The need for services that respond to the 'maltreatment' of children and to the struggles of families is at the core of social service systems in all developed nations. While these child and family welfare systems confront similar problems and incorporate common elements, there are substantial differences in philosophy, organization, and operation across international settings and models. In this new collection of essays, Nancy Freymond and Gary Cameron have brought together some of the finest international minds to provide an original and integrated discussion of child protection, family service, and community caring models of child and family welfare. The volume not only examines child protection and family service approaches within Western nations - including Canada, the United States, England, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden - it is also the first comparative study to give equal attention to Aboriginal community caring models in Canada and New Zealand. The comparisons made by the essays in this volume allow for a consideration of constructive and feasible innovations in child and family welfare and contribute to an enriched debate around each system. This book will be of great benefit to the field for many years to come.

From time to time all families face predicaments, and use their own resources to overcome them. However, sometimes these resources are insufficient and they need help. Through the use of richly detailed practice examples and case studies, this comprehensive book clearly and succinctly examines the knowledge, skills and attitude that social workers require in order to engage with and help families experiencing strain in a multitude of different situations. Taking a strongly ecological stance, it outlines the variety of external stressors that can push families into difficulty and provides a thorough examination of the ways in which social workers can understand, help and support them. Concise and accessible, Supporting Families is an essential sourcebook for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking modules related to working with children and families as well as practitioners seeking a fresh source of reference.

Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a serious and complex area of social work practice and understanding the critical skills of communicating with and listening to children's voices, and those of their advocates and survivors, is essential. In this new edition of a highly-regarded book, the authors offer a strengthened children's rights perspective and explore four main categories of child abuse - emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and physical abuse. The book also considers legal safeguards and protective processes to increase the creativity and confidence of those undertaking such work. Locating knowledge and skills within a series of case examples from real life practice and serious case reviews, this book is an indispensable resource for students, professionals and others concerned with protecting children. This second edition has been comprehensively revised and updated to include current research evidence and a focus on the neglected protection needs of sexually exploited young people, children in custody, disabled children, young carers and unaccompanied child migrants.

CHIP is a joint federal-state program that finances health insurance for over 8 million children. Since the program's inception, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in the first three months of 2014. This year, Congress will decide whether to extend CHIP funding beyond 2015. In this book, GAO examines what assessments of CHIP suggest about its effect on children's health care coverage and access; and what key issues identified by GAO's work the Congress may wish to consider in determining whether to extend CHIP funding.

Between 1850 and 1970, around three hundred thousand children were sent to new homes through child migration programmes run by churches, charities and religious orders in the United States and the United Kingdom. Intended as humanitarian initiatives to save children from social and moral harm and to build them up as national and imperial citizens, these schemes have in many cases since become the focus of public censure, apology and sometimes financial redress. Remembering Child Migration is the first book to examine both the American 'orphan train' programmes and Britain's child migration schemes to its imperial colonies. Setting their work in historical context, it discusses their assumptions, methods and effects on the lives of those they claimed to help. Rather than seeing them as reflecting conventional child-care practice of their time, the book demonstrates that they were subject to criticism for much of the period in which they operated. Noting similarities between the American 'orphan trains' and early British migration schemes to Canada, it also shows how later British child migration schemes to Australia constituted a reversal of what had been understood to be good practice in the late Victorian period. At its heart, the book considers how welfare interventions motivated by humanitarian piety came to have such harmful effects in the lives of many child migrants. By examining how strong moral motivations can deflect critical reflection, legitimise power and build unwarranted bonds of trust, it explores the promise and risks of humanitarian sentiment.

In 1938, noting that the bulk of the Indian population formed a ""landless proletariat"" and despairing of the ability of the factionalized Indian community to unite in pursuit of common objectives, activist K.A. Neelakanda Ayer forecast that the fate of Indians in Malaya would be to become Tragic orphans of whom India has forgotten and Malaya looks down upon with contempt."" Ayer's words continue to resonate; as a minority group in a nation dominated politically by colonially derived narratives of ""race"" and ethnicity and riven by the imperatives of religion, the general trajectory of the economically and politically impotent Indian community has been one of increasing irrelevance. This book explores the history of the modern Indian presence in Malaysia, and traces the vital role played by the Indian community in the construction of contemporary Malaysia. In this comprehensive new study, Carl Vadivella Belle offers fresh insights on the Indian experience spanning the period from the colonial recruitment of Indian labour to the post-Merdeka political, economic and social marginalization of Indians. While recent Indian challenges to the political status quo -- a regime described as that of ""benign neglect"" -- promoted Indian hopes of reform, change and uplift, the author concludes that the dictates of political discourse permeated by the ideologies of communalism offer limited prospects for meaningful change.

