Child welfare and youth services Books

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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Book SynopsisAn easy to read, accessible quick refernce guide to all family placements that pulls together and distils practcie wisdom.

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Book SynopsisThis practical guide demystifies health and safety in early years settings with a step-by-step guide to the law, compliance and practical application. Bringing together health and safety legislation and the welfare requirements within the revised Early Years Foundation Stage 2012, it successfully integrates health and safety within the EYFS. Including information taught on a variety of courses accredited by CACHE and BTEC, references to EYFS and Health and Safety legislation, specific guidance for childminders and audit tools for evaluation, it can be referred to as needs arise or used as an aid to inspection. This book is for all staff working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or environmental health. It will be useful for auditing, improving standards and preparing for inspection and it offers a clear outline of responsibilities within the legislative framework. It could also be used for in-house training or workshops.

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Book SynopsisPutting Analysis into Child and Family Assessment bridges theory and practice, and provides clear guidance to improve assessments in child and family social work. It addresses the issues of central concern to child and family social workers, including analytical assessment, outlines how to avoid common pitfalls, provides strong theoretical foundations, and demonstrates how the theory can be translated into practice. With reference to common and specialist assessments, the book covers every stage of the assessment process: planning and preparation, hypothesising, involving children, and making, recording and reviewing decisions. It features practice tools, case studies and practice development sessions and activities. This third edition has been fully updated with recent policy changes and new research findings. This book will be valued by practitioners, managers, trainers and lecturers looking for a grounded resource which provides practical guidance on how to improve assessments.Trade ReviewPraise for second edition: As social workers are striving to push back the excessive levels of bureaucratisation and increase the space for professional practice, this excellent book offers easily understood ways to improve critical reasoning skills and will be useful for individuals, teams, and agencies. -- Professor Eileen Munro, Social Policy Department, London School of EconomicsThe third edition of this excellent resource is most welcome. Putting Analysis Into Child and Family Assessment takes a clear and practical approach to a crucial yet complex area of practice. Practitioners and trainers alike will find this a really valuable support to best practice. -- Duncan Helm, Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Social Science, University of StirlingIt provides an excellent review of a wide range of evidence and theorizing and touches on many key theoretical issues, but it combines this with practical implications and tasks to support students or experienced workers to develop their skills and knowledge. In doing so it provides a great introduction to assessment - while indicating where readers can go if they wish to explore issues in greater depth or find more evidence in relation to a particular issue. -- Donald Forrester, Professor of Child and Family Social Work and Director of the CASCADE Centre for Children’s Social Care, Cardiff UniversityPutting Analysis Into Child and Family Assessment (3rd ed) by Ruth Dalzell and Emma Sawyer, continues to be the kind of book that I use on a regular basis. It is written and presented in a way that provides a great example of how to analyse in practice. Set within a contemporary social work policy and practice context, it identifies and examines the key elements of analytical assessments separately and in relation to each other. It offers accessible theory, research and evidence, models, tools and exercises that allow practitioners, students, tutors, practice educators and trainers to reflect upon their practice and continue to develop and build upon their knowledge base. An excellent resource. -- Ruth Neville, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, University of HuddersfieldThis book is undoubtedly a brilliant starting point...overall, this book is a very useful addition to the social-work literature and in particular to those writing assessments within the court environment. -- Mark Sloman * Seen and Heard, Volume 26, Issue 2 *Table of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. The Assessment Process in Context. 2. Preparing For and Planning Assessments. 3. Conducting the Assessment. 4. Making, Recording and Reviewing Decisions. 5. Team Development Activities. 6. Challenges and Opportunities For Analytical Practice. References. Resources and Useful Information.

