Description
Book SynopsisNumerous books have been written about Victorian child care pioneers, but few biographical studies have been published about more recent child care and welfare giants. In this book, Bob Holman, a champion for children in his own right, looks at the lives of six inspirational individuals who have made significant contributions to the well-being of disadvantaged children over the course of the 20th century. Each of the six discussed - Eleanor Rathbone, Lady Marjory Allen, Clare Winnicott, John Stroud, Barbara Kahan and Peter Townsend - has been important in establishing present systems of child care and welfare, and in stimulating debate around issues which remain high on policy and practitioner agendas today. Based on documentary research and extensive interviews, "Champions for children" relates personal histories to wider policy and practice developments. It makes important connections between poverty, inequality and child care policy - links that are often overlooked. The author also gives an engaging account of his own life, which has been dedicated to improving the lives of children through research, education and direct work with children. In the final chapter, he makes recommendations for the future development of services for children and families and policy recommendations for tackling poverty. "Champions for children" is aimed at social workers, policy makers, academics and students with an interest in child care and welfare issues.
Trade Review"...valuable and absorbing... it offers a powerful perspective on our current situation in relation to the welfare of children, and the dramatic disadvantage of many of the communities in which our children live." Regeneration & Renewal 2/11/01 "Holman's literary eulogy to his champions is a recommended read for anyone like me who has a background of working with children or who is involved in campaigning for their rights. It is as enlightening as it is interesting and this is another reason why many others, students and social readers alike, will enjoy this fine book." Christian Socialist, Feb 2002 "It should be essential reading on every social work course, for the professional needs to understand what has been lost, but also to gain a vision for what would be possible if we learn from what has been contributed." "Buy this book. Read it , and give it to others to read. It encourages and inspires" The Extra Mile
Table of ContentsEleanor Rathbone (1872-1946); Marjory Allen (1897-1976); Barbara Kahan (1920-2000); John Stroud (1923-89); Clare Winnicott (1906-84); Peter Townsend (1928- ); Bob Holman (1936- ): A child care participant - living through the changes; Past, present and future.
