Social work with young people in care: looking after children in theory and practice

Nigel Patrick Thomas, Karen Winter

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

This introduction to social work with children and young people who are looked after (in care or accommodated) by statutory or voluntary agencies is the only textbook on the subject which addresses this area of work across all four nations of the UK.

Providing a clear theoretical and ethical basis, it introduces and develops a set of core themes, reflective of contemporary developments including:
• the influence of, and tensions between, dominant discourses that shape the social work service (relationship-based practice, early intervention and prevention, social innovation, evidence-based practice and outcomes);
• the use and abuse of concepts of ‘children’s needs’ and ‘best interests’;
• ideas of parenting and parental responsibility, and the relationships between children, families, communities and the state;
• the importance of recognising that children and young people have rights and considering their views;
• trauma, trauma-informed practice, transitions and resilience.

With chapters addressing a sequence of topics – assessment and planning, residential and foster care, leaving care, and permanence – there is a specific focus on working with disabled children, children from minority ethnic communities, and marginalised groups of children and young people, including refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQIA+ children and those who have been trafficked.

Packed full of useful pedagogical features, including material on the legal and policy context, summaries of research evidence, notes for good practice, group teaching exercises, references to legislation and guidance, and guides to further reading, it will be core reading on any child and family care modules, general preparation for practice courses, Frontline, Step Up, as well as for all social work practitioners.

Original languageEnglish
PublisherRoutledge
Number of pages288
Edition2nd
ISBN (Electronic)9781003503194
ISBN (Print)9781032821498, 9781032821511
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Aug 2024

Publication series

NameStudent Social Work

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