevention of abuse and neglect is better than the cure... This book is a great read and a very useful reference and resource. -- Hilary Schultess-Young, Independent Social Worker * Professional Social Work *This is an excellent resource for provision of information about many aspects of child maltreatment... Proposed interventions by authors highlight practices and initiatives in other countries... This book explores many critical issues concerning the need for a wider preventative agenda for child maltreatment. It provokes thoughtful debate about the possibilities for drawing on a full range of responses - from professionals to community and the family... There is some useful (...) attention to the skills base of assessment and intervention, however, anyone reading this book will gain from the breadth and detailed attention throughout to research evidence and examination of theory underpinning knowledge of areas such as attachment and sex offender behaviour... This book is an important resource for students, practitioners and academics. -- Cathy Pilkington, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Canterbury Christ Church University * Seen and Heard *Table of Contents1. Introduction, Jenny Gray, OBE, International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), and Social Work Consultant, UK. 2. Burdens and Consequences of Child Maltreatment, Arnon Bentovim, Visiting Professor, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. 3. The Role of Health Services in Responding to Child Maltreatment, Jenny Woodman, UCL-Institute of Child Health, London, UK and Ruth Gilbert, UCL-Institute of Child Health, London, UK. 4. Preventing Abuse: Getting it Right From the Start, Jane Barlow, Warwick University, UK. 5. Public Health Approach to Parenting and Family Support: A Blended Prevention Strategy to Reduce Child Abuse and Neglect, Ron Prinz, Professor and Director of Parenting and Family Research Center, University of South Carolina. 6. Developmental and Dynamic Design in Service Systems: Making the Most of What We Know, Bruce Chorpita, University of California, Los Angeles and Practice Wise LLC, USA, Alayna Park and Eric Daleiden. 7. Hope for Children and Families: Developing a Resource Pack Targeting Abusive Parenting and the Associated Impairment of Children, Arnon Bentovim. 8. Application of the Hope for Children and Family Resource Pack (The Green Family), Arnon Bentovim. 9. Child Sexual Abuse: The Possibilities of Prevention, Donald Findlater, The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Birmingham, UK. 10. Review, Arnon Bentovim and Jenny Gray.

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Book SynopsisIn this volume, the authors present an overview of the innovative work taking place in relation to domestic violence and child protection. This book looks at new prevention initiatives and how interventions for children exposed to domestic violence have been developed. It shows how services for abusive fathers have evolved and provides discussion and critique of a number of new initiatives in the field of interagency risk assessment. With international perspectives and examples drawn from social care, health care and voluntary sectors, this book brings together established ideas with recent thinking to provide an authoritative summary of current domestic violence and child protection practice.As a valuable source of guidance on how to work safely with children living with domestic violence, this is a key reference for social workers, health professionals and policy makers.Trade ReviewIn this edited volume Stanley and Humphreys set out to revisit the issue of children and domestic violence by facilitating a role for the voices of the young people and discussions of their own abusive relationships alongside the more familiar debates of abuse within families. This collection moves beyond a discourse of protecting the 'vulnerable', instead placing young people's agency and their participation at the centre of understanding and theorising about domestic violence, whilst heralding the call for collaborative action. They also highlight the innovative and extensive agency response that has broadened since their previous volume. This work provides an important resource, based upon contemporary and relevant research, for those already working in the field, for undergraduate and post graduates as well as other academics. -- Dr Nancy Lombard, Reader in Sociology and Social Policy, Glasgow Caledonian UniversityThis is a really important book containing contributions from an array of internationally recognised experts on a subject that is of concern to all seeking to advance children's welfare and safety. -- Professor Brid Featherstone, Faculty of Health & Social Care, The Open UniversityThis book moves beyond naming and documenting the effects of children's exposure to domestic violence. It brings together innovative practices in prevention, intervention and interagency work, all grounded in cutting-edge research, providing a platform for the next stage of addressing this serious social problem. Grounded in the experiences of children and young people, it tackles the complex challenges in this work and identifies opportunities for developing new practices that recognise both children's vulnerability and agency in the context of domestic violence. -- Lesley Laing, Associate Professor, BSW Program Director, Social Work & Policy Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of SydneyStanley and Humphreys cover such a creative and positive array pf practices to inspire practitioners. It will therefore benefit those children and young people who most need our attention. Its approach drilling down into practice and opening up possibilities for ways forward has the capacity to enhance depth and creativity in both single and multi-agency training and practice for children, young people and their families. -- Sarah Goff, Safeguarding Disabled Children Manager, Ann Craft Trust * Journal of Social Work Practice *Table of ContentsIntroduction, Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire and Cathy Humphreys, University of Melbourne. Part 1: Children's and Young People's Perspectives. 1. Children's Views of Safety and Adversity When Living with Domestic Violence, Anita Morris, Kelsey Hegarty and Cathy Humphreys, University of Melbourne. 2. Traversing the Generational Gap: Young People's Views on Intervention and Prevention of Teenage Intimate Partner Violence, Per Moum Hellevik, NKVTS, Carolina Överlien, Uppsala University, Christine Barter, Marsha Wood, Nadia Aghtaie, University of Bristol, Cath Larkins and Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire. Part 2: Prevention and Intervention for Children and Young People. 3. School-based Prevention and the Disclosure of Domestic Violence: A Can of Worms? Jane Ellis, Soo Downe, Nicola Farrelly, Sandra Hollinghurst, Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire. 4. Advocacy for Children and Young People Experiencing Domestic Violence, Joanne Westwood and Cath Larkins, University of Central Lancashire. 5. Children Who Are Violent to Their Parents Need Protection Too, Paula Wilcox and Michelle Pooley, University of Brighton. 6. Forced Marriage Is a Child Protection Matter, Zahra Alijah, University of Manchester and Khatidja Chantler, University of Central Lancashire. Part 3: Interventions for Mothers and Children. 7. More Than a Mirage? Safe Contact for Children and Young People Who Have Been Exposed to Domestic Violence, Lorraine Radford, University of Central Lancashire and Marianne Hester, University of Bristol. 8. Supporting the Relationship between Mothers and Children in the Aftermath of Domestic Violence, Cathy Humphreys, Ravi K. Thiara, University of Warwick, Cathy Sharp and Jocelyn Jones, the Cedar Project. 9. Infant-led Practice: Responding to Infants and Their Mothers (and Fathers) in the Aftermath of Domestic Violence, Wendy Bunston, La Trobe University. Part 4: Working with Abusive Fathers. 10. Focusing on Fathering in the Context of Domestic Abuse: Children's and Fathers' Perspectives, Stephanie Holt, Trinity College Dublin. 11. Expanding Understandings of Success: Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes, Children and Fathering, Sue Alderson, Durham University, Liz Kelly, London Metropolitan University and Nicole Westmarland, Durham University. 12. Reshaping the Child Protection Response to Domestic Violence Through Collaborative Working, Neil Blacklock, Respect UK and Ruth Phillips, London Metropolitan University. Part 5: Interagency Work. 13. Working Together, Working Apart: General Practice Professionals' Perspectives on Interagency Collaboration in Relation to Children Experiencing Domestic Violence, Eszter Szilassy, University of Bristol, Jessica Drinkwater, University of Leeds, Marianne Hester, University of Bristol, Cath Larkins, Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire, William Turner and Gene Feder, University of Bristol. 14. Moving Towards Integrated Domestic Violence Services for Children and Families, Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire. Conclusion: New Challenges and Developments in Responding to Children Experiencing Domestic Violence, Cathy Humphreys, University of Melbourne and Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire.

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Book SynopsisNow fully revised and updated, See You in Court is an accessible guide for social workers on being a witness in care proceedings. This book de-mystifies the court system explaining court structures and procedures, roles and responsibilities and basic rules of evidence. It considers how to present effective written evidence as well as preparing for the court day itself. It answers questions frequently asked by social workers on how to present oral evidence including how to deal with cross-examination. The material is supported by case studies and checklists. Updates to the second edition reflect recent changes to the family court system, a revised Public Law Outline and the increased recognition of social workers as experts in their own right.An essential addition to every social worker's bookshelf, particularly those working with children and families.Trade ReviewThis second edition updates guidance for social workers giving evidence in the Family Court in the light of recent family justice reform, Children & Families Act 2014 and recent case law. It is an excellent practical resource for newly qualified social workers, those new to court work or those who need to refresh their knowledge. This book also clarifies the difference between criminal and care proceedings in child protection cases with plenty of relevant examples. It contains everything you need to know about presenting evidence both in writing and in person based on solid practice experience. There are good examples throughout and especially helpful appendices with examples of cross-examination and observation feedback to help learning and professional development. I highly recommend this book. -- Celia Parker, Principal Social Worker, London Borough SouthwarkWhat is really special about this book is that whilst Lynn Davis herself is a legal professional, she manages to write from the perspective of a social worker, immersing herself in our world and how we experience family law and the courts. Why, the first chapter even focuses on feelings - very much 'home territory' for social workers! I would highly recommend this book particularly to newly qualified social workers and students as its content is extremely accessible and Davis skilfully journeys with the reader in the family justice arena providing invaluable insights, guidance and advice every step of the way. There are not many books that are able to transfer the dynamic experience of training into the written word - I believe that this one has gone some way in doing this thanks to Davis' credentials as a trainer. At a time that some have billed as a new era for social workers involved in care proceedings this book could prove to be a very welcome companion. -- Nushra Mansuri, Professional Officer (BASW England)This book provides an accessible guide for social workers involved in care proceedings. It will be essential reading for ASYE social workers as it takes you through each step of the court process and answers many of the questions that newly qualified social workers have such as providing written reports and evidence for court. The section on the Public Law Outline is clear and well explained and reflects practice 'on the ground'. The risk with a book such as this is that it is seen as being relevant only to those new to the profession, however, I found it to be a useful refresher and will keep it as a reference point. This book will appeal to a broad readership that includes NQSW, students and practitioners in multi-agency settings involved in care planning and the courts. -- Lee Pardy-Mclaughlin, Principal Child and Family Social Worker, Staffordshire County Council and Mark Brown, Team Coordinator, Stafford Care Planning & Court TeamTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Legal Context. 3. Who's Who. 4. Evidence. 5. Written Evidence. 6. Statement Presentation. 7. Negotiations and Settlements. 8. Procedure - the Public Outline and Experts. 9. Preparing for Court. 10. Giving Evidence. 11. Cross-Examination. 12. After Court. Appendix 1. Brief Summary of Key Legal Provisions. Appendix 2. Statement Checklist. Appendix 3. Pre-proceedings Letter. Appendix 4. Public Law Outline Flow Chart. Appendix 5. Witness Observation Checklist. Appendix 6. Cross-examination Examples. Appendix 7. End of Case Questionnaire. Index.

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Book SynopsisSo, you've passed your degree and have started your first job. But are you confident about translating the theory into practice? Are you prepared to juggle the workload of a busy social worker? Do you have a plan for your continuing professional development? This practical guide provides a wealth of suggestions to help you to hit the ground running in the early stages of your new career. Fully revised and updated with the latest national frameworks for NQSWs, this survival guide provides a range of strategies for managing your time and workload, and offers suggestions for finding support, coping with stress and maintaining job satisfaction. It addresses different ways of handling challenging and unfamiliar situations with colleagues, managers, other professionals and service users. Each chapter concludes with a checklist of key points as a ready reference for practitioners preparing to face the daily challenges of their new professional status. This invaluable guide will be an essential support for all students, post-qualification and returning practitioners who need to make a smooth transition to practice and be successful in the workplace.Trade ReviewThis is definitely a book that does what it says on the tin and more! I have to take my hat off to its authors as it is no mean feat to cover all the variations that exist in regulations, guidance and standards for newly qualified social workers across the UK. What I like about this publication is that it explains to NQSWs what they are likely to be experiencing and so would be well worth using contemporaneously as it provides some invaluable pointers about how to take control of their destiny rather than just being swept along by the momentum. Finally, transition is a core thread of this book which is vital in explaining the journey. I would therefore recommend this as an essential companion for both students and NQSWs as it will help to put them firmly in the 'driving seat'. -- Nushra Mansuri, Professional Officer (England), British Association of Social Workers (BASW)Table of ContentsPreface, Introduction: The Contents for Social Work Practice Across the UK, Part 1: Thud! Professional Status, Chapter 1: Managing your professional development, Chapter 2: Developing professional expertise, Chapter 3: Transitional change, Part 2: Warming Up, Chapter 4: Getting started and what helps, Chapter 5: Induction, Chapter 6: Roles and tasks, Part 3: Jumping the Hurdles, Chapter 7: Time management and the work/life balance, Chapter 8: Finding support, Chapter 9: Taking part in supervision, Part 4: Going the Distance, Chapter 10: Dealing with stress, emotion and exhaustion, Chapter 11: Working in a satisfying climate, Chapter 12: Managing increasing complexity

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Book SynopsisThe internet and mobile devices play a huge role in teenagers' home and school life, and it's becoming more and more important to effectively address e-safety in secondary schools. This practical book provides guidance on how to teach and promote e-safety and tackle cyberbullying with real-life examples from schools of what works and what schools need to do. The book explains how to set policy and procedures, how to train staff and involve parents, and provides practical strategies and ready-to-use activities for teaching e-safety and meeting Ofsted requirements. Including up-to-the-minute information and advice that includes discussion of new technologies, social media and online gaming sites, SRE in the smartphone age, and recent school policy trends such as 'Bring Your Own Device', this book provides all of the information that educational professionals need to implement successful whole school e-safety strategies.Trade Review"If you keep doing the same things, you will get the same results." This is so apt when it comes to working with teenagers about safe online behaviours. We need to take a fresh approach to this rapidly evolving concern and this book provides just that. Bursting with useful resources and clear explanations, it is a must have. -- Heather Jeavons, DGfL Senior Education Development Manager, Dudley Grid for Learning, Saltwells EDC, UKAs the perfect complement to Making Your Primary School E-safe, Adrienne Katz has once again cut straight to the heart of the matter. This timely book will quickly become an indispensable and topical resource for any teacher or family member eager to keep children secure in a cyber world where it's all too easy to feel several miles behind the young people in our care. Covering all the bases, she defines just what are the comprehensive issues in lucid, readable language leaving you confident to respond appropriately to even the severest of challenges. Importantly she empowers you to put any necessary safeguards in place to make safe, whilst still great fun, all our young people's time online. -- Jonathan Charlesworth M.Ed., Executive Director of EACH and author of That’s So Gay: Challenging Homophobic BullyingAdrienne has taken on the monumental task of bringing together all the strands of e-safety in a secondary setting in this book. The advice and resources she provides will help both staff and pupils in secondary schools to become responsible digital citizens and, importantly, to stay safe. In my work as anti-bullying coordinator, I am acutely aware of the need for this book and fully support the ideas that it promotes. I will certainly be recommending it to the schools I work with. -- Lorna Naylor, Anti-bullying Coordinator, Children, Families and Cultural Services, Nottinghamshire County CouncilThis book provides a complete package for secondary schools to enable them to develop and embed a whole school approach to e-safety and cyberbullying, and deliver relevant and stimulating lessons. It is full of up to date information, practical guidance and great activities for staff and students - all from a writer who is incredibly well informed by years of experience, training staff and listening to children and young people on the subject matter. -- Paul Rigglesford, Director, Anti-Bullying WorksTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Teaching e-safety to teenagers. 2. Reducing cyberbullying. 3. Classroom Activities. 4. What do they need to know? 5. Citizenship and the law. 6. Preparation before Starting more Serious Discussions. 7. The Growth of Gaming Brings New Challenges. 8. Gaming online. 9. SRE in the Age of the Smartphone. 10. Staff Training. 11. A Three Tier Strategy for E-safety Education. 12. Policy and Procedure. 13. The More Serious Cases. 14. Ofsted Inspection and Self-Review. 15. How Can I get The Behaviour to Change? 16. What Schools Can Do about 'Sexting'. 17. Supporting Parents. 18. Cyberbullying and the Law. References.