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Book SynopsisParental drug use can cause serious harm to children. Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs supports practitioners in their work with families where parental drug use leads to concerns about children's welfare. The training resource contains: · summaries of the key messages for practitioners · tools and tips to support effective practice · training and development activities · practice examples from around the UK.This second edition has an increased focus on alcohol misuse and reflects recent changes to both policy and practice. The book will be useful for all individuals and agencies involved with families where parents are struggling with substance abuse, including children's social workers, substance misuse workers, primary care and school staff, criminal justice agencies, obstetric and paediatric teams, substitute carers and a range of voluntary and community services.Trade ReviewSince its initial publication in 2007, this book has always been one of my favourite texts for training and practice purposes and this welcome newly-updated edition builds on all its strengths. Key debates are placed within a robust research and policy context and a good mix of models, tools and approaches are provided, underpinned by a solid theoretical foundation. Critical areas of engagement, risk assessment, intervention and multi-agency working are addressed, with a strong emphasis on proactive rather than reactive intervention and hearing the family's story. Crucially, the voices of children and young people who live with parental drug misuse are heard loud and clear, as well as those of carers and professionals. Training exercises, briefings, practice examples, case studies and links to other resources combine to produce a valuable resource for health and social care practitioners and trainers. Accessible and easy to read, this is an invaluable resource for anyone working in the complex area of parental substance misuse and child welfare. -- Dr. Brynna Kroll, Independent Trainer & Consultant, Senior Assessing Social Worker, Somerset Family Assessment and Support Team and co-author of ‘Parental Substance Misuse & Child Welfare’Research tells us that helping professionals who are not specialist drug and alcohol workers, like social workers, regularly engage with children and families affected by problematic alcohol and drug use. Research also tells us that these practitioners often feel poorly equipped to deal with such complex issues, often with limited specialist knowledge and training. That is why the second edition of Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs is such a welcome resource, especially as it considers both alcohol and drug use. Based on a research informed model for meeting the needs of children affected by parental substance misuse, the toolkit gives practice tips, models for assessment, tools for reviewing practice, training exercises and much more. Practitioners across the helping professions will find this toolkit relevant and invaluable to support, challenge and develop their day to day practice in this area. -- Dr Aisha Hutchinson, Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of BedfordshireTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Introduction. 1. Key Messages. 2. Practice Tools. 3. Training Exercises. 4. Briefings. 5. Practice Examples. Contacts and Sources of Further Information. References.

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Book SynopsisAnnette Drüner invites educationalists to combine empathy and specialist knowledge in order to act sensibly and thus create a relaxed, relational and happy learning environment for children. What is the key to early childhood care where the little ones really feel feel good and learn enthusiastically? For the author it is the relationship between the child and the educator. If the child's learning process is not tied to speed and rigid performance expectations, but is geared towards the real needs and interests of the children, many happy moments of closeness and experiences of success can arise. This book is based on empathy exercises, topic-based knowledge transfer and numerous practical examples the connection of knowledge and empathy and paves the way to a harmonious and constructive cooperation.

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Book SynopsisJanusz Korczak is internationally recognized as one of the most important educators and as a pioneer of children's rights. Far less known is the importance he attached to early childhood. In this book, the author shows the topicality of his ideas and opens up completely new perspectives on his life and work. She focuses on the importance of his concepts for early childhood education. What attitude has shaped Korczak's pedagogy and how can this inspire our work in daycare today? How can education, upbringing and care in day-care centers based on Korczak be made appreciative, participatory and cheerful? This introduction to Korczak pedagogy is theoretically sound and at the same time practice-oriented - a new discovery for teaching, research and study as well for educational professionals in crèche, kindergarten, day care, after-school care and home. Prof. Dr. Irit Wyrobnik teaches early childhood education at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences. Janusz Korczak's pedagogy has been one of her main research areas for many years.

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Book SynopsisThis study argues that child abandonment was common among all classes and morally acceptable from antiquity until the Renaissance. Using a variety of sources, Boswell examines the evidence, presenting a history of the abandoned child and illustrating the changing meaning of family.

