Re-imagining child protection: Towards Humane Social Work with Families - Softcover

Featherstone, Brid

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1447308018 ISBN 13: 9781447308010

Publisher: Policy Press, 2014

Synopsis

Raising a number of critical questions, Brid Featherstone, Susan White and Kate Morris challenge a child protection culture that they see as becoming increasingly authoritarian. Calling for a family-minded practice of child protection, they argue that children should be understood as relational beings and that greater sensitivity should be paid to parents and the needs they have as a result of the burdens of childcare. They argue that current child protection services need to ameliorate, rather than reinforce, the many deprivations that parents engaged in their systems face. Bringing together authors who combine a wealth of experience in both scholarship and practice, this book provides a sensitive reassessment of a critical point of contact between governments and families. 

About this title

About the Author:

Brid Featherstone is professor of social care at the Open University. Susan White is professor of social work at the University of Birmingham. Kate Morris is associate professor of social work at the University of Nottingham. 

Review:

"A stimulating textbook with very contemporary and contested approches to child care in both policy and practice." Gillian Ruth, University of Sussex. "This book offers challenges to students' perceptions of the accepted ceonception of child protection. It enables them to interrogate safeguarding in the broader social policy concept and develop their own understanding of a critical narrative." John Grace, Newman University College. "Marvellous, challenging and engaging." Professor the Baroness (Ruth) Lister of Burtersett, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, Loughborough University "This is a very well-written book and has received wide commendation from students and lecturers. It offers a refreshing approach to working with children and families." Bridget Ng'andu, Ruskin College. "This book provides a very welcome oasis in the current desert of punitive and unhelpful public and professional rhetoric about the ends and means of child protection. For practitioners, policy makers and academics this honest and informed discussion of key issues should prove a source of support and intellectual stimulus." Professor Jane Tunstill, Social Care Workforce Research Unit, Kings College London "A sustained and passionate argument that urges us to think differently about the work that we do and the families with whom we engage." Brid Featherstone, Sue White and Kate Morris. "All social workers should read and digest this important book." Dr Steve Rowgowski, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council "An indispensable analysis delivered with great intellectual rigour and passion that shows how three decades of child protection have isolated the child, turned parents into the invisible enemy and side-lined the rich assets to be found in relationships that can and should be mended." Yvonne Roberts, Chief Leader Writer, The Observer "This timely text's erudite and compelling analysis challenges us to rethink our protective approaches and practice. Its conceptual and ethical framework is essential for those seeking to reform child protection." Bob Lonne, Professor of Social Work, Queensland University of Technology "This collaboration between three highly respected social work educators draws on their practice and research experience. It speaks to a model of relationship-based, empathic, practice with children, their parents and wider families that is both humane and realistic about the need to combine protection with professional discretion and creative helping. It is essential reading for both new and experienced social workers at a time when the components of child and family social work, and of qualifying and post-qualifying education, are hotly contested." Emeritus Professor June Thoburn, University of East Anglia

About this edition

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1447308018
• ISBN 13: 9781447308010
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192