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Book SynopsisInformed by a wealth of research, this accessible book focuses on a strengths-based approach to promoting children's wellbeing and giving them the best opportunities to succeed.By identifying risk factors and the protective factors which can be used to counter them, this book stresses the importance of preventative measures and early intervention to effectively support parents and their children. It shows that there are many protective factors and practices that parents, teachers and carers can employ to support children's development, promote mental and emotional wellbeing, and reduce the risks of crime and anti-social behaviour. Each section explores the issues associated with specific age groups, from pregnancy to early teens. It identifies areas that should be a key focus for practitioners and services such as promoting attachment and communication, and highlights effective practices such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Bringing together the international evidence-base concerning ways of working with young children and their families, this book offers practical advice for practitioners, managers and commissioners of services across health and social care.Trade ReviewCarole Sutton has provided a comprehensive and thought-provoking text that, whilst grounded in the evidence, is accessible to a range of practitioners and disciplines who are focused on making things better for children and young people. This is a compelling and tangible account of how promoting positive behaviours and emotions can make a real difference. -- Julie Taylor, Professor of Child Protection, Medical School, University of BirminghamThis book is an excellent resource for all those who aspire to work more constructively with families. The author shows how by identifying protective factors in families, resilience can be developed and the wellbeing of children and their families promoted. -- Judith Milner, Freelance Solution Focused Trainer and WriterTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Pregnancy. 2. Birth and the First Year of Life. 3. One to Two Years. 4. Three to Eight Years. 5. Nine to 13 Years. 6. Summary and Cross-Cutting Themes. Appendices. References.

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Book SynopsisIdentifying the most serious challenges faced in child protection work, this practical guide offers helpful solutions for frontline professionals working with children and adults. Informed by her many years on the frontline and subsequent experience writing serious case reviews, Joanna Nicolas has identified the most common pitfalls in child protection cases. The book focuses on understanding the impact of neglect, information sharing between professionals, communication with children, working with non-compliance/disguised compliance, and the impact of multiple risk factors. It offers tips for overcoming the challenges of everyday practice, such as home visits, as well as enhancing understanding of the key issues in this complex field. The evidence-informed chapters are packed with case examples and include useful reminders of the underlying principles at play. This is essential reading for social workers, health care workers, mental health workers, education professionals and related professions, such as housing and probation.Trade ReviewAll who have roles and responsibilities in working with children should find this book illuminating and inspiring. It is informed by substantial practical experience and wisdom and confronts and clarifies the challenges in child protection. It is grounded in advice on action whilst also enhancing knowledge and understanding. This is an important text. -- Ray Jones, Professor of Social Work, Kingston University and St George's, University of LondonThis book goes to the heart of social work practice and stays there throughout. Through the use of a large number of relevant and focused case examples, Joanna Nicolas shows how child protection work can be effective even in the most disturbing and distressing circumstances. This upbeat and strengths-based book is a manual for our times and will help students and practitioners to navigate the messy, uneven and murky terrain of child protection. -- Anthony Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of Cafcass and Chair of BAAFJoanna Nicolas opens up for discussion many of the complex dilemmas faced by child protection professionals: the quandaries, ethical minefields, tight spots and the occasional catch-22. She nails her own colours to the mast throughout, and by drawing regularly upon authentic 'real-world' examples Joanna invites practitioners to explore, expose and defend their own personal and professional values when working in the complex emotional area of child protection. -- David Shemmings OBE PhD, Professor of Child Protection Research, University of KentTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. The Impact of Neglect. 2. Communicating with Children. 3. Disguised Compliance, Non-compliance and Hostility. 4. Multiple Risk Factors. 5. Home visiting. 6. Further Areas of Complexities for Professionals. 7. Working More Effectively with Families.

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Book SynopsisDemonstrating how the law and statutory guidance applies in practice, this book is a critical account of current family justice policy and practice.It draws on recent legislation, case law and research findings to provide clear, accessible information and advice on how to make the difficult decisions in pre-proceedings child care practice work. With reference to child protection legislation and practice frameworks, this book highlights the importance of undertaking informed and effective assessments based on the best outcome for the child. The book acknowledges the constraints facing practitioners, such as working under considerable pressure within tight time frames and focuses on the issues which commonly present as challenges for practice, such as neglect, child sexual exploitation and pre-birth assessments. This is essential reading for students and practitioners in social work and law, as well as policy-makers and other professionals concerned with the current state of child welfare.Trade ReviewThis essential text has an engaging, contemporary feel to it that challenges the reader to reflect upon practice. Based upon research and an analysis of recent changes to practice, Holt presents the aspirations and subsequent impact of the public law outline. The book provides an enriching and stimulating debate as it explores the tensions and dilemmas inherent within the operationalisation of the public law outline. The structure and use of case studies bring the process to life offering concrete learning opportunities for students. It not only provides complex material in an accessible way but provides a detailed account of the legal process. It is refreshing to find a socio-legal textbook that moves beyond mere description. A forthright, honest and helpful account of the complex world of assessment and decision making in child protection within our current family justice system. -- Dr Louise Brown, Reader in Social Work, University of BathThis is a very interesting, important, challenging and in places appropriately provocative book which everyone involved professionally with the multi-faceted challenges of child protection would do well to read. -- From the Foreword by Sir James Munby, President of the Family DivisionThis impassioned and timely text makes an important contribution to the continuing debate on family justice reform. The author draws on contemporary research and professional insight to produce a critical, challenging and highly readable account. -- Professor Alison Brammer, School of Law, Keele UniversityThe family justice review (2010) did little to enhance relationships between family justice practitioners and social workers. The former argued that the proposed changes, in the absence of increased resources for local authorities and changes in social work practices with families (to permit more face to face time with children and improved engagement and assessment of parents), would lead to injustices. This book is seminal: it demonstrates in detail how those injustices are played out.Holt argues that in every aspect of the new system reduced resources and costs to the state dominate activities. Whether or not that is what the modernization programme intended, Holt argues we now operate in a culture driven by timescales, targets and protocols which in effect paralyses good social work and guardian practices and in which we have lost sight of the central players: the children and parents for whom the system exists.Holt says this book is a key text for practitioners in family justice: it is more than that. When social workers, lawyers and researchers independently come to the same conclusions about the decline in family justice and the availability of courts as an independent, protective, problem solving forum for the most vulnerable children and families in the face of state activities, it is time for policy makers to listen. -- Julia Brophy, Principal Investigator, Family JusticeTable of Contents1. Introduction: The origin of remote control practice. 2. The remote control approach in the family courts: a dickensian misadventure? 3. Mediation: the holy grail of reforms to working with complex families. 4. Why parents matter: exploring the impact of instrumental approaches to resolving complex situations. 5. Decision making and planning for children: the need for a holistic assessment of the family and an understanding of permanency planning. 6. Challenges for practice: dealing with complex issues that increase risk for children within a family justice system. 7. Findings from research: pre-proceedings practice. 8. Conclusion: What has happened since the Family Justice Review: a brighter future for children and their families?

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Book SynopsisAfter family violence, very young children and babies benefit from child-led therapy, but how do you achieve this? Dr. Wendy Bunston's guide is here to help you to meet the emotional needs of children who are experiencing trauma, and to enable them to form healthy attachments, both within their families and beyond.As well as clearly explaining the consequences of domestic violence on young developing brains, this book demystifies the practicalities of working effectively with children in their earliest years. Examining real-life cases, it notes the distress that arises when a child is separated from his or her family, advises on the importance and complexities of children's attachments, and shows how to support playfulness as an essential part of children's healthy personal development. Instruction is provided on how to include all family members in the healing process, including the perpetrators of family violence, in a positive way to improve children's chances of recovery.Dr. Wendy Bunston's unique approach to therapy and care, based on over 25 years' professional experience, promotes the viewing of cases from a 'child-led' perspective. Pragmatic, empathic and accessible, this book will be essential reading for anyone working with those affected by domestic violence.Trade ReviewAn exceptional resource for practitioners working at the front line of family violence services. Strategic, particularly accessible - a powerful message of hope. -- Dr. Richard Fletcher, Associate Professor at the Family Action Centre of the University of NewcastleA long overdue and highly accessible contribution to the field of family violence that addresses the previously neglected needs of its youngest victims ... a hands on repertoire of therapeutic interventions that will prove invaluable to both early career and seasoned clinicians alike. -- Fiona True LCSW, Co-Director of the Center for Children and Relational Trauma at the Ackerman Institute for The Family, New YorkThe only thing that disappointed me about this book was the title! And the reason I was disappointed by the title is that it is so specific that is may be passed over by people who don't see themselves working with babies or with family violence. I believe that this book should be ESSENTIAL reading, not only for therapists but for anyone in the caring professions, especially social workers, foster carers and anyone else involved in child protection services whose work brings them into contact with children and/or families. A highly recommended read. -- Lynn Martin, a certified integrative psychotherapy trainer/supervisor * BACP - Children, Young people & families *In this book Bunston takes a refreshing and original approach to healing interventions for babies and young children who have been exposed to family violence. While not minimising the impact of family violence on all members of the family system, nor attributing blame to women who have experienced relationship violence, Bunston's book provides a clear focus on these most vulnerable family members. She states that we as adults need to shift how we see infants and young children, challenging expectations about what might be considered usual based on those in safe and stable homes. -- Jenny Rose & Jaclyn Thorburn * Australian Social Work *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. 1. Keeping the Baby and the Bathwater. 2. Early Brain Development and the Emerging Self. 3. Developing Models of Thinking and Practice. 4. Making Meaning in the Context of Family Violence. 5. Infant Led Practice Before and Across the First Three Years. 6. Child Led Practice and the Significance of Playfulness in Childhood and Beyond. 7. Infants and Children as the Entry Points for Change. 8. Beginning at the Beginning in our Approach to Addressing Family Violence. Appendix One. Appendix Two. Appendix Three. Appendix Four. References.

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Book SynopsisEmploying a range of innovative and creative ideas, this book is full of tips to engage children and promote their wellbeing. Children are vulnerable to low self-esteem, stress and anxiety because they are still growing and learning. This book looks at what we can do to minimise children's vulnerability to issues such as these, help them to build emotional resilience and teach them effective strategies for dealing with life's ups and downs. The book offers a host of different approaches that adults can use with children, including image-making, storytelling and puppetry. Chapters are brought to life with the voices of parents and professionals describing how these techniques worked for them. They also include guidance on how the principles can be used by professionals in the home, in schools or in therapeutic settings.Trade ReviewBy taking completely natural and fun ways of engaging with children and backing them with evidence, structure and ideas for differentiation, Plummer has created an approach that will both enable and enthral. Children and their supporting adults will experience genuine joy and personal growth as they work through these ideas which draw on both modern and traditional ideas from a range of cultures. -- Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing SpecialistThis refreshing book combines clear core principles for developing relationships with an enthusiastic and helpful 'have a go' approach to collaborative storytelling with children, providing many useful examples. -- Dr Vivien Norris, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, The Family PlaceIn this wonderful guide, Deborah Plummer offers a treasure trove of of creative approaches for engaging and working with children. -- Christopher Willard, PsyD, Faculty, Harvard Medical School and Author of Growing Up MindfulAs a children's counsellor, I would...recommend the book's direct use in my own field, and also as a source of inspiration for teachers and parents. -- Judith Sonnenburg, Child and family counsellor * Children and Young People, BACP *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1. Context. 2. Meeting the protagonists. 3. Twelve down to earth principles for building relationships and enabling change. 4. Imagination and creativity. 5. Image-making. 6. Oral story-telling. 7. Making a story. 8. Puppetry. 9. Stories about relationships and nurturing. 10. Stories about skills and qualities and facing challenges. 11. Stories about building knowledge and confidence. 12. Stories about gaining mastery and achieving goals. 13. The next steps. Activities index. Subject index. Author index.

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Book Synopsis"Who makes adoption a success? We do: the kids and parents in the new family as we change shape to accommodate each other."With more than 70 real life stories, revealing moments of vulnerability and moments of joy, this book provides an authentic insight into adoption. These stories take the reader on a journey through every stage of the adoption process, from making the initial decision to adopt to hearing from adoptees, and offer an informative and emotive account of the reality of families' experiences along the way. It includes chapters on adopting children of all ages as well as sibling groups; adopting as a single parent; adopting as a same sex couple; adopting emotionally and physically abused children; the nightmare of adoption breaking down; contact with birth parents; tracing and social media and more. Adopting: Real Life Stories will be an informative and refreshing read for adopters, potential adopters, professionals and all those whose lives have in some way been touched by adoption or want to know more about it.Trade ReviewThere is nothing that can replace the knowledge and experience of those who have trod the path ahead of others... I thoroughly recommend this book. -- from the Foreword by Hugh Thornbery CBE, Chief Executive, Adoption UKAdopting: Real Life Stories brings together many voices and experiences and represents adoption in all its wonderful and sometimes frightening complexity. The book is accessible and there is much to be learnt from the broad range of accounts, all of which are written with authenticity and compassion. Ann Morris sets out 'not to underestimate the joys of adoption, but to reveal the challenges honestly', the book achieves this and more. It bravely tackles the realities but at the same time encourages hope and understanding, and that's a difficult balance to achieve. -- Sally Donovan, author of 'No Matter What' and editor of Adoption TodayTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. So you want to adopt? 2. First meetings, first months. 3. Adopting babies and toddlers. 4. Adopting older children.5. Adolescents.6. Adopting a child with a physical or learning disability.7. Adopting an emotionally, physically or sexually abused child.8. Going it alone.9. Same sex couples.10. Adopting sibling groups.11. One plus one - adding an adopted child to your birth family.12. Adoption, race and religion.13. Taking in the child, taking on the school.14. Contact in adoption.15. Attachment issues.16. Breakdown.17. Who am I? Telling, talking and needing to know more. 18. Tracing and social media. 19. The birth mother's story. Useful organisations.

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Book SynopsisWith contributions from internationally recognized experts, this edited volume presents original thinking on the theory, research and practice surrounding child neglect.Comprehensive and current, the book takes an expansive look at how we can better address this prevalent issue. It explores the effects of neglect on the developing child and makes recommendations on how to identify neglect at the earliest opportunity. It considers common causal and contributing factors in neglect cases and the impact of these on children. The book details effective intervention techniques alongside case vignettes and shows how change can be achieved. It highlights the importance of supporting parental care and developing parental responsibility in families where children are neglected. Chapters provide in-depth descriptive examples and include a summary of learning points. Including practical suggestions for combating child neglect, this is an essential guide to best practice for students and practitioners working with children and families. The book also contains useful insights relevant to researchers and policy makers.Trade ReviewTackling child neglect is becoming a prominent political concern as its damaging lifelong effects are better evidenced, so this is a very timely book. It offers a comprehensive look at child neglect so there is something for everyone wanting to learn more about this topic. It covers the latest understanding of the incidence, causes and harmfulness of neglect, and it reports on several promising ways of tackling it. A valuable addition to the literature. -- Professor Eileen MunroIn this excellent book, Ruth Gardner has brought together a number of leading international experts in the business of recognising and understanding, assessing and dealing with neglect. We hear of the latest research on what causes and sustains neglect. We are introduced to some imaginative and engaging ways of assessing neglect that actively and therapeutically involve the parents themselves... This is a book full of sound thinking and original ideas. I defy anyone who reads this compilation not to come away feeling even more inspired, enthused and yes, even optimistic as they work with both the parents who neglect and the children who are neglected. -- From the foreword by David HoweTackling Child Neglect is an excellent and thought provoking book which critically re-examines the importance of neglect and its pernicious effect on the well-being and welfare of children and young people. The book comprises three main sections as authors present renewed and challenging commentary for the multi-professional audience in revisiting our understandings of neglect, various perspectives of neglect and international approaches on prevention. There are many salutary messages including a reminder of the significance of the chronic, negative impact of the lack of emotional availability of the child's care giver. The voices of children and young people are amplified in their understandings and experiences of neglect and this important focus should inform further research and improve practice in prevention and early help for children and their families. -- Claire Richards, National Centre for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Abuse and Chair of BASPCANTable of ContentsIntroduction. Ruth Gardner, University of East Anglia and NSPCC, UK. Part 1: The effects of child neglect: Understanding and responding. 1: The effects of emotional neglect in the first two years of life. Jane Barlow, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK. 2: Child neglect and the development of communication. Jan McAllister, University of East Anglia, UK and Wendy Lee, The Communication Trust, UK. 3: Making a difference to the neglected child's lived experience. Jan Horwath, Sheffield University, UK. Part Two: Perspectives on child neglect. 4: Child neglect, the research landscape. Debra Allnock, University of Bedfordshire, UK. 5: Learning from children and young people about neglect. Sarah Gorin, Consultant Researcher, UK. 6: General Practitioners' responses to child neglect. Jenny Woodman, General Practitioner, UK. 7: Responding to child neglect: Learning from Serious Case Reviews. Marian Brandon and Pippa Belderson,University of East Anglia, UK. Part Three: Preventing and reversing child neglect: An international picture. 8: 'What happens?' and 'what works?' with Sign of Safety. Amanda Bunn, Freelance Research Consultant and Practitioner, UK, Leigh Taylor, Senior Practitioner, Edinburgh, UK, Dan Koziolek, Carver County Community Social Services (CCCSS), Minnesota, USA and Andrew Turnell, Director, Signs of Safety ®, Australia. 9: Practices targeting child neglect: The use of SafeCare® to enhance parenting skills to reduce neglect. Whitney L. Rostad, Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, Georgia State University, USA, John R. Lutzker, Director, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA and Katelyn M. Guastaferro, The Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, USA. With a note on the UK evaluation of SafeCare by Gillian Churchill. 10: Video Interaction Guidance: Providing an effective response for neglected children. Hilary Kennedy, Director, Video Interaction Guidance, UK, Maeve Macdonald, Educational Psychologist and Paul Whalley, NSPCC, UK.