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Book SynopsisFocuses on the use and adaptive reuse of everyday buildings in Oakland, California, to make the city a better place for children. She introduces us to the women who were determined to mitigate the burdens placed on working-class families by an indifferent industrial capitalist economy.

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Book SynopsisExamines the organization of social responsibility in the USA, in particular of critically ill newborn children. Drawing on medical records and interviews with parents and medical staff, the book investigates two neonatal intensive care units, showing the traumas of extreme medical measures.

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Book SynopsisWho is responsible for juvenile delinquency? Mark D. Jacobs uses ethnographic, statistical, and literary methods to uncover the many levels of disorganization in American juvenile justice. By analyzing the continuities betwen normal casework and exceptional cases, he reveals that probation officers must commonly contrive informal measures to circumvent a system which routinely obstructs the delivery of services to their clients. Jacobs defines the concept of the no-fault society to describe the larger context of societal disorder and interpersonal manipulation that the juvenile justice system at once reflects and exacerbates.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deftly weaving together analysis and example, The Rights of the Defenseless is an insightful study that will make a significant contribution to our understanding of nineteenth-century reform, the relationship between politics and literature, and the changing meaning of rights in American political discourse. This is a persuasive and compelling work of scholarship.” -- Michael Grossberg, Indiana University“Rights of the Defenseless is an original and insightful work that richly explores rights talk, sentimental culture, and law enforcement in postbellum America. Susan Pearson considers these crucial themes through a most novel topic: how humane societies linked the suffering of animals and children in order to claim the mantle of antislavery reform. Extensive research grounds the vivid elucidation of the relationship between public power and private reform. Rights of the Defenseless is a powerful intervention into scholarly analysis of rights beliefs.” -- Amy Dru Stanley, University of Chicago“The Rights of the Defenseless is much more than an examination of the development of specific policies by humane societies, more than a case study of the emergence of Progressive era reform as it applied to the protection of children and animals. Rather, Susan Pearson uses the very specific concern with these two forms of dependency to explore the definition of rights in liberal discourse; the boundary between person and animal in modern thought and practice; the symbolic configuration of self and society in nineteenth-century political culture; the emergence of a modern mode of linking feeling to reason to action. I do not think it is too much to say that this book will redefine the understanding of the humanitarian sensibility and its place in modern American culture. This is history as an act of the moral imagination in the very best sense.” -- Daniel Wickberg, University of Texas, Dallas“This insightful examination of private charities being endowed with public power brings a new dimension to the relationship between agencies and governmental protections. . . . This work provides a unique perspective of animal rescue and child saving by linking them to the larger ideas of pet keeping, childhood sacredness, and domestic ideology.” * Choice *“Much more than a case study of humane reform, it should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the humanitarian sensibility and the trajectory of reform responses in modern America.” * American Historical Review *"Surveying an impressive range of texts, from children's literature to political science, from philosphy to animal training and parenting manuals, Susan J. Pearson provides a dense history of the culture that allowed animals and children to be linked conceptually and politically in the public mind. . . . Pearson's well-supported argument demonstrates clear lines of connection between animal and child protection without reducing the complexity of either. . . ." -- Monica Flegel * Journal of American Studies * “Susan J. Pearson’s The Rights of the Defenseless provides an excellent look at the efforts to protect animals and children from cruelty in the United States between the antebellum and progressive eras. . . . An important contribution to the growing historiography of animals and society.” * American Nineteenth Century History *“The Rights of the Defenseless is a