"Somebody's Child" is the extraordinary true story of Lisa Lovatt-Smith, a "Vogue" magazine editor who, at the age of 35, made the astonishing choice to abandon her glamorous lifestyle and dedicate her life to helping Africa's most vulnerable children in rural Ghana.
Born in Spain to a single mother who struggled to make rent, Lisa Lovatt-Smith rose to become the photo editor at British "Vogue" at the age of 19, the youngest in Conde Nast history. At 21, she helped launch Spanish "Vogue," hosting massive, lavish parties in Madrid with celebrities such as the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Andy Warhol. By her mid-thirties, Lisa lived an enviable life filled with designer clothes, a dream career, and a beautiful Parisian home.
But at home, Lisa's life is less than perfect. Her adopted daughter Leila is expelled from school for a series of increasingly disturbing behaviors. Determined to get her daughter back on track, Lisa takes Leila to Ghana to volunteer at an orphanage. The experience is transformational: Lisa, who had feared the hardship of even a short visit to Africa, finds herself stunned out of her luxurious life and compelled to act.
Within 18 months, Lisa moves to Ghana and set up OrphanAid Africa, her own fostering network and activist group, dedicating all her personal resources to bringing up hundreds of Ghanaian children. In her drive to give love and a future to these orphaned children, Lisa first builds a beautiful fostering center in the tropical forest. Next -- in a country with almost no regulations protecting these vulnerable children -- she spearheads a drive to develop nation-wide reform throughout Ghana, advocating a phase-out of orphanages in favor of monitored fostering.
Lisa's quest is a dramatic, unforgettable journey. She confronts snakes, death threats, cruel betrayals, illness, road accidents, arson, an armed attack, and the AIDS epidemic that has killed so many parents with young children, and a corrupt system of for-profit orphanages. Her lonely childhood gives her the keen appreciation for what the orphans are missing, and her apprenticeship within the disciplined structure of "Vogue" has taught her the enormous resourcefulness and persistence she needs to succeed.
"Somebody's Child" is eye-opening and heart-wrenchingly honest, an inspiration to anyone who seeks meaning in helping those who cannot help themselves. It examines the myths surrounding aid to impoverished African children with a critical, yet compassionate, eye. A vivid portrait of West Africa today, it is an unflinching portrayal of the tragedies endured by millions of children, who struggle despite, and sometimes because of, outpourings of often-misplaced Western benevolence. And although to Lisa, it will always be all about the children, it is also a touching celebration of a woman who is talented, generous and brave.

Social work practice with children, young people and families is complex, highly skilled - and fascinating. Writing about social work increasingly acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of practice but rarely features the voice of the social worker themselves. This book takes a different approach, that of Critical Best Practice: a constructive, realistic and strengths-based approach that takes as its starting point the telling and analysing of in depth stories about 'live' practice. The reader is encouraged to join the social work practitioner or manager as they engage with the everyday dilemmas and uncertainties of 21st century practice. Ten narratives, based round the themes of relationships, risk, and negotiation & problem solving provide varied opportunities for critical reflection and learning about social work in different contexts. Insights are offered into social work with children, from young babies to adolescents, and families with differing needs in different parts of the UK: England, Scotland and Wales.

How do you apply the principles, structures and processes of the law to everyday practice? Drawing on a wealth of contemporary case examples, this handy pocket book demystifies the legislation on children in need and demonstrates the practical duties and responsibilities of professionals within both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

This fully-updated and revised third edition addresses the changes to law and practice in relation to adoption and permanency, the children's hearing system and the implications of the provisions of the Children and Young People (S) Act 2014 and other related matters, including the "National Practice Model" of GIRFEC. This is the only text to provide coverage of the new legal, policy and practice landscape of social work with children and families in Scotland, and as such, it is an indispensable guide for students, newly-qualified social workers, managers and practice teachers and a range of other professionals in health, education, the police and others in cognate disciplines.

