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Effective Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
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Effective Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
Putting Systems Theory into Practice



August 2012 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This book looks at the changing context of children and young people's services heralded by the structural, organisational and funding changes put forward in Eileen Munro's Review of Child Protection. It is strongly grounded in research and theory, and gives specific consideration to how systems theory can help practitioners in understanding families.

It highlights the need for every social work practitioner to develop the capacity to undertake unified assessments and interventions in a wide variety of settings with individuals, families, and groups where there are child protection and safeguarding concerns.

With case studies, interactive activities, summaries and guidance throughout, this book will be essential reading for all social work students and qualified social work practitioners, as well as all those involved in the field of child protection.

 
PART ONE: THE PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS OF THEORETICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS
 
Systems Theory
 
A Changing Working Environment
 
Contemporary Systems Methods and Models
 
PART TWO: DILEMMAS AND CHALLENGES IN APPLYING SYSTEMS THEORY IN PRACTICE
 
Prevention and Early Intervention
 
Children and Young People at Risk
 
Using Systems Theory in Assessment
 
PART THREE: CREATING THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
 
Collaborative Systems or Combative Systems?
 
Social Inclusion and Cultural Awareness
 
Towards an Integrated Appraisal and Evaluation
 
Conclusion

'This book provides a clear and accessible account of how to use a systems approach in working with families' -
Eileen Munro, London School of Economics

'An insightful text which highlights the current context within children's services' -
Tracey Wornast, Canterbury Christchurch University


I found this book useful when discussing the issues around the children's services.

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

A framework/reference book which could be very useful for students studying these modules/about to practice in this field

Ms Karen Hillison
Department of Social Work, Hull University
December 9, 2013

Like the summary of Children Act 1989 sections p 31 - 33. Dissapointed not more detail re Munro and that the Hackney model is only mentioned briefly

Ms Fleur Duke
Social Work , Hull University
October 30, 2013

This is a really useful book, bringing toether several contemporary theories and approaches and presenting them in a very relevant and concise manner.

Ms Pam Snowball
Social Work, University of Central Lancashire
August 13, 2013

Overall I found the text easy to read and engage with. I would recommend the text be considered as key to those professionals and students working within the field of children’s services including Health, Education, Early Years, Policing and especially Social Work students.

Mrs Tracey Wornast
Faculty of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University
July 29, 2013

A clear account of applying systems theory in social work with Children, Young people and families including a good exploration of the dilemmas and challenges of putting it into practice. It includes well laid out material divided into chapters covering key areas of practice. The case studies and commentary sections will enable students to apply and reflect on their learning.

Miss Jacky Foster
Social Work , Cornwall College
July 16, 2013

Many practitioners at different levels of competency can struggle to articulate or put into practice systems theory, yet recognise its importance in working with families.

Steve Walker has managed to produce a text that is easily understood and equally accessible to a broad range of professional disciplines on effective ways to working with families through being able to utilise systems theory in practice.

The book provides context in terms of history and ways of understanding a systemic mindset that will help families make sense of their families through practitioners being able to comprehend the advantages of systems theory, strengths and limitations.

Mr Robert Bielby
faculty of health and social care sciences, Kingston University
February 25, 2013

This is an excellent book which focuses on the systems theory for intervention. It covers the changes which are happening within this area of social work and discusses cultural awareness, which is an essential component of effective assessment and support.

Mrs Ruth Mawdsley
Social Work, Peterborough Regional College
November 6, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781446252253
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