beautifully crafted, intellectual-cultural history of law and society in the Gilded Age. It provides a novel and persuasive answer to a question that has puzzled scholars of American social welfare since the early twentieth century: why were societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals established before similar child protection associations were created?” * Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era *“In her elegant book, Susan Pearson examines the many contact points between campaigns to protect children and animals from harm in the nineteenth century. The result is a subtle, illuminating reconsideration of both humanitarianism and liberalism in which anticruelty advocates and organizations intercede between nineteenth- and twentieth-century conceptions of government and citizenship.” * Historian *“This book is an intellectual and cultural explanation of the forces and ideas propelling Americans toward that more activist and interventionist state. It is compelling and important.” * Journal of American History *“The Rights of the Defenseless is a thought-provoking and fascinating book, and it is one that deserves a wide readership. Historian of reform, cruelty, rights, and liberalism will find much to like in this book. Fortunately, it is also beautifully written, and readers will find it a pleasure to read.” * Reviews in American History *“Susan J. Pearson’s remarkable intellectual history of animal and child protection in the Gilded Age . . . illuminates a wider historical sea change in the ways that Americans conceived of the state. In doing so, Pearson links animal and child protection to an astonishing array of social and cultural transformations without recasting the rise of the humane movement in the same teleological language that the protectionists themselves used. . . . Fascinating.” * H-Net *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: The Legend of Mary Ellen Wilson1. “The Child Is an Animal”: Domesticity, Discipline, and the Logic of Joint Protection2. “A Relic of Barbarism”: Cruelty, Civilization, and Social Order3. “The Rights of Whatever Can Suffer”:Reconciling Liberalism and Dependence4. “The Dove Has Claws”: Sympathy and State PowerConclusion: From Cruelty to Child WelfareNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisReports on the reactions of adoptive parents to the advantages, drawbacks, joys, and disappointments of accepting older children.

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Book SynopsisThis volume assembles research on child neglect, kinship care, and the effects before, during and after the employment of foster care. Concluding with an account of family reunification efforts, the final section offers insight into alternative methods of reuniting children with their families.

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Book SynopsisLooks at the politics behind child care legislation. Identifying junctures at which child care bills were introduced and debated, this book examines the politics surrounding each of these events and identifies the political structures and negotiations that evolved. It also looks at how child care legislation became part of other issues.Trade ReviewA comprehensive history and analysis of the politics that have shaped U.S. federal child care policy throughout the past 30 years. Journal of Marriage and Family Championing Child Care will undoubtedly stand as the definitive account of late twentieth-century federal child care policy making. -- Sonya Michel Political Science QuarterlyTable of ContentsForeword by Senator Christopher Dodd 1. Introduction Why Study Child Care Politics? Context of the Book 2. Politics of Child Care Legislation, 1971 Overview of the Book 3. From Political Stalemate to Welfare Entitlement, 1972-1988 Prelude to Child Care Legislation of 1971 4. Politics of Child Care Legislation, 1987-1990 Child Care Lands on the Legislative Agenda 5. Regulations, Implementation, and High Expectations, 1991-1993 Moving Child Care Through Congress 6. Child Care and Welfare Reform, 1994--1996 Nixon and Child Care: A Battle Among the President's Men 7. High Hopes, 1997-2000 The Demise of Child Care Legislation 8. A View from the States, 1996--2000 Federal Interagency Day Care Regulations 9. Looking Back and to the Future The Early 1980s: Retrenchment and Regrouping Welfare Reform Features the First Federal Child Care Entitlement Launching a Child Care Initiative The Other Side of the Story: Conservatives Offer Competing Proposals 1989: Senate Success 1989: The House Imbroglio over Child Care Legislation 1990: The Last Chance Placing Child Care Regulations in Context CCDBG Regulations Spark Feuds over Standards and Other Concerns At-Risk Child Care Regulations Add More Fuel to the Fire Implementing the 1990 Child Care Package 1993: A New Political Era 1994: Elections Set a New Stage for Child Care Child Care and Welfare Reform Legislation The Changed Face of Political Action for Child Care and Children 1997: New Opportunities for Child Care 1998: New Twists for Child Care Legislation Ushering Federal Child Care Policy into the Twenty-first Century Child Care and American Federalism Federal Child Care Regulations Revisited Impact of Welfare Reform on Child Care Linking Child Care with Other Early Education Initiatives It's Not Just Women's Participation in the Labor Force What's Institutional Structure Got to Do with It? The Influence of Organized Interests Looking Ahead State Child Care Policies Assume a New Look