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Book SynopsisCombining contemporary research with practice findings, this book shows how we can improve the mental health of children in care. Expert contributors highlight the challenges that children face and propose innovative models of practice which have been proven to improve outcomes. The book describes the difficulties children in care commonly encounter, such as vulnerability to self-harm, substance misuse or inappropriate sexual behaviour. It goes on to explore therapeutic interventions, such as art therapy or integrative therapy, which can be used to address the root of these behaviours. With a range of clinical and practical perspectives, it also makes recommendations for further training for foster carers, for reinforcing professional support networks and for all agencies to have a developed understanding of cultural considerations when working with children in care. Those committed to improving the mental health of children and young people in care, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, CAMHS professionals and social workers, will find this book an invaluable source of evidence and inspiration.Trade ReviewWe must not ever underestimate the achievements that children in care can make, and how many create fulfilling lives for themselves. Neither must we underestimate the role that foster carers can play in helping this to occur. This book gives us the opportunity to bring research findings into these debates and offers valuable insights into the important role of research-informed practice. -- From the foreword by Jenny PearceSupporting the Mental Health of Children in Care addresses numerous topics that are at the nexus of the child welfare system and mental health practice. The authors provide clear, poignant, and actionable perspectives that can assist professionals in gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying needs of children in care. This text addresses these needs through a culturally competent and trauma-informed lens that is cognizant of the integral and pertinent features of child development and how these are impacted by placement in foster care. Supporting the Mental Health of Children in Care is a great resource for anyone invested in providing care, support, or services to children involved with the child welfare system. -- Mike Sherman Psy.D.,Clinical Psychologist and Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health FellowI was deeply touched by some of the case material, and found much of the content of the book extremely thought-provoking in relation to my own practice.In chapter 11, there is a courageous and important discussion relating to integrated practice that is relevant to anyone working with children in a therapeutic way and which I found refreshing and positive. The focus on thinking systematically is not only relevant for working with children in the care system but, I believe, in working with all children. I would even go so far as saying that it should be recommended reading for all child and adolescent counsellors. -- Lynn Martin, integrative psychotherapy trainer/supervisor * Children and Young People, BACP *Table of ContentsForeword. Introduction. 1."I try hard not to scream": Responding to the distress of children in care. Siobain Bonfield and Jeune Guishard-Pine, Child and Family Psychologists. 2. Children under 5 in care: what a shame! Christine Cork, Senior Primary Mental Health Worker. 3. "Working with children in care who self-harm: Understanding coping, communication and suicide". Sam Warner, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. 4. Drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication from trauma and past abuse amongst children in care. Jeune Guishard-Pine, Child and Family Psychologist and Lisa Robinson, Children and Young Peoples Drugs and Alcohol Centre Manager. 5. Run run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man": Siblings in care and 'safe therapy'. Olatayo Afuape , Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. 6. Working with sexually inappropriate behaviour and incest. Tonie Lawrence-Mahrra, CAMH Practitioner and Transpersonal Therapist. 7. "Can I go home?" Art psychotherapy with foster children returning to their birth family. Eleanor Havsteen-Franklin, Art Psychotherapist. 8. The anarchy and the ecstasy: The therapeutic journey for Children in Care. Jeune Guishard-Pine, Child and Family Psychologist and Hannah Baron, Clinical Psychologist. 9. Professionalising Foster Carers. Jeune Guishard-Pine, Devinia Malcolm and Sheri Mosuro, Psychology Well-being Practitioners. 10. Therapeutic boundaries - or 'pass the parcel'?: Ethical challenges and boundaries. Suzanne McCall, Clinical Adolescent Counsellor. 11. The Illusion of individual psychotherapy for LAC: Integrated working as a 'kaleidoscope. Jeune Guishard-Pine, Child and Family Psychologist. 12. On becoming a mental health 'specialist' with children in care: a polemic. Zoe Lander, Services for Children and Young People. 13. Culturally-competent practice for children in care. Gail Coleman-Oluwabusola, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. 14. 'Safe therapy': Involving children in care in developing mental health services. Sidra Aslam, Educational Psychologist. 15. Kith and Kin: Providing a therapeutic space to kinship carers. Olatayo Afuape, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. 16. Child sexual exploitation and multi-dimensional safety for children in care. Lucie Shuker, International Centre for Social Science Research, University of Bedfordshire. Conclusion. References. About the contributors.

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Book SynopsisHelping vulnerable children and young people to build protective behaviours is the key to keeping them safe.Full of creative ideas and activities, this guide provides the tools to help children develop these key skills. Topics include work around: building resilience and problem solving skills; identifying a 'safety network'; developing emotional literacy; awareness of grooming strategies and safe/unsafe touch; and cyber safety. The range of tried and tested techniques will be sure to engage any child in thinking about their personal safety, allowing adult carers to have confidence that their child will be empowered to better identify and avoid harmful situations and behaviours.Practical and easy to use, this is a valuable resource for professionals working with vulnerable children and young people, such as adopted or fostered children and those in residential care, as well as the parents and carers of these children.Trade ReviewNestled at the heart of child-centred practice, brimming with easy-to-do ideas, this book is a fantastic resource for practitioners in all sectors working with children. While acknowledging traumatic experiences including child sexual abuse and children entering the care system, the many examples from practice bring the creative, cost-free activities to life. This book enables children to engage with Protective Behaviours, so they can explore ways to feel safer and know they can always talk with someone if feeling unsafe. -- Judith Staff, Protective Behaviours Trainer and Specialist Practitioner, UKHelping Vulnerable Children and Adolescents to Stay Safe is an essential text for educators, carers and any professionals who work with children. The easy-to-follow activities and protective behaviours information are vital in helping us as a society to protect children from all forms of abuse. Prevention education is crucial to the well-being of children and I highly recommend Helping Vulnerable Children and Adolescents to Stay Safe for its age-appropriate and practical tasks. The information and skills children will receive via this book are both empowering and essential. -- Jayneen Sanders, Author of 'Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept' and 'No Means No!', AustraliaTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. Chapter 1: Building Resilience and Self Esteem. Chapter 2: Emotional Literacy and the Body's Emotional Communication. Chapter 3: Feeling Safe and Understanding What It Means. Chapter 4: Body Awareness and Boundaries. Chapter 5: Developing Problem Solving Skills. Chapter 6: Working With Vulnerable Adolescents. Chapter 7: Safety Online.

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Book SynopsisFor the busy frontline practitioner with little time to plan ahead, this hands-on guide presents imaginative and unique methods to engage families and caregivers throughout the process of assessing vulnerable children. Setting the context for each area of assessment, including strengths and resilience, risk and needs and the child's lived experience, the book then describes a series of activities or creative techniques to engage young people and their caregivers within this area. It outlines the materials required, aims of the exercise and method. It includes 'handy hints' based upon practical experience, making it a quick go-to guide for every day practice.It encourages practitioners to focus on building safety into relationships and to adapt their approach to take into account the impact of trauma and abuse on an individual's capacity to engage and to communicate verbally.Trade ReviewThe author has produced a book that is written with insight and deep understanding and appreciation of direct work with children, young people and their families. This text will appeal to a broad readership that will include social work student, experienced social workers and practitioners working with children. Katie continues to bring depth to this area with a range of tools and frameworks that can be used to strengthen the voices of children in their plans and assessments. Thank you Katie, a must read and it is on my book shelf. -- Lee Pardy-Mclaughlin, Coventry City CouncilAs someone who has been through the care system I appreciate the impact decisions made during assessments can have on children and young people. This book offers practitioners creative quality tools which will benefit practitioners and families alike. I encourage all practitioners involved with families to have a read and to use the learning to make the difference to children and young people. We deserve this! -- Shianne Kinchen, a care experienced young person working with Coventry City CouncilPractitioners, assessing vulnerable children and young people, must engage with them in order to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings. The wide range of imaginative activities included in this book provide a rich resource for busy workers. The activities enable practitioners to engage with children and young people in innovative and meaningful ways. -- Jan Horwath, Emeritus Professor of Child Welfare in the Department of Sociological Studies at the University of SheffieldTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Building safety into the assessment process; 2. Communication and creativity; 3. Exploring Protective Factors - Strengths and Resilience; 4. Exploring and Understanding the Nature of Relationships; 5. Hearing the family stories; 6. Exploring Every Day Lived Experience; 7. Talking about a specific event or person; 8. What's the problem? Exploring risks and needs; 9. Assessing Change Factors; References

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Book SynopsisTherapeutic Residential Care For Children and Youth takes a fresh look at therapeutic residential care as a powerful intervention in working with the most troubled children who need intensive support. Featuring contributions from distinguished international contributors, it critically examines current research and innovative practice and addresses the key questions: how does it work, what are its critical “active ingredients” and does it represent value for money? The book covers a broad spectrum of established and emerging approaches pioneered around with world, with contributors from the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Israel and the UK offering a mix of practice and research exemplars. The book also looks at the research relating to critical issues for child welfare service providers: the best time to refer children to residential care, how children can be helped to make the transition into care, the characteristics of children entering and exiting care, strategies for engaging families as partners, how the substantial cost of providing intensive is best measured against outcomes, and what research and development challenges will allow therapeutic residential care to be rigorously compared with its evidence-based community-centered alternatives. Importantly, the volume also outlines how to set up and implement intensive child welfare services, considering how transferable they are, how to measure success and value for money, and the training protocols and staffing needed to ensure that a programme is effective.This comprehensive volume will enable child welfare professionals, researchers and policymakers to develop a refined understanding of the potential of therapeutic residential care, and to identify the highest and best uses of this intensive and specialized intervention.Trade ReviewWhittaker, Del Valle and Holmes, together with their contributors, address key challenges related to how well-designed, short-term group care interventions can help children address severe emotional and behavioral conditions. Their careful attention to treatment design and measurement showcase strategies that can be readily applied to improve service quality and outcomes. -- Peter J. Pecora, School of Social Work, University of Washington, USAThis book makes an important contribution to one of the critical issues in the field of child welfare. It engages with many of the challenges of caring for very troubled young people who require resource-intensive support. -- From the Foreword by Robbie Gilligan, Professor of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College, DublinOffers greater understanding of a rich and varied field of residential child practice. -- Scottish Journal of Residential Child CareTable of ContentsForeword by Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. Part 1. Introduction. The Current Landscape of Therapeutic Residential Care: James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes. Part 1. Pathways to Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 1, Making Sense of Differential Cross-National Placement Rates for Therapeutic Residential Care: Some Take Away Messages for Policy, June Thoburn, Professor Emeritus, University of East Anglia and Frank Ainsworth, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. Chapter 2. Needs and characteristics of high-resource users: Spain, Jorge F. del Valle, Amaia Bravo and Ana Sainero, University of Oviedo,Spain. Chapter 3. Needs and characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: North America, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada, Chapter 4. Benarand characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: Denmark, Mette Lausten, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 5. Part 2. Promising Program Models and Innovative Practices. Varieties of Nordic Residential Care, Turf Jakobsen, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 6. MultifunC - Multifunctional Treatment in Residential and Community Settings: Norway, Tore Andreassen, Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Chapter 7. The Family Home Program: An Adaption of the Teaching Family Model at Boys Town, Ronald W. Thompson, Director, Boys Town National Research Institute and Dan Daly, Executive Vice President and Director of Youth Care, Boys Town, Nebraska, Chapter 8. A New Era in the Development of Therapeutic Residential Care in the State of Victoria: Australia, Patricia McNamara, La Trobe University, Australia, Chapter 9. Evidence-based Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care, Sigrid James, Loma Linda University, California, Chapter 10. Creating and maintaining family-staff partnerships in Residential Treatment Programs: Shared Decisions, Full Participationm Mutual Responsibilty, Richard W. Small, The Walker School, Massachusetts, Christopher Bellonci, MD, Tufts University, Massachusetts and President, American Association of Children's Residential Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Susan Ramsey, The Walker School. Part 4. Preparing Youth For Successful Transitions from Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 11. Relationship between Adult Outcomes of Young People Making the Transition to Adulthood from Out-of-Home Care and Prior Residential Care, Nathanael Okpych and Mark Courtney, University of Chicago, Chapter 12. Supportive Pathways for Young People Leaving Care: Lessons Learned from Four Decades of Research, Mike Stein, University of York, UK, Chapter 13. Listening to young people in care in Israel: a brief note from research about successful transitions to adulthood, Anat Zeira, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Part 5. Critically Examining the Current Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 14. Uncovering What is Inside the 'Black Box' of Effective Therapeutic Residential Youth Care, Annemiek T. Harder, Assistant Professor and Erik Knorth, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 15. Improving the Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care: Logistical and Analytic Challenges Meet Methodological Innovations, Bethany R. Lee and Richard P. Barth, University of Maryland, USA. Part 5. Calculating Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 16. Estimating Unit Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care, Lisa Holmes, Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR), Loughborough University perspectives and commentaries by: Richard W. Small and Christopher Bellonci: North America, Laura Palareti, University of Bologna and Chiara Berti, University of Chieti-Pescara: Italy, Andrew Kendrick, University of Strathclyde: Scotland, Frank Ainsworth and Deirdre Cheers: Australia. Part 6. Linking Focused Training and Critical Evaluation in Therapeutic Residential Care: A Foundation for Staff Support. Chapter 17. Helping staff to connect quality, practice and evaluation in therapeutic residential care: the SERAR model in Spain, Amaia Bravo, Jorge F. del Valle & Iriana Santos, Child and Family Research Group, University of Oviedo, Spain, Chapter 18. A European perspective on the context and content for social pedagogy in therapeutic residential care, Hans Grietens, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 19: Engaging the total therapeutic residential care program in a process of quality improvement: Learning from the Care Model, Martha Holden, Michael Nunno and Charles Izzo, Cornell University, New York and James Anglin, University of Victoria, Canada, Chapter 20. Outcomes Management in Residential Treatment: The CANS Approach, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada. Part 8. Conclusion. Shaping the Future for Therapeutic Residential Care, James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes

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Book SynopsisHow Does Foster Care Work? is an international collection of empirical studies on the outcomes of children in foster care. Drawing on research and perspectives from leading international figures in children's services across the developed world, the book provides an evidence base for programme planning, policy and practice.This volume establishes a platform for comparison of international systems, trends and outcomes in foster care today. Each contributor provides a commentary on one other chapter to highlight the global significance of issues affecting children and young people in care. Each chapter offers new ideas about how foster care could be financed, delivered or studied in order to become more effective.This book is important reading for anyone involved in delivering child welfare services, such as administrators, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, children's advocates, academics and students.Trade ReviewThe authors conclude with the hope that the findings which are reflected in this volume have the potential to bring a greater understanding of the complex interplay of those factors that nurture or impede the well-being of children in care. They anticipate that it would impact positively on care planning, the provision of services, the development of policy and future research. We know that foster care works. This book may very well make it work better. -- Aotearoa New Zealand Social WorkThis is a must-read for any social worker who desire greater understanding of the theoretical principles and empirical evidence that undergird foster care today in a number of developed countries... We know that foster care works. This book may very well make it work better. -- Aotearoa New Zealand Social WorkEach study scrupulously teases out the different variables affecting outcomes. The volume ends with a synthesis of research findings giving direction for policy, practice and research... My personal preference is for those studies that powerfully convey the experience of children, such as chapters by Fernandez on Growing up in Care and by Ward and Munro on Very Young Children in Care in England. The latter highlights the instability that was a feature for many infants, with 45 per cent having four or more placements. The consequences of placement disruption and instability on relationships, emotional and behavioural health, and education are a theme in a number of chapters. This mirrors recent findings in Hannon et al. . 2010 and gives even greater weight to the authors' call for measures to improve placement stability. Pecora et al. in their chapter on Rates of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders among Alumni of Family Foster Care in the United States make comprehensive recommendations for policy and practice to improve the mental and emotional health of young people in care, which I warmly commend. Various authors comment on both the positive and negative aspects of contact, with Farmer arguing persuasively In her chapter on Fostering Adolescents in England for differential approaches to contact decisions, to support grandparent contact and promote children's links with extended family members. The volume clearly demonstrates the value of studying fostering cross-nationally and will be of interest to policy makers, commissioners of care services, practitioners and researchers. -- Wiley Online Library, Child Abuse ReviewFoster care practice needs both an international perspective and an evidence base to allow us to learn and develop. This book supports both of these objectives. -- Children & Young People NowTable of ContentsPart 1. Introduction. Foreword. James K. Whittaker, University of Washington, USA. Introduction: Reviewing International Evidence to Inform Foster Care Policy and Practice. Elizabeth Fernandez, University of New South Wales, Australia and Richard P. Barth, University of Maryland, USA. 1. International Perspectives on Foster Care. June Thoburn, University of East Anglia, UK. Part 2. Placement Movements and Destinations. 2. Five Year Developmental Outcomes for Young Children Remaining in Foster Care, Returned Home or Adopted. Richard P. Barth and Christopher Lloyd, University of Arkansas, USA. 3. The Placement Stability in Foster Care. Fred Wulczyn and Lijun Chen, University of Chicago, USA. 4. Foster Care in the Netherlands: Correlates of Placement Breakdown and Successful Placement. Johan Piet Strijker, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. 5. Profile and Scope of Foster Care in Spain. Jorge Fernandez del Valle and Mónica López, University of Oviedo, Spain. 6. Reunification in Australia: Insights from South Australia and New South Wales. Elizabeth Fernandez and Paul Delfabbro, University of Adelaide, Australia Part 3. The Foster Care Experience: A Life Course Perspective. 7. Very Young Children in Care in England: Issues for Foster Care. Harriet Ward and Emily R. Munro, Loughborough University, UK 8. Fostering Adolescents in England: What Contributes to Success? Elaine Farmer, University of Bristol, UK. 9. Rates of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioural Disorders Among Alumni of Family Foster Care in the United States: The Casey National Alumni Study. Peter J. Pecora, Catherine Roller White, Lee Ann Murdock, Kirk O'Brien, Casey Family Programs, USA, Ronald C. Kessler, Nancy Sampson and Irving Hwang Harvard Medical School, USA. Part 4. Psychological Outcomes and Correlates of Outcomes. 10. What Makes for Effective Foster Care: Some Issues. Ian Sinclair, University of York, UK. 11. Long-term Outcomes of Foster Care: Lessons from Swedish National Cohort Studies. Bo Vinnerljung, University of Stockholm, Sweden, Eva Franzén, Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Sweden, Anders Hjern, National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden and Frank Lindblad, Uppsala University, Sweden. 12. Foster Care in Denmark: Comparing Kinship and Non-Kinship Forms of Care. Lajla Knudsen, Tim Egelund and Anne-Dorthe Hestbæck, SFI, The Danish National Centre for Social Research, Denmark. 13. Selected Educational Outcomes for Young People Aged 17–19 Years in Long Term Foster Care in Ireland. Fiona Daly, Irish Association of Young People in Care, Ireland and Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. 14. Can Tutoring by Foster Parents Improve Foster Children's Basic Academic Skills? A Canadian Randomized Field Trial. Robert J. Flynn, Marie-Pierre Paquet and Robyn Marquis, University of Ottawa, Canada. 15. Wellbeing in Foster Care: An Australian Longitudinal Study of Outcomes. Elizabeth Fernandez. Commentary by Robert Flynn. Conclusion. Richard P. Barth and Elizabeth Fernandez. List of Contributors. Index.

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Book SynopsisSignificant amounts of money and resources are spent on child and family services, so successful evaluation of whether or not they are achieving the best outcomes is therefore essential. This edited collection offers an international perspective on the challenges of designing and undertaking outcome-based evaluation of child and family services. With contributions from leading international experts, it introduces the key ideas and issues currently being debated in the evaluation of these services; discusses relevant approaches to designing and using evaluation methods; and provides examples of evaluation from the real world of policy and practice. Issues covered include setting appropriate indicators for service effectiveness, cross-cultural evaluation of service interventions, service user involvement in evaluation, and evaluations of family and community-based services. This invaluable book will be essential reading for policy makers, planners, commissioners and managers across child and family welfare services, as well as researchers and other academics in the field.Trade ReviewIn conclusion, the articles in the book are a collection of research and journal articles from international academics. The targeted audience of this book would be the practitioner who is keen to embark on research or the worker who wishes to read more about international evidence from other countries... there are some interesting policy perspectives from other countries which practitioners might consider advocating in the New Zealand context with the hope that such policies might improve the wellbeing of children and their families. -- Aotearoa New Zealand Social WorkTable of ContentsForeword. James K. Whittaker, University of Washington, USA. Part 1. Evaluating Outcomes for Children and Families: Improving the Evidence Base. 1. Improving the Evidence Base. Anthony N. Maluccio, University of Connecticut, USA, Cinzia Canali, Fondazione Zancan, Italy, Tiziano Vecchiato, Fondazione Zancan, Italy, Anita Lightburn, Fordham University, USA, Jane Aldgate, The Open University, UK and Wendy Rose, The Open University, UK. 2. Demystifying Evidence in Child Welfare. Nina Biehal, University of York, UK. 3. Unlocking the Mysteries of Program Evaluation: Lessons from a Comprehensive Evaluation of an Innovative Program to Reunify Families. Barbara A. Pine and Robin Spath, University of Connecticut, USA. Part 2. Methods for Finding and Using Evidence. 4. Evaluating Complexity in Community-Based Programs. Anita Lightburn, Fordham University, USA, and Chris Warren-Adamson, University of Southampton, UK. 5. Approaches to Evaluation in Services for Families and Children. Cinzia Canali, Anthony N. Maluccio and Tiziano Vecchiato. 6. Understanding the Nature, Structure and Context of Services in Family Support Centres. Marianne Berry, University of Kansas, USA, and Colleen Reed, University of Denver, USA. 7. In Their Own Words: Alumni of Foster Care in the US Talk about Preparation for Independent Living. Anne Nicoll, University of Washington, USA, Kate Holmes Thompson, Peter J. Pecora, Catherine Roller White, Kirk O'Brien, Casey Family Programs, USA, and Arron K. Fain, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, USA. 8. The Challenge of Using Administrative Data in Cross-National Evaluations of Services in Out-of-Home Care. June Thoburn, University of East Anglia, UK. Part 3. Evaluating Outcomes in the Real World: International Evidence from Community-Based Practice. 9. Taking Standardised Programmes to Different Cultural Contexts: An Example from Scotland. Jane Aldgate and Wendy Rose. 10. Child Physical Abuse and Neglect: Risk Assessment and Evaluation of Early Prevention Programmes. Hans Grietens, University of Leuven, Belgium. 11. Identifying Outcomes at the Sunshine Family Centre in Outer London. Marian Brandon, University of East Anglia, UK. 12. The Important Place of Professional Relationship: A Case Study of an Israeli Family. Anat Zeira, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. 13. Evaluation of Sensitised Practice in a Community Centre in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Robyn Munford, Massey University, New Zealand, Jackie Sanders, Massey University, New Zealand, and Bruce Maden, Te Aroha Noa Community Services, New Zealand. 14. Assessing Practice in a Child and Family Centre in Australia. Patricia M. McNamara, La Trobe University, Australia. Afterword. Cross-National Perspectives and Ideas. Mark Ezell, University of Kansas, USA. References. The Contributors. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisGlobal support for improving child welfare and upholding the rights of children is strong, but in practice often fails to recognise the emerging gap between traditional child welfare practices and the evolving nature of child vulnerability. This book takes an international perspective on child welfare, examining how global and national frameworks can be adapted to address the rights and best interests of children. Synthesising the latest international research, experts redefine the concept of a 'child in need' in a world where global movement is common and children are frequently involved in the law. The book considers children as citizens, as refugees, victims of trafficking, soldiers, or members of indigenous groups and identifies the political and cultural changes that need to take place in order to deliver rights for these children. Focusing in particular on child protection systems across nations, it identifies areas of child welfare and family law which systematically fail to look after the best interests of children, often through prejudice, outdated practice, or even the failure of agencies to work together.Exploring the nexus between children's rights and the law across the globe, this book makes essential reading for policymakers, social workers, lawyers, researchers and professionals involved in protecting vulnerable children.Trade Reviewit provides a current and thought-provoking text which should prove an invaluable resource for all policymakers, social workers and lawyers working to protect vulnerable children. -- Children & Young People NowThis is a book that seeks to promote ideas from other jurisdictions and cultures, and it is an excellent book for the progressive social worker. It would be fascinating to see the same kind of book with the same kind of chapters from non English speaking countries, such as Europe and the Far East. -- The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers' NewsletterTable of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements. Introduction. Rosemary Sheehan, Monash University, Australia, Helen Rhoades, University of Melbourne, Australia and Nicky Stanley, University of Central Lancashire, UK. Part 1. Children and citizenship. 1. Children's rights: the effective implementation of rights and standards. Deena Haydon, Queen's University, Belfast, UK. 2. Child protection in humanitarian emergencies. Patrick O'Leary, University of Bath, UK and Jason Squire, Terres des hommes Foundation. 3. Children in the shadows: Child trafficking in the UK. Christine Beddoe, ECPAT UK. 4. Child combatants, peace processes: Challenges of inclusion and exclusion. Shelly L. Whitman, Dalhousie University, Canada. 5. Unaccompanied children as illegal immigrants in the United States. Gladis E. Molina, Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP), USA. 6. Protecting the rights of children in custody, Una Convery and Linda Moore, University of Ulster, UK. Part 2. Indigenous and non-national children and vulnerability. 7. The victimisation of indigenous children. Suzanne Oliver, Northern Territory Stipendiary Magistrate, Australia. 8. Non-national children and vulnerability: The child protection context. Goos Cardol, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands. 9. Mana tamariki, takahi tamariki: Maori child pride, Maori child abuse. Rawiri Taonui, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. 10. Indigenous human rights law and the needs of indigenous children. Terri Libesman, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. Part 3. Child welfare and family identity. 11. High frequency parental contact for infants in care: whose rights are being served? Cathy Humphreys and Meredith Kiraly, University of Melbourne, Australia. 12. Maternal incest: Challenges for child protection. Jackie Turton, University of Essex, UK. 13. Lost identities: denying children their family identity. James Reid, University of Huddersfield, UK. 14. Should adoption be an option? Greg Kelly and Chaitali Das, Queen's University Belfast, UK. Part 4. Child welfare and legal intervention. 15. Child protection family law: The Australian experience. Lisa Young, Murdoch University, Australia. 16. The police role in identifying and responding to children experiencing domestic violence. Nicky Stanley, Pam Miller, NSPCC, Helen Richardson-Foster, University of Sheffield, UK and Gill Thomson, University of Central Lancashire, UK. 17. Relocation of children in family law disputes. Robert H. George, University of Oxford, UK. 18. Working with separated families. Helen Rhoades. 19. Deciding the best interests of the child: Legal responses to child protection concerns. Rosemary Sheehan. 20. Conclusion. Rosemary Sheehan, Helen Rhoades and Nicky Stanley.

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Book SynopsisAdopted children whose early development has been altered by abuse or neglect may form negative beliefs about themselves and parents, and may resist connecting with others. This book outlines how therapeutic stories can help children to heal and develop healthy attachments.With a thorough theoretical grounding, the book demonstrates how to create therapeutic stories that improve relationships, heal past trauma, and change problem behaviour. The story of a fictional family that develops its own narratives to help their adopted child heal illustrates the techniques. This second edition includes updated research on attachment, trauma and the developmental process; a new chapter on parental attunement and regulation; and a new chapter with full length samples of a variety of narrative types.The gentle and non-intrusive techniques in this book will be highly beneficial for children with attachment difficulties. This guide will be an invaluable resource for parents of adopted children and the professionals working with them.Trade ReviewOverall, I found this book to be an interesting and stimulating read. The early chapters refreshed my knowledge and understanding of attachment difficulties, particularly as they relate to adopted children. I found the Family Attachment Narrative Therapy approach and the case examples given fascinating and was pleased that parents were of key importance in developing their own narratives... I would recommend this book both to professionals working with adoptive families, to parents of adopted children and to those with an interest in this area or in therapeutic story telling. -- DebateThis book is a welcome addition to the resources available to not only adoptive parents but also social workers in practice with children and young people with attachment issues. -- RostrumThis book is a discussion and guide on the use of narrative to help children and parents work through difficult behaviour and attachment issues. But it is also much more... This book's emphasis on helping parents do the therapeutic work of building the family as a safe healing space is spot on. -- Children & Young People NowThis book provides a very valuable, innovative resource for adoptive families supporting children with complex, traumatic early life histories. The focus is on empowering adoptive families to support their children with complex, traumatic early life stories. The focus is on empowering adoptive families to support their children, by giving them a thorough understanding of how early life history will affect each child's internal working model... I found this a very exciting, meaningful book. It provides clarity and recognition of the challenges and issues for adopted children with complex, traumatic early life histories. -- Lapidus JournalStories are the currency of life. "Connecting with Kids Through Stories: Using Narratives to Facilitate Attachement in Adopted Children" discusses the importance of stories in forming bonds with adopted children, to children who may not have had the easiest life coming into a caring parent's care.... A strong pick for parenting collections, especially those with a focus on adoption. -- The Midwest Book ReviewThis is a clear, practical, relevant and optimistic book that gives adoptive parents a deeper insight into the lives of their children, and an effective intervention made all the more attractive because it is based on the universally familiar and compelling business of telling stories about life’s most significant emotional experiences. -- David Howe, Professor Emeritus, School of Social Work and Psychology, University of East Anglia, UKThis is a wonderful book that goes to the heart of the matter in healing traumatized adoptees. If adopted kids are to grow and thrive in their adoptive family, the how and why of the arrival into the forever home must be told. Using the context of storytelling to tell the often painful tale is brilliant - even challenging and older children will accept a story. I particularly like the abundant examples of stories, the words of encouragement to parents to get started, the use of narratives to cover all aspects of the aftermath of trauma, the overview of how trauma leaves a child afflicted and the overriding message that underneath all the chaotic behavior is a child desperately trying to tell us the meaning of his or her experiences. Once attune to this meaning, each member of the family can connect. Thus, the meaning of being a part of a healthy family emerges for the adoptee, brothers, sisters and parents. -- Arleta James, therapist, Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio, USATable of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements Legacy of an Adopted Child. Introduction. 1. The Internal Working Model. 2. Putting the Pieces Together: Discovering the Child's Model. 3. Narratives that Bond, Heal and Teach. 4. Parental Attunement and Regulation. 5. Claiming Narratives. 6. Trauma Narratives. 7. Developmental Narratives. 8. Successful Child Narratives. 9. Stories, Stories and More Stories. 10. Conclusion. Appendix A. EMDR. Appendix B. Story Construction Guide. References. Resources and Recommended Reading. Index.

