You are here

Effective Social Work with Children and Families
Share
Share

Effective Social Work with Children and Families
A Skills Handbook



February 2012 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Social work with children and families is constantly in the headlines and social workers' decisions are subject to ever increasing scrutiny at all levels. This aspirational book supports students and newly qualified social workers and suggests practical ways in which they might thrive, rather than just survive, in practice

Written at a time when Social Work Reform Board and the Munro Enquiry are charged with looking at issues of effectiveness within children and families social work, the book tackles the different challenges that students and practitioners can be faced with, outlining common pitfalls and how to avoid these.

Key topics covered include:

- Legislation and policy

- Child development

- Safeguarding and child protection

- Assessment

- Communication

- Looking after yourself

Reflective questions are used throughout the book, ensuring that students critically evaluate their own practice. Case examples and case studies drawn from the authors' recent practice are included throughout the book to illuminate the realities of contemporary social work with children and families.

This text will be essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly as they prepare to go on placement. It will also provide valuable reading for qualified social workers who are interested in fresh and effective approaches to practice.

 
What Do Social Workers do?
 
Social Work Theories, Values and Methods
Where does your practice fit?

 
 
Legislation and Policy
What you need to have at your fingertips to be effective

 
 
Child Development
The importance of having a sound understanding about life stages in children

 
 
Communication
How to improve your skills

 
 
Assessment
Your role in this complex dynamic

 
 
Safeguarding, Chid Protection and Your Chance to Make a Difference
 
Analysis
Critical Skills for Effectiveness

 
 
Effective Planning
 
Recording
Purpose, Importance, Techniques

 
 
Working In and Around the Organisation
 
Looking after Yourself
 
Conclusion

Good reference text. It takes the reader from the basics e.g. what do social workers do? It continues with an exploration of theoretical concepts, values, methods, legislation and policy and safeguarding. The end chapter 'Looking after yourself' makes valid points that workers may not have considered whilst working in the midst of a demanding role.

Ms Michelle Evans
Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University
January 21, 2013

This is a current and helpful book which will be invaluable to students and social workers contemplating entering the challenging field of child protection. There are useful chapters on a range of topics including legal perspectives, analysis and looking after yourself to name but a few. Recommended reading for this highly challenging yet rewarding work.

Ms Sarah Cresswell
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Hull University
December 11, 2012

A comprehenensive text that makes essential reading for social work students

Dr Shepard Masocha
School of Social Policy, Sociology & Social Research, University of Kent
September 13, 2012

A comprehensive guide to current social work practice that is easy to read and useful for all social work studetns and newly qualified staff.

Ms Sue West
academy, Havering College of Further and Higher Education
September 11, 2012

Well laid out text with a good grounding to working with children and families. Useful for social work students and NQSWs

Jenny Crouch
Social Work Office (Redditch), North East Worcestershire College
August 7, 2012

Excellent book for students who starting their course as it gives a overall view of key topics such as; communication, legalisation's and policies.

Miss Fatima Khan
Social Work , Hammersmith & West London College
June 15, 2012

Once again, a useful, practical handbook that also contained relevant pychological & sociological thoery. Highly recommended for L5 Undergraduates on both Social Care & Applied Courses such as ECS

Ms Dilva Porter
CHYPPE, University Campus Suffolk
May 15, 2012

Excellant book.Particularly useful for those students who are in year 2 of their Extended Dilploma in Care and considering career progression in social work.Its is supportive and enagaging, most of all it feels very real as applies to case examples and engages the learner in reflective practice.Particularly useful is the chapter on Looking After Yourself which is so often a neglected area within textbooks, but not this one - this is a must have textbook.

Ms Sally Tripptree
Community Studies, Truro College
April 4, 2012

The book is written from a positive standpoint, it helps students to make sense of current changes in the profession, and offers practical support to enable them to develop the skills they need to practice in the modern world of social work.

Mr Dave Mason
Faculty of Health, Staffordshire University
April 2, 2012

Very clear book looking in detail at the skills needed within children and families work. An excellent book for social workers within the first year of practice giving an excellent overview of the role.

Mr Derek Barron
Education , Social Services Department
March 9, 2012
  •  

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

Please select a format:

Select a Purchasing Option


Paperback
ISBN: 9780857027306
£38.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9780857027290
£120.00

SAGE Knowledge is the premier social sciences platform for SAGE and CQ Press book, reference and video content.

The platform allows researchers to cross-search and seamlessly access a wide breadth of must-have SAGE book and reference content from one source.