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Book SynopsisDuring the 1960s And 1970s, the issue of runaways became a source of national concern. This book examines the programs and policies that took shape during this period. It also discusses the effects of legislation, including the federal Runaway Youth Act of 1974, which endorsed the alternative service community's model.Trade ReviewRunaways offers an informative description of the history of service development and media construction of runaway youth in America. -- Emilie Smeaton Child and Family Social WorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword: A Personal Journey to Some Research Questions 1. Testing Freedom: On the Road to a Runaway Problem Part I: Constructing Runaway Youth 2. Media Myth Spinning: From Runaway Adventurers to Street Survivors (1960-1978) 3. Spinning Myths from Runaway Lives: A Hip Beat Version of Dropping Out Part II: Psychedelic Social Workers and Alternative Services 4. Digger Free: Power in Autonomy, Independence in a Free City Network (1966-1968) 5. The Grassroots Rise of Alternative Runaway Services (1967-1974) Part III: Policy and "Runaway" Youth 6. Shifting Institutional Structures: From Moral Guidance to Autonomous Denizens (1960-1978) 7. Legitimization Through Legislation-The Runaway Youth Act: National Attention to the Runaway Problem (1971-1974) Part IV: Conclusions: Where We've Been, Where We're Going, What We've Learned 8. National Extensions-Problem, Services, and Policy (1974-) 9. Closing Note: Lessons Learned and Conveyed Appendix 1: Runaway Youth Act (Senate Version, S. 2829: the Bayh/Cook Bill) Appendix 2: Runaway Youth Act (House Version, H. 9298) Appendix 3: The Runaway Youth Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-415) Notes Selected Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis text proposes corrective action to improve the institutional care of African American children and their families, calling attention to the specific needs of this population and the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped its experience within the child welfare system. Ramona W. Denby and Carla M. Curtis critique policy and research and suggest culturally targeted program and policy responses for more positive outcomes. The book is a must-read, well conceived and scholarly, yet contains many practical strategies for social reform. The authors succeed admirably in illustrating a framework of cultural adaptation that can be used to enhance the delivery of services to African American children and their families. Outstanding features are the articulation of relevant history and child welfare laws, and a masterful integration of policy, practice, and research. -- Tony Tripodi, series editor of Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods Denby and Curtis offer an evidence-based, user-friendly blueprint for persons interested in bringing immediate and effective change to the quality of services provided to African American children and their families in the child welfare system. Engagingly written, the book highlights the integration of practice, policy, and research; provides study tools and resources such as discussion questions, recommended projects or assignments, and a glossary; makes recommendations for policy, practice, and research that can guide interventions with African American children and their families; and offers a brilliantly conceptualized and creatively executed cultural adaptation approach for serving the needs of African American families and children in the child welfare system. -- Sadye L. M. Logan, University of South Carolina College of Social Work This is an extremely informative 'how to' book that provides a very comprehensive analysis of child welfare service delivery to African American children and families from historical, cultural, policy, research, and practice perspectives. Calling for the utilization of culturally adapted interventions, the authors convincingly provide the justification, challenges, and specific examples of this approach in successfully achieving the outcomes of safety, permanency, and