Description
Book SynopsisThis groundbreaking new book brings together policy, evidence, practice, service development and children's narrative to provide a far-reaching overview of this vulnerable and traumatised group. It combines powerfully written, moving scenarios and draws on evidence-based research to fully illustrate concepts and present practical ideas for change to interventions and services resulting in effective, sustainable practice. Theory and practice are interwoven, offering real solutions for anyone working with children. Everyone has a role and many opportunities to make a difference - at home, school and in the community. Any professional working with children will be inspired and educated by this outstanding, passionate text. The messages are universal and prove that approaches can no longer be thought of as mutually exclusive in today's complex life circumstances. 'I have learned over the last 2 to 3 years that no matter how hard life gets, there is always a way, and a very easy way, and that you should always take day by day. There might be a time when your day is bad, coz sometimes it goes wrong, but that will only change if we look for the help/support that is out there! And little steps will amaze you, how helpful they are.' SARAH PAYNE, aged 18 'Many children's stories that we will encounter are not nice, far from it; they have been brought out by abhorrent acts, and the feelings they instil are unpalatable. This is how they are meant to be. What I am seeking is connectedness and understanding, not sympathy or pity. Hearts and minds together can bring change; we desperately need both...Traumatised children's fragility and determination go hand in hand; we inevitably mirror both, as we constantly struggle to move with them from Despair to Hope.' Panos Vostanis, in the Preface
Table of ContentsContents. Preface. About the author. Acknowledgements. The meaning of developmental theories for traumatized children. The vulnerability that we cannot miss, and the resilience that we need to unravel. When should we worry about children? Why services for vulnerable children should be different. Trauma and mental health: what works. Changing service cultures to accommodate those who need them the most. 'What are you doing for me?' A desperate cry from children in public care. Staying alert: recognizing mental health problems among children in care. Many ways of helping children in public care: yet, we do not often make the most of them. Interventions for children in care: top-down and bottom-up evolution. I have arrived for the rest of our life: creating an adoptive family. Adoptive families: making sense and moving on. Interventions for adopted children and their parents. Invisible and on the move: the story of homeless children and families. Mrs Jones plus three: unpicking homeless children's and families' needs. 'Have I met you before?' 'Yes, I am the boy from Chapter 7!' Young people do not become homeless out of the blue. Homeless youth: don't let them run away from help. Asylum-seeking and refugee children: a challenge to our beliefs and systems. Asylum-seeking and refugee children: a step beyond conventional interventions. From young victim to perpetrator. Therapeutic approaches for young offenders. Child trauma in low income countries and traumatized communities. Conclusions on ensuring that hope prevails. Bibliography. Index.