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Book SynopsisHow can you protect young people from the dangers of the internet, now that they are living increasingly hidden lives online? Cyber bullying, sexual harassment, cyber stalking – these are all risks that young people may face every day, and effective e-safety is more important than ever.This practical, hands-on resource will help you understand issues such as cyber bullying and sexual dangers online, what e-safety is, how to adopt a whole school approach to e-safety, how to involve parents and carers in e-safety, and responding to incidents. It also covers how to implement an e-safety policy, with a complete e-safety model to use. The book also includes activities with photocopiable handouts to teach young people about staying safe online.This easy-to-use manual is essential for school staff and educators, and all those working in youth and community settings.Trade ReviewE-safety for the i-generation. provide a very useful reference point and resource... The book seems broadly pitched at a KS2 audience, but could also be useful for some KS3 students. It is informative... Education in school is an important element of promoting safe use of the internet by parents have an integral role to play in developing their children's own sense of responsibility... everyone involved with children's and young people's use of the internet - parents, schools, service providers, organisations and children themselves - needs to share responsibility for online safety. -- Anthony Smythe, managing director, BeatBullying * Children & Young People Now *This book, although written primarily for use in schools, is a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf of any professional with a responsibility for child protection... The structure of this book makes it compulsive reading for anyone who wants to protect children from abuse and exploitation via the internet. It provides a framework for teachers addressing these issues with children and young people in schools. The book contains excellent resources for teachers... the worksheet pages are copyright-free makes this an invaluable resource for busy professionals. For parents, this book could prove a useful reference text...The chapter on safety at home is informative and provides helpful links to additional online resources. -- Child Abuse ReviewThis book is very well presented andwritten in clear unambiguous language. It iseasy to read, interesting, informative, practical,and engaging...incidents.The book outlines the benefits, and risks ofsocial media (Facebook; Internet Messaging;Online Chat Rooms; and Gaming Deviceswith Internet access) very clearly... the book containvery well structured curriculum activities... They have been exceptionally wellthought out and include the core principlesof learning such as teaching, modelling, role-play,practice and feedback. Having spentmany years organising and facilitating groupwork with students in schools, I feel that theworkshops presented in this book are interesting,engaging and would promote activeparticipation by young people... This book could be a valuableresource to the educational psychologist insupporting students, teachers, parents, andschools, around the area of E-Safety. Itcertainly meets the aim it set out to achieve. -- Dr Flannan Geaney, Chartered Educational Psychologist in Private Practice, Waterford, Ireland. * Debate - British Psychological Society *Table of Contents1. Introduction. 2. E-Safety: What Does it All Mean? 3. The Core Messages of E-Safety. 4. Sex and Technology. 5. E-Safety at Home. 6. Cyber Bullying. 7. E-Safety as a Whole School Issue. 8. Creating an E-Safety Policy. 9. Responding to Incidents. 10. Curriculum Activities and Resources. Appendix 1. Model E-Safety Policy. Appendix 2. Sample Staff Code of Conduct. Appendix 3. Sample Student Code of Conduct. Appendix 4. Sample Letter to Parents Regarding E-Safety Policy. Appendix 5. Sample Letter to Parents Regarding an Incident of the Abuse or Misuse of Technology. Appendix 6. Sample Questionnaire to Students. Appendix 7. Sample Questionnaire to Parents. Appendix 8. Sample Questionnaire to Staff. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisTherapeutic Residential Care For Children and Youth takes a fresh look at therapeutic residential care as a powerful intervention in working with the most troubled children who need intensive support. Featuring contributions from distinguished international contributors, it critically examines current research and innovative practice and addresses the key questions: how does it work, what are its critical “active ingredients” and does it represent value for money? The book covers a broad spectrum of established and emerging approaches pioneered around with world, with contributors from the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Israel and the UK offering a mix of practice and research exemplars. The book also looks at the research relating to critical issues for child welfare service providers: the best time to refer children to residential care, how children can be helped to make the transition into care, the characteristics of children entering and exiting care, strategies for engaging families as partners, how the substantial cost of providing intensive is best measured against outcomes, and what research and development challenges will allow therapeutic residential care to be rigorously compared with its evidence-based community-centered alternatives. Importantly, the volume also outlines how to set up and implement intensive child welfare services, considering how transferable they are, how to measure success and value for money, and the training protocols and staffing needed to ensure that a programme is effective.This comprehensive volume will enable child welfare professionals, researchers and policymakers to develop a refined understanding of the potential of therapeutic residential care, and to identify the highest and best uses of this intensive and specialized intervention.Trade ReviewWhittaker, Del Valle and Holmes, together with their contributors, address key challenges related to how well-designed, short-term group care interventions can help children address severe emotional and behavioral conditions. Their careful attention to treatment design and measurement showcase strategies that can be readily applied to improve service quality and outcomes. -- Peter J. Pecora, School of Social Work, University of Washington, USAThis book makes an important contribution to one of the critical issues in the field of child welfare. It engages with many of the challenges of caring for very troubled young people who require resource-intensive support. -- From the Foreword by Robbie Gilligan, Professor of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College, DublinTable of ContentsForeword by Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. Part 1. Introduction. The Current Landscape of Therapeutic Residential Care: James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes. Part 1. Pathways to Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 1, Making Sense of Differential Cross-National Placement Rates for Therapeutic Residential Care: Some Take Away Messages for Policy, June Thoburn, Professor Emeritus, University of East Anglia and Frank Ainsworth, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. Chapter 2. Needs and characteristics of high-resource users: Spain, Jorge F. del Valle, Amaia Bravo and Ana Sainero, University of Oviedo,Spain. Chapter 3. Needs and characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: North America, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada, Chapter 4. Benarand characteristics of high-resource using children and youth: Denmark, Mette Lausten, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 5. Part 2. Promising Program Models and Innovative Practices. Varieties of Nordic Residential Care, Turf Jakobsen, Danish National Centre for Social Research, Chapter 6. MultifunC - Multifunctional Treatment in Residential and Community Settings: Norway, Tore Andreassen, Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs, Chapter 7. The Family Home Program: An Adaption of the Teaching Family Model at Boys Town, Ronald W. Thompson, Director, Boys Town National Research Institute and Dan Daly, Executive Vice President and Director of Youth Care, Boys Town, Nebraska, Chapter 8. A New Era in the Development of Therapeutic Residential Care in the State of Victoria: Australia, Patricia McNamara, La Trobe University, Australia, Chapter 9. Evidence-based Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care, Sigrid James, Loma Linda University, California, Chapter 10. Creating and maintaining family-staff partnerships in Residential Treatment Programs: Shared Decisions, Full Participationm Mutual Responsibilty, Richard W. Small, The Walker School, Massachusetts, Christopher Bellonci, MD, Tufts University, Massachusetts and President, American Association of Children's Residential Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Susan Ramsey, The Walker School. Part 4. Preparing Youth For Successful Transitions from Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 11. Relationship between Adult Outcomes of Young People Making the Transition to Adulthood from Out-of-Home Care and Prior Residential Care, Nathanael Okpych and Mark Courtney, University of Chicago, Chapter 12. Supportive Pathways for Young People Leaving Care: Lessons Learned from Four Decades of Research, Mike Stein, University of York, UK, Chapter 13. Listening to young people in care in Israel: a brief note from research about successful transitions to adulthood, Anat Zeira, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Part 5. Critically Examining the Current Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 14. Uncovering What is Inside the 'Black Box' of Effective Therapeutic Residential Youth Care, Annemiek T. Harder, Assistant Professor and Erik Knorth, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 15. Improving the Research Base for Therapeutic Residential Care: Logistical and Analytic Challenges Meet Methodological Innovations, Bethany R. Lee and Richard P. Barth, University of Maryland, USA. Part 5. Calculating Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care. Chapter 16. Estimating Unit Costs for Therapeutic Residential Care, Lisa Holmes, Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR), Loughborough University perspectives and commentaries by: Richard W. Small and Christopher Bellonci: North America, Laura Palareti, University of Bologna and Chiara Berti, University of Chieti-Pescara: Italy, Andrew Kendrick, University of Strathclyde: Scotland, Frank Ainsworth and Deirdre Cheers: Australia. Part 6. Linking Focused Training and Critical Evaluation in Therapeutic Residential Care: A Foundation for Staff Support. Chapter 17. Helping staff to connect quality, practice and evaluation in therapeutic residential care: the SERAR model in Spain, Amaia Bravo, Jorge F. del Valle & Iriana Santos, Child and Family Research Group, University of Oviedo, Spain, Chapter 18. A European perspective on the context and content for social pedagogy in therapeutic residential care, Hans Grietens, University of Groningen, Netherlands, Chapter 19: Engaging the total therapeutic residential care program in a process of quality improvement: Learning from the Care Model, Martha Holden, Michael Nunno and Charles Izzo, Cornell University, New York and James Anglin, University of Victoria, Canada, Chapter 20. Outcomes Management in Residential Treatment: The CANS Approach, John Lyons, University of Ottawa, Canada. Part 8. Conclusion. Shaping the Future for Therapeutic Residential Care, James K Whittaker, Jorge F. del Valle and Lisa Holmes

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Book SynopsisGood Practice in Child Protection is a timely practical handbook for use by all professionals who work with child abuse cases as they get to grips with the new legislation on child protection. The contributors come from a wide range of backgrounds, including the social services, medicine, the legal professions and the police force. The book is soundly based on theory, but its main emphasis is on practice, and it includes exercises to improve practice in specific areas of child protection work, enabling workers to achieve the high standards now demanded.The subjects covered include:The Children Act and child protectionRecognizing abusePreventing female genital mutilationCommunicating with children about abuseChild protection case conferencesPromoting inter-professional understandingVictims of child abuseThe police perspectiveSupervision and support of workersTrade ReviewA distinguishing feature of the book is its strong practice and training orientation. The majority of chapters contain experiential exercises which can be used by teams or incorporated into training courses, many of which are focused on multi-disciplinary working... Practitioners and trainers will find much in this collection which is of value. -- British Journal of Social WorkWill delight trainers. They could use the text as a pattern to mount immediate courses with stimulating exercises. -- Community CareEach chapter is fully referenced, and some include case studies and exercises. I found Good Practice in Child Protection not only interesting but educational. It was harrowing to read the case studies and descriptions, and this shows the vital need of good training, supervision and support for workers in this field or for those who come into situations in which a child may be being abused in any way. -- Nursing StandardThis text would be very useful for any doctor involved in the care of children. -- Australian Family PhysicianTable of ContentsIntroduction, Hilary Owen and Jacki Pritchard. 1. Managing Your Own Learning in Child Protection, Ann Hollows Senior Development Officer, National Children's Bureau. 2. The Children Act and Child Protection, Pat Munroe Solicitor. 3. Recognition of Abuse, Dr Alice Swann Senior Clinical Medical Officer, Belfast. 4. Awareness and Recognition, Jo Crow Sister in Accident and Emergency, The Children's Hospital, Birmingham. 5. Recognition of Abuse by Workers in Other Specialisms, Jacki Pritchard. 6. Preventing Female Genital Mutilation: A Practical Multidisciplinary Approach, Hilary Owen and Lola Brown Senior Race Relations Trainer (Child Protection), Lambeth Social Services. 7. Children with Disabilities - A Challenge for Child Protection Procedures? Philippa Russell Director, Voluntary Council for Handicapped Children. 8. On Becoming a Tightrope Walker - Communicating Effectively With Children About Abuse, Eve Brock Trainer & Team Leader of teachers, HM Prison Lindholme. 9. Promoting Inter-Professional Understanding and Collaboration, Tony McFarlane Multidisciplinary Training Officer, Co. Antrim. 10. Developing Skills in Contributing at Child Protection Case Conferences, Hilary Owen and Lindsey Savage Child Protection Administrator, Sheffield Family & Community Services Department. 11.Child Protection Conferences: Maximising Their Potential, Marion Charles Senior Lecturer, School of Social Studies, University of Nottingham. 12. Formulating Child Protection Plans, Hilary Owen and Jacki Pritchard. 13. Victims of Child Abuse Giving Evidence: Helping to Reduce Trauma, Isobel Todd Probation Officer, Nottinghamshire. 14. Child Protection: The Police Perspective, Sergeant Colin Walke Surrey Constabulary. 15. Supervision and Support of Workers Involved in Child Protection Cases, Professor Dorota Iwaniec Department of Social Work, Queen's University of Belfast. 16. Support and Supervision for Social Workers Working in the Child Protection Field, Jacki Pritchard.

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Book SynopsisThe contributors to this book provide a comprehensive review of child care policy and practice. They present evaluations and critiques of new or impending legislation and policies, and describe innovative services for children and young people who are deemed to be in need of protection, care or control as a result of abandonment, neglect, ill-treatment, offending or other difficulties. They also examine changes in adoption law, where such issues as placement policies in relation to children from ethnic minorities, intercountry adoption and the trend towards greater openness have become prominent and controversial in recent years.Trade ReviewIf readers take the time to look at less familiar areas they will not be disappointed. If this occurs the volume can truly be said to have been effective in deepening the readers' knowledge of and respect for other practitioners and their clients. -- International Social WorkIn recent years, social work with children and families has become so dominated by investigations and monitoring that therapeutic work has been pushed aside. The Department of Health (1995) has put the case for redressing the balance and this book provides a welcome overview of how we can, effectively, help parents and children. The editor makes the case for an evidence based approach to practice. Each chapter presents a different therapeutic approach, giving a summary of the key elements and the underlying theory, a discussion on the available evidence on effectiveness, and an indication of when and how it can be used in practice. The range of methods covered include community, family and individual work. They also range from early years interventions designed to prevent problems, to services for children who have been the victims of abuse. This well-written book gives an excellent overview of current evidence on ways of helping families and is a valuable resource for social workers, whether as purchasers or providers of services. -- Professional Social WorkTable of ContentsPreface. PART I: Developments in Law, Policy and Related Research. 1. The Children Act 1989 and Recent Developments in Research in England and Wales, Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow and Jane Aldgate, University of Leicester. From the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to the Children (Scotland) Act 1995: Pressures for Change, Kay Tisdall, University of Glasgow. 3. The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995: Prospects for Progress?, Greg Kelly, Queen's University, Belfast and John Pinkerton, Queen's University, Belfast. 4. Irish Child Care Services in the 1990s: The Child Care Act 1991 and other Developments, Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. 5. Children, Crime and Society, Stewart Asquith, University of Glasgow. 6. Children and Young People's Participation in Decision Making: The Legal Framework in Social Services and Education, Ruth Sinclair, National Children's Bureau. PART II: Child Protection. 7. The Legal and Social Construction of Significant Harm, Pauline Hardiker, University of Leicester. 8. Families', Social Workers' and Police Perspectives on Child Abuse Investigations, Lorraine Waterhouse, University of Edinburgh and Janice McGhee, University of Edinburgh. 9. Partnership-based Practice in Child Protection Work, June Thoburn, University of East Anglia, Ann Lewis, University of East Anglia and David Shemmings, University of East Anglia. PART III: The Continuum of Out-of-home Care. 10. Respite Accommodation: A Case Study of Partnership under the Children Act 1989, Jane Aldgate, University of Leicester, Marie Bradley, University of Leicester and David Hawley, University of Leicester. 11. Short-term Foster Care, Clive Sellick, University of East Anglia. 12. Children's Perspectives on Long-term Foster Care, Colette McAuley, Queen's University of Belfast. 13. Residential Child Care in England and Wales: The Inquiries and After, David Berridge, University of Luton and Isabelle Brodie, University of Luton. 14. Adoption in England and Wales: Current Issues and Future Trends, Murray Ryburn, University of Birmingham. 15. Adolescents Leaving Care or Leaving Home and Child Care Provision in Ireland and the UK: A Critical View, Eoin O' Sullivan, Trinity College, Dublin. PART IV: Evaluation and Outcomes. 16. Consulting Service Users: The Views of Young People, Isobel Freeman, Strathclyde Social Work Department, Alex Morrison, Strathclyde Social Work Department, Fional Lockhart, Strathclyde Social Work Department and Moira Swanson, Strathclyde Social Work Department. 17. Constructing and Implementing Measures to Assess the Outcomes of Looking after Children away from Home, Harriet Ward, Dartington Social Research Unit. 18. Outcomes of Social Work Intervention with Young People, Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow, John Triseliotis, University of Edinburgh, Moira Borland, University of Glasgow and Lydia Lambert, University of Edinburgh. The Contributors. Index.