well-being. -- Ruth G. McRoy, The University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work This timely book offers new insights by systematically analyzing historical antecedents, policies, case studies, and the cultural influences that have shaped the current context in which child welfare services are delivered to African American families. Both students and experienced practitioners will find this book indispensable. -- Denise Bronson, The Ohio State University College of Social Work A detailed examination of actions and policies that can improve the outcomes of minority children and their families in the child welfare field. Youth TodayTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. Cultural Adaptation in Effective Child Welfare Practice with African Americans A Cultural Adaptation Framework The New Adaptation Perspective Reforming Child Welfare Through Cultural Adaptation Cultural Adaptation and Policy Cultural Adaptation and Practice Cultural Adaptation and Research Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References 2. Child Welfare in Perspective: Historical Factors Influencing African American Families and Policy Formulation Sociopolitical Factors The Effect of Social and Political Factors on Policy National Child Welfare Reform Movement Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References 3. Child Welfare Policy and the African American Family Child Welfare Policy in Context Child Welfare Policy Framework Overview of Major Child Welfare Policy Laws Cultural Adaptations for African American Children in Child Welfare Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References A Case Study: Cultural Adaptation and Services-The Davis Family 4. Safety and Protection Child Abuse and Neglect Child Welfare System Components Cultural Adaptations in Support Services for African American Families Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References 5. Permanence for Children Defining Permanence Values Associated with Permanence The Continuum of Permanence Options Permanency Options Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References 6. Child and Parent Well-Being Health and Mental Health Disparities Affecting African American Children Behavioral Health Care and the Foster Care System Vulnerabilities Faced by African American Children Education Crime and Juvenile Justice Involvement The Well-Being of Parents and Caregivers Practice Considerations and Cultural Adaptations for Increasing Child and Family Well-Being Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References A Case Study: Cultural Adaptations and Research Initiatives-From Kinship Research to Kinship Programming 7. Cultural Adaptation and Research Evidence-Based Practice Determining Effective Interventions for African American Children and Families Advocacy Research Performance-Based Research Summary and Conclusion Discussion Questions Activities for Ongoing Learning References 8. Meeting the Challenges to Bring About Change The Importance of a Cultural Adaptation Perspective in Improving Child Welfare Conditions The Challenge to Social Work Educators The Role of Social Work Education in Implementing Planned Change The Challenge to Child Welfare Advocates and Policy Practitioners The Challenge to Social Work Practitioners The Challenge to Students of Social Work References Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisThis second edition highlights the continuously changing child welfare climate in the U.S., including content on the Fostering Connections Act of 2008.Trade ReviewThe child welfare system in the United States is a complex one-in and of itself and in its intricate association with a number of other systems that directly impact children and families. This text does an excellent job of covering child welfare system national policies, the family and social issues they give rise to, and their implications for services to involved children, adolescents, and families. -- Leslie Hollingsworth, University of Michigan Gerald P. Mallon and Peg McCartt Hess have put together a comprehensive handbook that contains crucial material for individuals and organizations seeking information on the most contemporary child welfare issues in the United States. It provides hands-on, practice-oriented material while staying connected to the most relevant, legislatively driven policy issues and the associated front-line realities faced by those intimately connected to the field of child welfare. -- Lorraine R. Tempel, Hunter College School of Social Work Mallon and Hess offer an extraordinarily comprehensive account of child welfare practice, policy, and programming in this updated version of their 2005 classic... Highly recommended. ChoiceTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction: An Overview of Children, Youth, and