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Understanding Children's Social Care
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Understanding Children's Social Care
Politics, Policy and Practice

First Edition

May 2009 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
"These two authors are always worth reading for their breadth and originality. Their new book offers a timely and stimulating analysis of modern children's services." -David Berridge, Professor of Child and Family Welfare, University of Bristol

"Clear yet thorough; practical yet politically insightful; complicated yet coherent ... this book will appeal to those who want to get an overview of the territory, but also to those who wish to drill down deeper and understand the theoretical underpinning of government policies." - Martin C. Calder, Honorary Research Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University

Understanding Children's Social Care is the first book to provide a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of children's social care in England following the introduction of Every Child Matters and the 2007 Children's Plan. The book examines the key issues surrounding child care policy and legislation, and the implications these have for practice. Authors Nick Frost and Nigel Parton draw upon sociological theory and debate to help the reader understand the future direction of policy and practice, presenting seemingly complex theoretical ideas in an accessible and coherent manner.

The book begins by examining theories and explanations of social change, and goes on to relate these ideologies to social care policy initiatives in the UK. The final part of the book evaluates the implementation of these across a range of practice areas.

Key Features

  • Bridges the gaps between theory, policy and practice
  • Includes comprehensive content and a discussion of a variety of legal and policy contexts
  • Encourages a critical engagement with key developments of policy and practice
  • Relates to the current issues in social work and social care education

Understanding Children's Social Care is essential reading for those studying child social care on programs in social work, childhood studies, and social policy, and will also interest practitioners in child care.


 
PART ONE: FROM CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENTS TO DEPARTMENTS OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES
 
Local Authority Children's Services in the Post-War Period
 
New Labour, Social Exclusion and Children
 
Every Child Matters: Change for Children
 
PART TWO: DIFFERENT SERVICE AREAS
 
Safeguarding, Child Protection and Children in Need
 
Youth Offending: Early Identification, Prevention and Tough Enforcement
 
Children and the care system: reforming corporate parenting
 
Sure Start and Children's Centres: a jewel in New Labour's Crown?
 
Working with children and young people with Complex Needs
 
Challenge to social care practice: working with unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people
 
PART THREE: CURRENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
 
The Current State of Children's Social Care in England
 
Being a social worker in an integrated world: social care work with children and a positive future of social work.

"These two authors are always worth reading for their breadth and

originality. Their new book offers a timely and stimulating analysis of

modern children's services."

- David Berridge, Professor of Child and Family Welfare, University of Bristol

"Clear yet thorough; practical yet politically insightful; complicated yet coherent ... this book will appeal to those who want to get an overview of the territory, but also to those who wish to drill down deeper and understand the theoretical underpinning of government policies."

- Martin C Calder, Honorary Research Fellow, Sheffield Hallam Univeristy


This text provides a comprehensive historical account to child welfare in the United Kingdom and how policies have developed and changed throughout the last several decades. This would be beneficial to students who are wanting to pursue a career in the field of Children's services. Additionally, this text links theory to practical application which would enable the students to develop their own knowledge and understanding in relation to best practice.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE And FE
January 4, 2018

This is a brilliant book that gives a clear overview of social care explaining policy, practice and politics.

Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva
University Centre Croydon, Croydon College
September 29, 2015

This is an excellent text that provides students with a good insight into the contemporary issues of safeguarding policy. It also provides a good basis for students to compare theory and how it impacts on practical application.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
April 24, 2015

An excellent foundation text which provides the reader with a clear and concise overview of children's social care in England. This insight is particularly useful in light of the continuing change in the provision of child social care.

Ms Donna Peach
Department of Social Work, Salford University
June 24, 2014

Excellent book which covers many aspects of the safeguarding module.

Miss Johanne Child
early years, Wakefield College
May 14, 2014

The combination of both practice application and policy makes this a useful text across a number of modules.

Ms Mary Smith
social work, Havering College of Further and Higher Education
January 4, 2011

Useful informative overview of many background issues affecting children's social care

Jean Teare
Divison of Nursing Studies, Bradford University
January 4, 2011

Again recommended reading for the SCPHN/hv and SCPHN/sn student to give background to the policy context of their work

Mrs Janet Gargiulo
Health and Social Care, Glyndwr University
October 5, 2010

useful text for Health and Social Care learners studying safefguarding issues for looked after children

Mrs KAREN SIDDONS
Please select your department, Please select your institution
May 22, 2010

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two


For instructors

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