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Book Synopsis`Violence in Children and Adolescents' is an exploration of violence both by and against children, its causes and approaches to its amelioration. It is invaluable reading for anyone who works with young people. The contributors comprise an authoritative range of both practitioners and academics, including forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychologists, psychotherapists and criminologists. Together they examine topics such as children who kill; violent young offenders; immigrant children who have been the victims of war; the influence of television; the relationship to the family; and racial and sexual violence.Violence in society is increasingly prevalent and of great concern to anyone working with children and teenagers. `Violence in Children and Adolescents' offers a broad scope of interpretations and insight which is essential reading for professionals and students alike.Trade Review`…in one form or another all of the main theories purporting to explain violent behaviour, together with the available research evidence, are reviewed here…It is an ideal book for trainees in health-care, social service, legal or psychotherapy settings, or for the purpose or fairly quick updating of old or even non-existent knowledge about violence in children and adolescents' -- Therapeutic Communities.`The diversity of contributions by a range of writers with an evident expertise in their area of specialization makes this a text to be commended to both academics and practitioners working with child and adolescent perpetrators of violence.' -- British Journal of Social Work`Violence in Children and Adolescents'is a compilation of sensitive and informative writing by experts.' -- Law Society Journal`This book deals with a topical subject in a sympathetic manner. All the contributors are experienced professionals who are authorities in their own field and their understanding of the behaviour of often very sad young people emerges to make a readable volume which is helpful to students, practitioners and researchers alike. Anyone who is concerned about young people should find something to assist them in working with their behaviours in any one of the chapters. Students will find research data for a variety of essay topics.' -- Labour Campaign for Criminal Justice CampaignTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Emotional Impact of Violence on Children ,Sheila Melzak, Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, 2. The Backgrounds of Violent Young Offenders: The Present Picture, Gwyneth Boswell, University of East Anglia, 3. Psychiatric Assessment of the Violent Child and Adolescent towards Understanding and Safe Intervention, Susan Bailey, Adolescent Forensic Psychotherapist, Manchester. 4. Psychological Assessment and Monitoring of Violent Children and Adolescents, Kevin J. Epps, Glenthorne Centre; 5.Psycho-Social Approaches to the Understanding and Reduction of Violence in Young People ; James McGuire, University of Liverpool; 6. Roots of Sexual Violence in Children and Adolescents; Colin Hawkes, Jill Ann Jenkins and Eileen Vizard, The Tavistock Clinic; 7. Violence in Adolescence ;Arthur Hyatt Williams, The Tavistock Clinic; 8. A Violent Child and his Family ;Richard Davies, University of Keele; 9. Racial Violence and Young People, Soni Bhate, Trainee Psychiatrist and Surya Bhate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne General Hospital; 10. Television and the Well-Being of Children and Young People, Richard Sparks ; 11. Risk and Danger in Young People's Leisure, Ken Roberts, University of Liverpool; 12. Groupwork with Violent Children and Adolescents, Kedar Nath Dwivedi, Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist, Northampton; 13. The Police Relationship with Violent Children and Adolescents, Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey.

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Book SynopsisParenting Teenagers is invaluable for parents or for anyone filling the parenting role - temporarily or permanently. Bob Myers makes complex theory simple, and explains how to make, maintain, repair and strengthen relationships with teenagers. He encourages adults to take control of the parenting situation by taking control of their own actions and reactions. He seeks to remove conflict from parent-child relationships and identifies the traps that block good communication.Parents, teachers, residential youth workers, social workers, and probation officers will find much in the book to support them in the often difficult task of getting children ready for life as responsible adults.Based on more than twenty years' experience, this very level-headed text is intended for all who have to deal with the needs of adolescents. There are no quick-fix solutions here but rather an examination of often complex relationships. Strategies are developed for problem solving and helping the teenager build self-esteem, responsibility and independence while at the same time keeping the carer's sanity. In a friendly, supportive voice and while not minimising difficulties, Myers recommends that patience and perseverance in applying them will gain the desired results in the end.Trade ReviewMyers writes accessibly without condescension, increasing the intelligibility and impact of the text by assiduous use of numbered or bulleted points and succinct chapter summaries. The chapters present a depth of theoretical understanding of adolescence and the parent-child relationship and of misbehaviour and consequences. These are sensibly interwoven with practical chapters on being assertive, on communicating with teenagers, on helping teenagers make adult decisions and on letting go of teenagers, enriched by a wealth of examples and enlivened by the occasional wry cartoon. This book contains sound advice from an experienced professional, presented in an accessible, entertaining and, above all, optimistic style. I would not hesitate to recommend it to a concerned parent or to draw from it in my own work with parents (or indeed as a parent). -- Educational Psychology in PracticeThis hands-on guide to coping with teenage behaviour, is a friendly, useful book for concerned parents. It contains helpful examples of problems, and actual, concrete advice on what parents can do or say when they occur. Myers offers a supportive and sensible voice to parents, and suggests that patient use of the right strategies will bring positive results in the end. -- Young Minds MagazineA most enjoyable read. Thankfully, it is not aimed at your 2.3 kids nuclear family but it is also inclusive of separated families, single parents, residential workers, social workers etc. There is something for everyone in this book. This is a book I will use in my work with parents and carers alike. -- Irish Social WorkerAn easy to read, practical guide to parenting teenagers. It covers a number of areas including communication, the move from teenager to adulthood, "letting go of your teenager", explanations for teenager misbehaviour with practical suggestions on how to cope with it, and how the parent teenager relationship can be strengthened. The book discusses the physical, emotional and psychological changes experienced at adolescence, and how parental skills can be adapted to cope with these changes. -- Talk: Magazine of the National Deaf Children's SocietyIt was again reassuring to read that many of the more disturbing phases of the teens are not unusual, just maddening... I am sure that I will draw on the ideas I have read in my professional conversations with parents and young people. -- DECP NewsletterThis book has some good ideas which could form the basis of useful discussion between between parents about bringing up teenagers. -- Child Language Teaching and TherapyAn up-to-date reference book. -- Clinical Child Psychology and PsychiatryTable of Contents1. An Overview of Adolescence. 2. The Purposes Behind Misbehaviour. 3. Changing the Parent-Child Relationship. 4. Being Assertive with Teenagers. 5. Communicating with Teenagers. 6. The Adult Emerging from the Child. 7. Helping Teenagers Make Adult Decisions. 8. Consequences. 9. Letting Go of your Teenager.

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Book SynopsisChild Adoption is a straightforward, concise and comprehensive guide which adoptive parents and the professionals who advise them will find invaluable. R.A.C. Hoksbergen covers the practical and emotional issues and possible problems which affect child and parents in adoption, such as:* preparation of the family and the child* adopting from different races or cultures, and dealing with discrimination* helping the child adjust to school* discussing the adoptive status with the child.This handbook provides much-needed information so that everyone involved in the adoption process can make educated and fully thought-out decisions. It is invaluable reading for any professional involved in the process of adoption including adoption workers and lawyers, social workers and couples who are considering adoption.Trade ReviewHere is a truly international perspective, perceptive, gentle, humorous and ironic. The views and utterances of adoptive children and adults who were adopted in childhood, are particularly enlightening....a welcome addition to the learning material of adoption educators and trainers. -- Issues in Social Work EducationCovers a whole range of issues related to adoption. The book is indeed very useful for couples preparing for international adoption, especially when they are preparing for a home-study or when a home-study is already in progress. The book is well worth reading. The book contains a welath of information, is very concise and the list of references makes it easy to find more information on the subjects touched upon in the book. -- Adoption UKThis book will be of interest to all professionals dealing with adoption, as it outlines possible problems realistically and backs up its case with plenty of research. I would recommend it to all trans-racial adopters unreservedly. -- Child Care in PracticeThe book is informative, non-judgemental, and sensitive to the initial problems for both adopters and adoptees. Its contents are supported by research and from the writer's own experiences of over 20 years of work in this area... The advice given can be of help to those adopting in many situations. My experience, having read the book, is that it achieves what it set out to do. For anyone who feels they need information or guidelines to adoption this is a book that is worth reading, especially if you work in this field. -- Psychotherapy and CounsellingAn informative, comprehensive guide to the possible challenges of adoption. -- ParentwiseTable of ContentsPreface 1. What do adoptive parents have to take into consideration? 2. Why do people adopt a child? 3. Adoptive parents need intensive preparation 4. The arrival of the child changes the family 5. The adoptive child at school 6. Some years later 7. Psychic homelessness and adoption 8. Transracial adoption and discrimination 9. The adoptive status should be discussable for the parents as well as for the children Conclusion. Appendix: Adoption Centre Brochure

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Book SynopsisRaising Responsible Teenagers combines comprehensive discussion about child development with practical advice on parenting styles and discipline techniques. Each stage of child development is discussed, creating a picture of where the child 'is at' on entering adolescence. Adolescence is the final stage of childhood, the springboard to adult life and a time where values are being blended into a mixture that parents can still greatly influence.Bob Myers provides the tools for this, such as the use of rules made and agreed on by all the family and based on the simple philosophy of `a fair go and safety for everyone'. Being a realist, he also offers ways of handling difficult behaviour and shows how adults in the parenting role can focus control on their own parenting skills, rather than focusing just on the child. Each chapter contains useful examples and checklists for further thought, as well as a fund of useful advice.This book will provide an extremely useful guide for parents, teachers and all those who wish to interact with young people in a conflict-free atmosphere, and who wish to see them become considerate, achieving and responsible adults.Table of ContentsIntroduction. 1.Child Development in the early years. 2.Development during adolescence. 3.Styles of Discipline. 4.Moral Development. 5. Parenting style. 6.Externalising the rules. 7.Assertiveness. 8. Who is responsible for what? 9. Responding to irresponsible behaviour. 10.Changing children's behaviour. 11.Introducing teenagers to reality. 12.Punishment. 13.Managing difficult behaviour. 14.Consequences. 15.Parenting is a community responsibility. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe period of childhood which falls between the early years and adolescence is one which many parents perceive as crucial and anxiety-provoking, but is a comparatively neglected area of study. As a child reaches middle childhood, relationships within the family have to be adjusted to accommodate the child's growing independence and sexual development, and his or her attitudes to these changes. While children are less worried about this period of their lives than their parents, they too may suffer from insecurities and have needs that they feel are overlooked or minimised by adults.This book draws on interviews and group discussions with parents and children of primary-school age, conducted during two qualitative studies. It examines how children perceive their social environs; what they want from their parents; how aware they are of their rights. These are contrasted with their parents' views of the same subjects and different styles of parenting. Children's attitudes to risks such as bullying or taking drugs often diverge startlingly from those of their parents.In its combination of viewpoints, set against a background of related research, law, policy and practice, this book offers a rich and challenging study of an important period of the child's development.Trade ReviewMiddle Childhood helpfully increases situated knowledge of children's and parents' own views... A concluding message of the book is that adult guidance should take more account of children's wishes. -- Youth and PolicyThe authors have produced here a wealth of rich material relating to a little explored period of childhood. The book succeeds in its aim of appealing to a popular audience because it is easy to read and sufficiently anecdotal to retain the general reader's interest. Professionals will also find it useful to the extent that it explores children's major concerns over friendships and parental relationships... It is a useful addition to the literature on childhood studies. -- Child and Family Social WorkMiddle Childhood draws on interviews and group discussions with parents and children of primary school age conducted for two qualitative studies. It compares parents and children's perceptions of social and emotional issues... This book fills a gap in childhood studies and will appeal to academics and professionals. It is set in the context of the huge social, economic and technological changes of the last 50 years. -- Community CareThis is a fascinating and important new book for anyone caring for their own or other people's children and for all child care workers. It reveals a wealth of information, from two small-scale studies in Scotland, about how parents and children see themselves and each other as they go about their daily business of being a family. Although Middle Childhood does not aim to develop theory, there is a splendid chapter towards the end of the book, linking theories of childhood to the subjective accounts of "lay people". It is a pleasure to have such an accessible report of research findings for practitioners. -- Adoption & FosteringAlthough the presentation looks rather academic (dull!) the book is relatively easy to read. Most of the children in the study didn't want expensive possessions or free reign, they wanted respect and love of adults. Read the book, if only to remind yourself what it's like to be a child. -- Foster CareThe authors have produced here a wealth of rich material relating to a little explored period of childhood. The book succeeds in its aim of appealing to a popular audience because it is easy to read and sufficiently anecdotal to retain the general reader's interest. Professionals will also find it useful to the extent that it explores children's major concerns over friendships and parental relationships... A useful addition to the literature on childhood studies. -- Child and Family Social WorkTable of Contents1. Changing Perspectives on the Middle Years of Childhood. 2. Parenting and Family Life in the 1990s. 3. Behind Closed Doors. 4. Negotiation and Control. 5 Safety and Danger. 6 Health, Well-Being and Risk. 7. Money and Possessions. 8. Rights and Responsibilities. 9. Comfort and Support. 10. Conclusions: Supporting Children and Parents in a Changing World.

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Book SynopsisThe period of childhood which falls between the early years and adolescence is one which many parents perceive as crucial and anxiety-provoking, but is a comparatively neglected area of study. As a child reaches middle childhood, relationships within the family have to be adjusted to accommodate the child's growing independence and sexual development, and his or her attitudes to these changes. While children are less worried about this period of their lives than their parents, they too may suffer from insecurities and have needs that they feel are overlooked or minimised by adults.This book draws on interviews and group discussions with parents and children of primary-school age, conducted during two qualitative studies. It examines how children perceive their social environs; what they want from their parents; how aware they are of their rights. These are contrasted with their parents' views of the same subjects and different styles of parenting. Children's attitudes to risks such as bullying or taking drugs often diverge startlingly from those of their parents.In its combination of viewpoints, set against a background of related research, law, policy and practice, this book offers a rich and challenging study of an important period of the child's development.Trade ReviewMiddle Childhood helpfully increases situated knowledge of children's and parents' own views... A concluding message of the book is that adult guidance should take more account of children's wishes. -- Youth and PolicyThe authors have produced here a wealth of rich material relating to a little explored period of childhood. The book succeeds in its aim of appealing to a popular audience because it is easy to read and sufficiently anecdotal to retain the general reader's interest. Professionals will also find it useful to the extent that it explores children's major concerns over friendships and parental relationships... It is a useful addition to the literature on childhood studies. -- Child and Family Social WorkMiddle Childhood draws on interviews and group discussions with parents and children of primary school age conducted for two qualitative studies. It compares parents and children's perceptions of social and emotional issues... This book fills a gap in childhood studies and will appeal to academics and professionals. It is set in the context of the huge social, economic and technological changes of the last 50 years. -- Community CareThis is a fascinating and important new book for anyone caring for their own or other people's children and for all child care workers. It reveals a wealth of information, from two small-scale studies in Scotland, about how parents and children see themselves and each other as they go about their daily business of being a family. Although Middle Childhood does not aim to develop theory, there is a splendid chapter towards the end of the book, linking theories of childhood to the subjective accounts of "lay people". It is a pleasure to have such an accessible report of research findings for practitioners. -- Adoption & FosteringAlthough the presentation looks rather academic (dull!) the book is relatively easy to read. Most of the children in the study didn't want expensive possessions or free reign, they wanted respect and love of adults. Read the book, if only to remind yourself what it's like to be a child. -- Foster CareThe authors have produced here a wealth of rich material relating to a little explored period of childhood. The book succeeds in its aim of appealing to a popular audience because it is easy to read and sufficiently anecdotal to retain the general reader's interest. Professionals will also find it useful to the extent that it explores children's major concerns over friendships and parental relationships... A useful addition to the literature on childhood studies. -- Child and Family Social WorkTable of Contents1. Changing Perspectives on the Middle Years of Childhood. 2. Parenting and Family Life in the 1990s. 3. Behind Closed Doors. 4. Negotiation and Control. 5 Safety and Danger. 6 Health, Well-Being and Risk. 7. Money and Possessions. 8. Rights and Responsibilities. 9. Comfort and Support. 10. Conclusions: Supporting Children and Parents in a Changing World.