Family Services, Policies, and Programs in the United States, by Gerald P. Mallon and Peg McCartt Hess Historical Evolution of Child Welfare Services, by Brenda McGowan Part 1. Child and Adolescent Well-Being Family Support Services, by Susan P. Kemp, Tracey K. Burke, Kara Allen-Eckard, Melissa F. Becker, and Amy Ackroyd Meaningful Family Engagement, by Nicole Bossard, Angela Braxton, and Debra Conway Engaging Latino Families, by Hilda Rivera-Rodriguez Health Care for Children and Youth, by Jan McCarthy and Maria Woolverton Mental Health Care for Children and Youth, by Martha Morrison Dore Educational Issues for Children and Youth, by Kristin Kelly, Kathleen McNaught, and Janet Stotland LGBT Youth and Their Families, by Diane Elze Runaway and Homeless Youth, by Karen M. Staller Part 2. Child and Adolescent Safety Child Abuse and Neglect, by Neil B. Guterman, Kristin L. Berg, and Catherine A. Taylor Child Protective Services, by Diane DePanfilis and Theresa Costello Risk Assessment, by Aron Shlonsky and Eileen Gambrill Family Preservation, by Marianne Berry and Sara McLean Sexual Abuse Issues, by Kathleen Coulborn Faller Substance Abuse Issues, by Joseph P. Ryan and Hui Huang Domestic Violence Issues, by Judy Postmus Part 3. Permanency for Children and Adolescents Reunification, by Barbara A. Pine, Robin Spath, and Stephanie Gosteli Guardianship, by Mark Testa and Jennifer Miller Customary Adoption for American Indian and Alaskan Native Children, by Terry Cross Kinship Care, by Rebecca L. Hegar and Maria Scannapieco Adoption, by Gerald P. Mallon Birthmothers, by Leslie Doty Hollingsworth Adoption Disruption, by Trudy Festinger Unpacking Permanency for Youth: Overuse/Misuse of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) as a Permanency Goal, by Jennifer Renne and Gerald P. Mallon Youth Development and Transitional Living Services, by Mary Elizabeth Collins Family Foster Care, by Madelyn Freundlich Residential Services, by Lloyd Bullard, Katherine Gaughan, and Larry W. Owens Sibling Issues, by Rebecca L. Hegar Visits: Critical to the Well-Being and Permanency of Children and Youth in Care, by Peg McCartt Hess Postpermanency Services, by Madelyn Freundlich and Lois Wright Part 4. Systemic Issues in Children, Youth, and Family Services, Policies, and Programs The Child and Family Services Reviews, by Linda Mitchell, Miranda Lynch Thomas, and Bonita Parker Placement Stability, by Amy C. D'Andrade and Sigrid James Foster Parent Recruitment and Retention, by Eileen Mayers Pasztor and Myrna L. McNitt Legal and Judicial Engagement, by Marvin Ventrell Child Welfare Workforce Issues, by Sara Munson, Mary McCarthy, and Nancy Dickinson Child Welfare Supervision, by Cathryn C. Potter, Michele Hanna, and Charmaine Brittain Research and Evaluation, by Crystal Collins-Camargo Disproportionate Representation of Children and Youth, by Ruth G. McRoy Fatherhood, by Tanya M. Coakley Immigrant Children, Youth, and Families, by Ilze Earner, Rowena Fong, and Carol Smolenski Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisBegins with the issues facing at-risk children and families and then describes the intricacies of the child-welfare system and the role of protective services, family preservation, out-of-home care, foster care, adoption, and services for adolescentsTrade ReviewCritical Issues in Child Welfare is substantive, historically and contemporarily. The book will serve as a solid go-to introductory text that will likely appeal to many social work programs. -- Jennifer Bellamy, University of Houston Joan Shireman's second edition is an excellent comprehensive resource on policies and practices impacting child welfare service delivery today, such as family preservation, permanency planning, child protective services decision making, open adoptions, transracial adoptions, kinship care, international adoptions, and service delivery to youth in transition and youth with disabilities. Shireman highlights the need for workers to know the communities from which families come; social justice issues, such as the disproportionate representation of children of color in the child welfare system; and the potential impact of subtle, sometimes unrecognized racial biases. This book should be required reading for child welfare courses and for training child welfare practitioners and other service providers working with children and families, as it provides a unique contextual look at the intersection between systems (juvenile justice, mental health, and child welfare) and social issues (poverty, substance abuse, and violence in the community). -- Ruth McRoy, Boston College Graduate School of Social WorkTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Acronyms Introduction: Social Work and Child Welfare 1. The Context of Child Welfare Services 2. The Child Welfare