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Book SynopsisAn increasing number of families are becoming homeless, often as a result of domestic violence, which leaves women and their school age children without homes. This multidisciplinary volume is the first to look at the variety of problems encountered by this group and to propose strategies for managing those problems. The contributors to this book provide evidence that homeless children often have more acute problems and needs than other children; as a result of the insecurity of their situation, they may experience physical health problems and developmental delay. They are also at high risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as sleep disturbance, eating problems, aggression, over-activity, anxiety, depression and self-harm. At the same time, due to their unstable situation, they are less able to access support from the health, education and social services.Homeless Children defines the specific problems and needs of homeless children, and draws up practical guidelines for staff and agencies on recognising and dealing with those problems. It then looks at policy and service development for homeless families in education, health and social care, and concludes that conventional methods of provision have to be adapted to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable group.Trade ReviewThis is a well-organized book and a worthwhile read for those working in this area. The focus on children and families is important, as is the multidisciplinary approach. Examples of programs that are working in other countries would have made this book richer. The recommendations do not provide the reader with a clear model for successful service delivery or policy development. What does emerge is the realization that conventional methods of service providers must be more flexible if they are to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable and marginalized group. -- CASW BulletinTable of Contents1. Introduction, Stuart Cumella and Panos Vostanis, University of Birmingham. 2. Homeless Families, Stuart Cumella. 3. Health Problems and Homeless Children, Kath Hutchinson, Health Visitors Association. 4. Child Mental Health Problems, Panos Vostanis. 5. Parenting Issues in Homeless Families, Jacqueline Barnes, Tavistock Clinic and Royal Free Medical School. 6. Homeless Children and Domestic Violence, Gill Hague and Ellen Malos, University of Bristol. 7. Homeless Adolescents, Robert Wrate and Caroline Blair, Young People's Unit, Edinburgh. 8. Effects of Changes in Housing Legislation, Pat Niner, Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham. 9. The Impact of Health and Social Services, Stuart Cumella. 10. Homeless Children: Public Health Perspectives, Christine R. Victor, Public Health Research Unit, Brighton. 11. Doubly Disadvantaged: Education and the Homeless Child, Sally Power, University of Bristol, Geoff Whitty and Deborah Youdell, Institute of Education, University of London. 12. Access to Voluntary Sector Agencies, Leila Baker, Shelter. 13. Family Homelessness in the USA, John C. Buckner and Ellen L. Bassuk. 14. Responding to Family Homelessness, Stuart Cumella and Panos Vostanis.

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Book SynopsisEffective Ways of Working with Children and their Families examines the latest evidence about the most successful forms of intervention when working with children and their families. The book covers a wide range of approaches and services, with particular emphasis on those methods seeking to help children with identified problems. Certain approaches focus on individual children, others on their families, whilst some aim to influence children's lives at school, neighbourhood and community levels. After discussing the principles, designs and debates associated with ideas of effectiveness and evidence, the book evaluates current practice in child and family work, including:early years provisionfamily mediationchild and adolescent psychiatrytreatment for children who have been sexually abusedwork with foster children and their families.Each chapter outlines the nature of and principle behind each form of intervention under consideration, then reviews the evidence for their success. The contributors, who come from a range of backgrounds including psychology, social work, psychiatry, education and family mediation, conclude by drawing out common themes and implications about what works for practitioners working with children and their families.Trade ReviewThis is not a dry academic research methodology textbook... With the range of interactions between the individual and the environment that are described in this ambitious book, it is remarkable that strong themes emerge successfully about ways of working with children and families... This book is a timely review, complementing current governmental guidelines on family assessment (DOH, 2000), and is essential reading for those who wish to inform their judgement, policy and practice. -- Child Abuse ReviewEffective ways…sets out to inform and hopefully encourage those concerned with the well-being of children, young people and their families. It is a book, like many of Malcolm Hill's editions and publications, that does well to stimulate thought and educate both in breadth and depth of material. -- International Journal of Children's SpiritualityThis is an impressive book, bringing together many different findings and data. I recommend it for all professionals working with children, families and hte larger system.' -- Psychiatric BulletinThis book, aimed primarily at those in social and community work, examines the latest evidence about the "most successful forms of intervention when working with children and their families". It covers areas such as; Social Learning, Family Therapy, Educational Services for Children with Emotional or Learning Disabilities and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services. Very detailed and full of in-depth studies, it also includes up-to-date research on this crucial subject. The backgrounds of the contributors include psychology, social work, psychiatry, education and family mediation. -- YouthworkThe reviewer found this book to be valuable, particularly for students and practitioners who want concise overviews of some of the major areas of intervention in children's lives. While many of the contributiors could not go into enormous depth, nonetheless the various chapters do signpost very important issues and reference major studies which should guide best practice... If readers take the time to look at less familiar areas they will not be disappointed. If this occurs the volume can truly be said to have been effective in deepening the reader's knowledge of and respect for other practitioners and their clients. -- International Social WorkTable of Contents1. Effective Professional Intervention in Children's Lives, Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow. 2. Working with Families in the Early Years, Helen Roberts, Barnados and Geraldine Macdonald, University of Bristol. 3. Working with Social Networks, Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College, Dublin. 4. Community Work with Children, Paul Henderson, Community Development Foundation. 5. Social Learning and Behavioural Approaches to Work with Children and Families, David Gough, London University. 6. Family Mediation Involving Children, Margaret Robinson, Family Mediator, Winchester. 7. Family Therapy, Arlene Vetere, University of Reading. 8. Educational Services for Children with Emotional or Behavioural Difficulties, Gwynnedd Lloyd and Pamela Munn, Institute of Education, Edinburgh. 9. Youth Work: Young People and Transitions to Adulthood, Simon Bradford, Brunel University. 10. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services, Joanne Barton, University of Glasgow. 11. Treatment Issues in Child Sexual Abuse, Kathleen Murray, University of Glasgow. 12. Work with Fostered Children and their Families, David Berridge, University of Luton. 13. Work with Children in Residential Care and their Families, Roger Bullock, Dartington Social Research Unit. 14. Towards Effective Ways of Working with Children and their Families, Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow. Index.

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Book SynopsisDeveloping the basic principles of her model of playtherapy, Sue Jennings has written a stimulating book that will provide inspiration for those new to the discipline, whilst providing a fresh and exciting approach for established practitioners. In Introduction to Developmental Playtherapy, Jennings argues that creative play is essential for children's health. Drawing on examples from her own professional experience, she discusses how play can help resolve issues by allowing possible solutions to be explored safely, thus encouraging flexibility of response. She explores the cultural background and theory of using play as a therapeutic tool with children and how play can communicate to the therapist what the child needs to tell. Innovative and accessible, her book breaks fertile new ground for playtherapy.Trade ReviewThis delightful book gives an informative and comprehensive introduction to developmental play therapy and the importance of play for children's health and healing. Easy to read and very accessible for all levels of experience, this book is packed full of practical ideas and clinical examples - a pleasure to read. -- Mental Health Occupational TherapySue Jennings has done it again! This coherent introduction to the world of Playtherapy will absorb and fascinate with tales of dinosaurs and tractors. Anyone interested in Playtherapy will find this book invaluable: it demystifies, provides a structure for Playtherapy provision and guidance to reassess current practice. It is illustrated with personal and professional examples. Well researched and referenced, the book dives into fundamentals of Playtherapy and continues to develop the "Playtherapy Method" focusing on detailed observation of children at play. Conflicting theories are discussed as to whether orientation and interpretation are appropriate approaches to Play. Sue Jennings tries to demonstrate an empathetic response to play from the child's perspective. What will be particularly useful to both existing and novice Dramatherapists is the way the author has structured the book to describe the Playtherapy method by breaking down its structure into understandable bite sized pieces that provide a foundation linking theory to practice. The "Embodiment-Projection-Role" methodology encapsulates the concepts of understanding everyday and dramatic reality which develops as the child matures. Moving from physical and sensory awareness i.e. Embodiment to increased interaction with the outside world Projection, when the child is able to engage in playing make believe and taking on roles the final stage of Role is developed. There is also some final discussion on the value of observed play, and the responsibility of parents and carers to lose their own inhibitions and allow themselves to play freely. Acknowledgement of this skill is not new, but adults often need reminding of the value of play. It can take practice! -- DramatherapyThis book is aimed at anyone with an interest in the symbolic and problem-solving value of children's play and as such it offers a comprehensive guide to playtherapy as well as suggestions for further reading. But it is more than that. Jennings is a practitioner, teacher and author. She focuses on the child and the therapist rather than trying to impress the reader with jargon. Her potted guides to different models of child development and methodologies (including her own) are particularly useful and she is not afraid to highlight the strengths and weaknesses she sees in each. What comes through repeatedly is that there can be no rigid recipes for interpretation. She suggests that we need to view children through a wide-angled lens, seeing what they are doing rather than imposing our thoughts on them. This makes her an ideal introduction for playworkers seeking an introduction to playrtherapy. -- Let's PlayTable of ContentsForeword, Mooli Lahad. Introduction. 1. Towards a new philosophy of play. 2. Some developmental theories. 3. The playtherapy method. 4. Dramatic play as a basis for living. 5. Practical playtherapy: Embodiment. 6. Practical playtherapy: Projection. 7. The playtherapy method: Role and dramatic play. 8. Playtherapy applications. 9. Playtherapy in practice. Appendix 1: Playtherapy resources. Appendix 2: Developmental checklist. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisExamining the assessment of need in children's services this book addresses the full spectrum of practice, policy and research developments in the field. The contributors include leading academics, policy makers and senior practitioners who generate a broad-based holistic approach to the assessment of children in need. They show how needs assessment in children's services can be used to tackle problems such as low achievement, mental ill-health and social exclusion at both individual and strategic levels.Approaches to the Assessment of Need in Children's Services will enable service managers and practitioners to respond effectively to the increasing pressure to monitor outcomes and effectiveness in child care work, and to improve and coordinate children's welfare service provision at individual and community levels and provides an indispensable overview and analysis for anyone working or studying in child welfare and social care.Trade ReviewIn such a compendium it is inevitable that different readers will find some chapters more relevant than others, but practitioners and managers should be encouraged to read beyond their specific interests as each chapter throws up thought-provoking and challenging ideas with material enough to provide a perspective from which to view the sufficiency of their own, and of their agency's practice... This book should also find a ready audience in the PQ in Child Care programmes and in the teaching of the new BA in Social Work as not the least of its merits are the clarity of the writing, the helpful chapter summaries and the comprehensive nature of its references. -- Journal of Social WorkWith its extensive and detailed frame of reference, this book is a timely addition to the demystification of the language and meaning of needs assessment in children services. I found the first section extremely simple and reader-friendly, but detailed enough to facilitate a grasp of its practical application and relevance to training and practice for social care professionals. The legal and historical background, along with the use of a number of frameworks across a variety of local authorities, is extremely helpful to those agencies, authorities and individuals who would like something to build on in relation to children's services planning. -- Child Abuse ReviewAs a lecturer in Social Work, this is certainly a volume which I would encourage students and practitioners to read. -- Children & SocietyThis book is ambitious in its aspirations but succeeds in providing opportunities for those in the field of child welfare to consider carefully their practice, policies, procedures and future plans. This is an edited book with contributions from a wide range of practitioners and academics in the fields of child care and health... Approaches to Needs Assessment in Children's Services is an important contribution towards the development of integrated Children's Services, which envisage systems being in place in order to identify children in need, provide appropriate services and monitor outcomes. Practitioners will benefit from a broader view of the issues and this publication may well encourage them to become involved in policy developments. This is certainly a book worth recommending. -- Child and Family Social WorkA Lot of material in this book could be used to guide individual practice. This book has something for those who require deeper understanding of the assessment process in order to provide more effective services for children in need at community or individual levels'. -- Community PractitionerThe book is divided logically into two parts. The first looks at the population of children and both identification and analysis of their needs as the basis for service planning in the community. -- Community CareThis book addresses the full spectrum of practice, policy and research developments in the field of needs assessment in children's services. Contributors from various fields show how needs assessment can be used to tackle problems such as low achievement, mental ill-health and social exclusion... This book provides an essential overview for those working or studying in the field of child welfare and social care. -- ChildRightTable of ContentsForeword. 1. Introduction, Harriet Ward, Loughborough University. Part 1: Assessing the Needs of Populations of Children 2. Towards Social Inclusion. Can Childhood Disadvantages be overcome?, Robert Page, University of Birmingham. 3. A Framework for Conceptualizing Need and its Application to Planning and Providing Services, Pauline Hardiker, University of Leicester. 4. Needs-led or Needs Must? The Use of Needs-Based Information in Planning Children's Services, Mike Pinnock, North Lincolnshire Social Services and Louise Garnett, The Community Care Needs Assessment Project, South Humber Health Authority. 5. Matching Needs and Services. Emerging Themes from its Application in Different Social Care Settings, Jo Tunnard, Dartington Social Research Unit. 6. Developing a Taxonomy for Children in Need, Ruth Sinclair, National Children's Bureau and Michael Little, Dartington Social Research Unit. 7. Evolution not Revolution: Family Support Services and the Children Act 1989, Jane Aldgate, The Open University. Part 2: Assessing the Needs of Individual Children 8. National Policy on Assessing Children in Need and their Families, Jenny Gray, Department of Health. 9. Underpinning Theories for the Assessment of Children's Needs, Janet Seden, The Open University. 10. An Inter-Agency Approach to Needs Assessment, Harriet Ward, Loughborough University and Mark Peal, The Open University. 11. Addressing Family Needs when a Parent is Mentally Ill, Adrian Falkov, Luton Family Consultation Clinic. 12. Assessing Children's Needs and Parents' Responses, Hedy Cleaver, Royal Holloway College, University of London. 13. Assessing Emotional and Behavioural Development in Children Looked After Away from Home David Quinton, University of Bristol and Clare Murray, City University. 14. Two Steps Forward and One Step Back: Issues for Policy and Practice, Wendy Rose, The Open University. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisFathers are often marginalised or ignored in child protection practice. This reflects an uncertainty within society as a whole about the role of fathers in their children's lives. Engaging with Fathers is a guide for social workers and health visitors on how to broaden their practice to include fathers and stepfathers, whether or not their behaviour is abusive or problematic. The authors' approach is based on theoretical analysis and explores attachment theory, feminism, anti-discriminatory practice and nursing ideology as they have influenced social work. From this they provide suggestions on how to assess the potential risks and the potential assets fathers may offer, and positive examples of what can be done in child care and health visiting, drawn from real practice. They set out a theoretical framework that takes account of the reality of the situations practitioners face, draw up a model for intervention, and demonstrate the implications for practice.Engaging with Fathers is written for the busy professional and avoids jargon. Each chapter contains summaries of the main points, examples of research, exercises, key issues to consider and suggestions for further reading. While developing practice with fathers, it remains firmly focused on what is best for children.Trade ReviewThere can be no doubt that this book has met its aim. It is an informative and highly readable book, which is full of useful ideas and practical suggestions for social work and health care professionals to draw on in their work with families. The authors bring to the book their shared experiences of nursing and social work practice. Unusually, they also introduce practice examples, this makes for a rich text, combining the depth of a single-authored text with the wider coverage of an edited collection. -- European Journal of Social WorkThe particular value of this book to readers lies in the discussion of child protection and the needs of fathers within a political and social context. I recommend it to all those concerned with increasing their awareness of issues relating to child protection, social issues and good, family-centred care. -- Community PractitionerTable of Contents1. Contemporary Context. 2. Fathering Roles 3. Attachment. 4. Anti-discrimination. 5. Caring for Fathers. 6. Fathers as Risks. 7. Fathers as Assests. 8. Framework for Practice. Appendices. References. Index.