Services System, with Katharine Cahn 3. Child Protective Services 4. Family Support and Child Well-being, with Karen Tvedt 5. Crisis Intervention: Preservation of Families for Children 6. Investment in Foster Care 7. Out-of-Home Care for Children with Special Needs 8. Adoption 9. Youth in Transition, with Miranda Cunningham 10. Concluding Thoughts Appendix: Internet Resources About the Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisIn Narrating Practice with Children and Adolescents, social workers, sociologists, researchers, and helping professionals share engaging and evocative stories of practice meant to center the young client's story. The book considers the narratives we tell about children and adolescents and proposes counternarratives that challenge dominant ideas.Trade ReviewExploring children’s lives through narrative lenses illuminates aspects of their lived experience that are often invisible or overlooked in conventional research studies. Such information enriches our understanding of children’s lives, enabling a more holistic context from which new and relevant practices can be developed. As such, the book is an important addition to social work curricula and a useful resource for practitioners. -- Stanley Witkin, author of Transforming Social Work: Social Constructionist Reflections on Contemporary and Enduring IssuesWith respect and without condescension, Diaz and Shepard remind us how resilient children are —their stories defying deficit-based clinical categorization. We have much to learn from these narratives of coping and adaptation. Combining case studies and auto-ethnography with a narrative focus, this is social work research at its most acute and innovative. -- Irwin Epstein, Hunter College, City University of New YorkThrough brave story-telling, this volume reveals the lived experiences, creativity, and agency of children and youth. Whether concerned with the child welfare system, schools, incarceration, or mental health, the authors bring a critical lens to the role that systems play in oppression and liberation. Using reflexivity, auto-ethnography, and case reflections, the authors also reveal their whole selves as they negotiate their realities as social workers and reflect on their own experiences as vulnerable children. -- Loretta Pyles, University at AlbanyA groundbreaking text that deftly and subtly explores the lived experience of children and youth, providing us with a profound exploration of their strengths and challenges. This creative, evocative, and deeply engaging book is a must read for all human service workers seeking to empower children and adolescents. -- Rich Furman, University of Washington TacomaTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: On Narrating Practice with Children and Adolescents, by Mery F. Diaz and Benjamin Heim ShepardPart I. Ethnographies, Narrative Inquiries, and Life Stories1. From Disempowerment to Self-Belief: A Center of Hope for Vulnerable Youth in Cape Town, by Sharon Johnson2. Aging Out and On My Own: Stories of Youth Transitions Out of Foster Care, by Sabrina Gonzalez3. Dreaming Despite Status: Immigrant Youths in Contingent Migration Contexts, by Stephen Ruszczyk 4. “Hear Me”: Collaborating with Youth to Address Sexual Exploitation, by Margot K. Jackson, Vera Caine, Janice Huber, and Muneerah Amin Vastani5. In Between Worlds: Narrating Ecological Heritage Practices for Teenage Wellness, by Kristina Baines6. Neighborhood Surveillance and the Prison Assembly Line, by Trevor B. Milton7. Considering Inequalities: Experiences in Part-Time Youth Work Experiences, by Yasemin Besen-CassinoPart II. Autoethnography and Storytelling8. Finding Justice: Transforming Schools with the Children We Serve, by Mery F. Diaz9. Fitting In, Letting Go, and Other Common Concerns for Children with Disabilities, by Sherri L. Rings10. Between Life Stories and the Struggle for Homeless Youth, Benjamin Heim Shepard11. Childhood and the Politics of Care, by Elizabeth Palley12. Living on the Frontline: Reality-Based Drug Education in the Era of Black Lives Matter, by Jerry Otero13. Poor Mothers, Poor Children: The Feminization of Poverty in Rural India, by Gretta M. FernandesPart III. Practice Reflections and Case Narratives14. Understand the Brain, Understand Our Children, by Deborah Courtney 15. Beyond Deficits: Shifting Perspectives in Child and Youth Mental Health, by Margot K. Jackson16. Shifting Identities, Shifting Meanings: Adolescent Siblings and Grief, by Erica Goldblatt Hyatt17. Creating Spaces for Sam: A Story of Healing Trauma Through Narrative Means and Art Therapy, by Susan Macdonald and Stephanie Wise18. Stories of Youth and Family Navigating a New Frontier of Social Media, by Rebecca G. Judd and Benjamin T. MayContributorsIndex

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