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Book Synopsis`This excellent book looks at the attachment and development of very young children in the fostering and adoption situation. It deals sensitively and practically with the young child's "hurts" to help adopters and foster carers understand and cope with the many traumas they may experience in integrating a young child into their family. Caroline Archer is a real adoptive parent speaking from experience so this book provides good, practical advice and encouragement for the mothering figure when things are not following the normal attachment and development patterns… This highly readable book is highly recommended for everyone fostering or adopting very young children.'- Adoption and Fostering`Written by an adoptive parent [this book aims] to give practical advice and parenting tips to other adoptive and long-term foster parents. The author's basic premise is that all children who have been adopted or placed in long-term care have undergone some form of psychological hurt. She argues that while some children will be more resilient to this hurt than others, many children will need their hurt to be acknowledged by their parents/carers, and be allowed to grieve for their losses in order to move forward to a life of greater well-being and fulfilment. [The book begins] by exploring such issues as bringing a child home, child development and what to do when things "don't seem quite right". Other issues covered are the effects of trauma on a child, and how to handle specific difficulties that may arise with an adopted child. [It is] written in a clear easy-to-read format, and contain[s] a list of references for further reading.'- Family MattersTrade Review[Reviewed with Next Steps] `Combining thorough and pertinent research with practical wisdom drawn from years of personal experience, these books manage the rare accomplishment of being both informed and passionate. They provide a clear, accessible account of contemporary research and theory on the effects of trauma in infancy and childhood, along with a wealth of tested ideas, approaches and techniques for living and working effectively with children who have suffered such trauma… Both volumes should be of immense value to adopters, foster carers, social workers with looked after children, family placement workers and anyone who seeks to improve their understanding of child development and childhood trauma.' -- Adoption and Fostering`So little adoption research seems rooted in the real world. Now Caroline Archer, an adoptive parent herself, has written two working sourcebooks that seek to provide practical solutions to very practical problems. First Steps looks at adoption of what are described as "tiddlers and toddlers", dealing with everything from building a relationship to dealing with, say, the challenges of insecure attachment. For parents who adopt babies this book will be helpful. It uses popular psychology to make sense of child development theory and intersperses this with practical exercises. These look at life story work, contact with birth families, eating patterns, sleep and the over-riding importance of play. Archer is good here at alerting adoptive parents to those triggers which might re-awaken memories of earlier abuse or neglect… Next Steps deals with "tykes and teens". It looks at a similar range of potential hazards, such as addictive behaviour, sexual acting out and drug and alcohol use, all now, arguably, the birth-right of any parent. Of particular use here is a section called "Principles into Practice" where a range of scenarios is proposed with possible outcomes. These could also serve as training material. Both books are grounded in hard won experience.' -- Community Care`Primarily aimed at adoptive parents, but of considerable use to foster carers of young children, this publication approaches attachment and developmental issues arising when even the smallest child is in your care. Extremely well researched, it offers practical, sensitive guidance through the dark areas of separation, loss and trauma in early childhood. It reassures that no problem faced as a result of your child's early experiences is insignificant or undeserving of a solution. Neither is the reader patronised by assumptions that some matters should already be common knowledge. Archer sets out purposefully to encourage confidence and thereby to enable enjoyment of the young life in your care, confessing this to be the book she herself would have welcomed 20 years ago.' -- Foster Care`This book is written by a parent who has direct experience of the difficulties that very young children can present to their new parents. The seven chapters are eminently readable and offer very useful methods of helping to understand and work to alleviate the hurt felt by very young children who have been or are in the process of being transferred to new permanent situations, whether by adoption or fostering. The chapters are not loaded with references for the reader to wade through, although the information is provided at the back of the book, along with a no-nonsense, very understandable glossary of the jargon (which has been kept to a minimum anyway). The style of the writer made me feel able to grasp immediately what she was trying to explain, with the illustrations involving the family of hedgehogs bringing the sensitivity of the content alive for me. The sense of intimacy in the book made me want to read more. It offers new parents and professionals everywhere a practical guide in a delightful, sensitive, and above all, informative way. I thoroughly recommend it and will go out and buy the next companion book "Tykes and Teens".' -- Professional Social Work`A "must have" book for both adoptive parents and for those professionals who help adoptive families forge new family ties…the author, herself an adoptive parent, addresses a wide variety of very complex topics with a marked sensitivity to the varying needs of children who may have had a wide range of early life experiences. Although in general the text is easy to read and understand, there is a glossary for those who might be unfamiliar with some of the terminology. References are made to well established issues as well as to some of the newer research on the impact of early abuse and neglect on brain development. I particularly appreciated the special focus on identifying abnormal arousal patterns and helping the child with these. Parents and professionals alike will value the specific ideas provided for coping with problem behaviours and for building closer family ties.' -- from the Foreword by Dr Vera FahlbergTable of ContentsForeword by Dr Vera Fahlberg, MD. 1. Coming Home. 2. New Beginnings. 3. When Things don't Seem Quite Right. 4. The Effects of Trauma on Attachment and Development. 5. Getting Back on Track. 6. Special Difficulties with your Family. 7. The Spiritual Dimension. Closing Thoughts. Glossary. References and Recommended Reading.

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Book SynopsisChild Welfare Policy and Practice - Issues and Lessons Emerging from Current Research explores the implications of recent research for all those concerned with child welfare and social work. It addresses the present concerns as expressed by Government bodies and central Government enquiries regarding the services and policies relating to children in need of care and attention.The book deals with social care issues that are common within the UK as well as covering specific aspects of Scottish and Irish child welfare. The current areas of concern covered by the contributors include:the development of children's service plansoperationalisation of recent child care legislationmanagement of the transition of young people with disabilities from childhood to adulthooduse of live video links with child witnesses.The book also discusses the results of a long term, follow-up study of twenty years duration of failure-to-thrive children.In conclusion the book puts forward recommendations for influencing future policy and practice in child care. It is essential reading for social work students, social work policy-makers, day care and social workers, teachers, doctors, lawyers and psychologists.Trade ReviewThis is a timely moment for the publication of such a volume; not only has significant political change taken place across the UK, but many of the research studies being reported have taken place subsequent to the implementation of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995... The value of a comparative perspective is perhaps particularly evident in the chapters describing recent initiatives in policy and practice, including the implementation of children's services plans and looked after children assessment and action records. -- Community CareA central aim of the book is to demonstrate the importance of research evidence in informing practice and policy in respect of children in need. To a very large degree it achieves this aim. Overall this book should be helpful to busy professionals as it provides useful summaries of research. -- YoungMinds MagazineTable of Contents1. Issues Emerging from Child Care Research: Post-implementation of the Children Act (1989) Dorota Iwaniec, Queens University of Belfast and Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow. 2. The Legal and Policy Context for Children's Services in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Angus Skinner, Social Work Services Inspectorate, Scotland and Kevin McCoy, Social Services Inspectorate, Belfast. 3. Communication, Co-operation or Collaboration? The Involvement of Voluntary Organisations in the First Scottish Children's Services Plans, Kay Tisdall, University of Edinburgh, Bernadette Monaghan, SACRO, Edinburgh and Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow. 4. Operationalising the Definition of Children in Need from UK Child Care Legislation, Patrick McCrystal, The Queen's University of Belfast. 5. Needs-based Planning for Family and Child Care Services in Northern Ireland: Problems and Possibilities, Andrew Percy, The Queen's University of Belfast. 6. Understanding and Developing Family Support in Northern Ireland: The Challenge to Policy, Practice and Research, Kathryn Higgins, The Queen's University of Belfast. 7. Making Progress? The Transition to Adulthood for Disabled Young People in Northern Ireland, Marina Monteith, The Queen's University of Belfast. 8. The Looking After Children Records System: An Evaluation of the Scottish Pilot, Suzanne Wheelaghan and Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow. 9. Educating Accommodated Children, Moira Borland, University of Glasgow. 10. Confusion and Perceptions: Social Work Conceptions Regarding Black Children in Scotland, Satnam Singh, Vijay Patel and Patricia Falconer, Barnardo's Scotland. 11. From Childhood to Adulthood: The Outcomes of a Twenty-Year Follow-up of Children who Failed to Thrive, Dorota Iwaniec, The Queen's University of Belfast. 12. Visual Signal in Child-Child and Adult-Child Communication: Implications for the Use of the Live Link with Child Witnesses, Gywneth Doherty-Sneddon, University of Stirling, Sandra McAuley and Ozlem Carrera. 13. Law, Policy, Practice and Research in Child and Family Social Work, Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow and Dorota Iwaniec, The Queen's University of Belfast. The Contributors. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisColleagues interested in the process of play therapy...will find much to enjoy and stimulate their thinking in this book. It is easy to read without being simplistic, and offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and delights of working with troubled children.'- Clinical Child Psychology and PsychiatryThe seven case studies in this book provide a detailed and absorbing account of play therapy undertaken with children and an adolescent, all of whom experienced emotional problems and/or varying forms of abuse. Through the narrative form of the individual case studies, details of the children's therapeutic progress are given, which are then used to inform discussion of wider practical and theoretical issues. These issues include communicating with young children, working with silent children, restoring a child's normal developmental trajectory within play therapy, and the roles of race, gender and power in play therapy.Balancing practice and theory, Case Studies in Non-directive Play Therapy will be of interest to experienced practitioners and students alike.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction: Non-directive Play Therapy with Emotionally Damaged Children. 1. Susan: Beginning Play Therapy. 2. Patrick: From Concrete to Symbolic Play. 3. Diane: Repairing and Creating Identity. 4. Anna: A Silent Communication. 5. A Child without Support. 6. Patricia: Reworking Abusive Experiences in Adolescence. 7. Ben: A Therapeutic Assessment for the Court. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisBased on new, original research, this book highlights the significance of school exclusion as a pivotal process that has long-term negative effects not just on the individuals themselves but also for society as a whole. Drawing on individual accounts, the author demonstrates how aspects of the care system contribute to looked-after children being out of school. Her book explores the reasons for the difficulties they experience, and argues that they need to be differently conceptualised.By drawing on both the personal accounts of the young people and on evidence gained by interviewing teachers and care professionals, she argues in nine concise chapters that exclusion is a social `process'. She stresses the importance of the young people's relationships with care givers and identifies a problematic gap between the care and education systems which contributes to their ongoing cycle of social exclusion.This clear and thought-provoking book will prove invaluable to those professionals and students involved in the education of children in care and for policymakers, academics and practitioners working in residential care.Trade ReviewThis book offers an interesting and, from a policy perspective, a helpful addition to the growing literatures on exclusion and more generally on the education of children in care. -- Social Work EducationFor those professionals who are involved either in developing policy in this area or working on the front line with young people in care, this book is essential reading in order to break through some of the misconceptions held by professionals and offer solutions to this complex problem... She offers a very good analysis of the subject... This book is essential reading to break through some of the misconceptions held by professionals and offer solutions to this complex problem. -- Child Abuse ReviewFor anyone interested in the education of childen "looked after" in residential care by local authorities, this is a book worth reading. It will also appeal to those who have an interestin the whole area of exclusion and, more broadly, children experiencing difficulties in school... Issues covered by Brodie are of clear relevance to all professionals working with young people in residential care. -- Young MindsExclusion from school is not a one-off event, but part of a longer process of negative experiences. Isabelle Brodie considers the issues with particular reference to looked-after children. -- Church TimesChildren in public care are 10 times more vulnerable to exclusion than those living with thier families... This timely book offers a sociological and historical analysis of the problem, providing a frame for a detailed qualitative study of 17 boys in residential care who were excluded. All had suffered stressful experiences, including severe abuse, in their family lives and their fragmented care careers had led to many changes of school. The familiar themes of disrupted learning, ill-perepared placements and poor communication recur in their histories.Isabelle Brodie shows that exclusion is seldom and event but more often a complex process by which a consensus develops among a groups of professionals and carers that the child cannot be contained in mainstream school. well-meaning actions, such as withdrawing children from the classroom when they show signs of stress, maycontribute to the inevitable... This excellent book will be of interest to anyone who is concerned to improve educational opportunities for young people in care and is essential reading for designated teachers and educational psychologists. It offers a valuable insight into the systemic nature of a problem that is too often attributed to the emotional and behavioural difficulties of individual children. -- Community CareTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Explaining exclusion. 3. The research design. 4. The young people. 5. The inter-agency context. 6. Interactions between professionals and young people. 7. Exclusion: An alternative definition. 8. Exclusion: The social work response. 9. Conclusion. Notes. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisMore than 125,000 children in the UK alone are 'sentenced' to separation from their imprisoned parents, mainly fathers. Gwyneth Boswell and Peter Wedge draw on extensive research and experience to examine the effect this kind of separation can have on the emotional development of a child and on family relationships.They make suggestions for work with prisoners and families in the light of current policy and practice and consider how best to support:* children coming to terms with conflicting emotions arising from fathers' imprisonment* fathers who may be teenagers themselves* mothers or carers coping with absent partners* prison staff trying to incorporate the family as a factor in rehabilitation.Examining the rights and needs of imprisoned fathers and their children and using case examples to demonstrate effective ways of maintaining contact and communication, this is an indispensable resource for all those working with the families of fathers in prison.Trade ReviewThis is a very good book. The balance between punishing of lawbreakers and maintaining family ties is a delicate one. Clearly on the evidence presented here there needs to be a perceptible shift in the favour of the child. The work reported here is important not least because it highlights areas of neglect and ignorance that should receive attention if we are serious about rehabilitation following punishment and of well supported families as a resource in that progress. -- Child and Family Social WorkImprisoned Fathers and their Children gives a very "real" insight in to the struggles that an imprisoned father goes through... Those studying in the field of child care, family studies, parenting, human development, and social work would find this book an excellent reference for understanding what needs to be done to reduce the harmful effects of imprisonment on men and their wives and children. -- Children & SocietyThis book is well presented, has clear headings and sub headings, uses statistics to illustrate key facts and findings effectively and is written in an easy style... I recommend this book to students, teachers and trainers as an interesting and informative study. -- Social Work ReviewThe subject of this book is both intriguing and important, especially at this time of transition, when the roles of fathers and children in this country are changing. -- Quakers in Criminal Justice NewsletterThe book is well written, easy to read and well referenced'. -- Primary Health Care Research and DevelopmentThe book begins by offering a thorough review of the moral, legal and societal issues to parent/child relationships, followed by the examination of the importance of attachment in child development. A review of the research identifying the negative effects of parental separation on children is also helpfully provided. This section offers the reader plenty of food for thought and a theoretical basis from which to view the findings presented in the remainder of the text… The authors have produced a highly-readable book that presents its subject matter in a jargon-free style… The text also includes a series of quotes from prisoners, partners and children that serves to consolidate some of the main issues raised. I would therefore recommend this text as a good background reference that gives great insight into the views of the fathers and their children. -- The British Journal of Forensic PracticeThis excellent book examines the effect on men and their children the imprisonment and the necessity of maintaining the best possible communications between them if the relationship is to survive in a meaningful way. -- Magistrate MagazineThe strength of this book lies in the descriptive material with a valuable usage of quotes from all research subjects -the imprisioned fathers, the partners, and perhaps most importantly, the children themselves. The style of the book ensures the reader comes away with a real sense of the impact of a father's imprisionment. In this way, the authors give a voice to those who are not often heard. The format is easy to read, with international examples of good practice in the field and a wide range of useful references to further an understanding of the subject matter. -- Young Minds MagazineThe mulitiple problems faced by children whose fathers are in prison are explored throughout the book. Over 200 prisoners were interviewed and the book covers their perceptions of the effects on their children, the provision of father-child contact, how this is experienced by all the people involved, the kind of support systems needed, and concludes with some strategies for the future. -- RostrumTable of Contents1. Setting the Scene. 2. Characteristics and Perceptions of Prisoner Fathers. 3. The Effects of Father Imprisonment upon Children. 4. Provision for Father/Child Contact. 5. Families' Experiences Father/Child Contact. 6. Formal and Informal Support Systems. 7. Strategies for Change. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Difference brings together wide-ranging evidence to gain a better understanding of ethnicity for young people. Many aspects of Britain's young multicultural population's lives are examined: who they are, the meaning of their own ethnicity, their home circumstances, health, education and welfare, and their experiences of racist behaviour.This book will be of interest to professionals, researchers, service providers and policy-makers and anyone else working with young people.

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Book SynopsisA DfES funded study based on a complete sample of 130 children for whom an adoption in best interests decision was made within one UK authority during a defined period.

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Book SynopsisWhat Works in Strategic Partnerships for Children? considers how to build strong and effective partnerships for children. It examines the policy context in relation to work with children and young people, looks at the history of partnership working and reviews the theories underpinning the different models of partnership working. The author evaluates the literature relating to partnership working and explores how we can get beyond local political schisms and historical conflicts to provide the best services for children. The book will provide practical guidance for policy makers, service planners, managers and practitioners on how to plan, fund and deliver services in partnership for children and young people.

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Book SynopsisA single parent adopter describes in an inspiring and accessible way the realities of life on your own with an adopted child.

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