Confronting Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse is the first text to examine the history, theory, treatment, and prevention of this complex phenomenon. With in-depth insights into the psychologies of victims, their families, and the perpetrators, this comprehensive text shows readers how to recognize the symptoms and impact of childhood sexual abuse, critically engage with the unique nature of each case, complete a thorough assessment, develop a treatment plan, and effectively intervene in critical situations. A national expert on child abuse and neglect and the author of numerous books and publications, Cynthia Crosson-Tower addresses a wide range of special topics and helps readers prepare for working in this challenging professional field.

From Every Child Matters and the Munro Review, to changing shifts in thinking from Coalition government; the child protection system has seen dramatic political and policy developments over recent years. This book brings you a critical analysis of these developments from a leading writer and commentator. It begins by exploring the origins of present-day arrangements, locating English policy and practice in both a wider British and international context. It examines tragic cases such as 'Baby P' and Maria Colwell, considering their impact on public and professional attitudes and, in turn, the implications for the child protection system. Looking to the future of child protection, Nigel Parton considers the current state of the system and argues that we need to address wider social and political issues, including poverty, class and inequality. Original, authoritative and up-to-date, The Politics of Child Protection is an important book for all students, practitioners and researchers interested in safeguarding and child protection.

Six Steps to Successful Child Advocacy: Changing the World for Children offers an interdisciplinary approach to child advocacy, nurturing key skills through a proven six-step process that has been used to train child advocates and create social change around the world. The approach is applicable for micro-advocacy for one child, mezzo-advocacy for a community or group of children, and macro-advocacy at a regional, national, or international level. This practical text offers skill-building activities and includes timely topics such as how to use social media for advocacy. Case studies of advocacy campaigns highlight applied approaches to advocacy across a range of issues, including child welfare, disability, early childhood, and education. Words of wisdom from noted child advocates from the U.S. and around the world, including a foreword from Dr. Jane Goodall, illustrate key concepts. Readers are guided through the process of developing a plan and tools for a real-life child advocacy campaign.

This accessible, up-to-date account of the chronic issues plaguing child care reform offers viable solutions drawn from a model state child care system in the state of North Carolina. Original data illustrates the complex landscape of US child care, as well as the ambiguous relationship society has with the statistic that 64% of women with children under six are employed and in need of reliable, high-quality care of their young children. Book Features: The history and demographics of US child care policy. Analysis of several persistent forces impeding the emergence of a national child care system. Contemporary ideas about motherhood, employment, and providing child care for pay. An extensive review of research on child care and child development. Recommendations focusing on policy integration and workforce development.

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of child abuse indicators, psychological impact and prevention. Topics discussed in this compilation include the link between mistreatment and obesity in childhood; child maltreatment prevalence and consequences of victimisation; bone disease and fractures in early childhood and their relation to child abuse; managing the risk of child sexual abuse including prevention and intervention strategies; addressing childhood trauma in Malta; the role of child sexual abuse in the development of psychopathology and borderline personality disorder.

'The first edition of this book set a milestone in writing about under threes. This second edition builds on that great achievement: its thinking about loving interactions in nurseries marks it out for its bravery and profound importance for a new generation of practice'
-Peter Elfer, University of Roehampton

'The authors skilfully interlace theory and practice, foregrounding an ethic of respect and prompting critical reflection and dialogue'
-Dr Sacha Powell, Reader in Early Childhood, Canterbury Christ Church University

'This clear, authoritative and scholarly book is informed by the authors' huge respect and affection for young children and those who work with them. A must-read'
-Helen Moylett, Early Learning Consultancy

This book is essential for all who work with children under three. Due to its combination of theory and practice, clear writing and pedagogical material. The second edition contains extensive updates on policy, new case studies, and activities from current settings.

This revised edition emphasises:

-child development and learning

-attachment/key person relationships

-planning the environment for babies

-understanding every child

-working with parents

This book will be useful to those on initial training courses, such as Foundation degrees, NVQ, BA Education and Early Childhood Studies, and for managers and practitioners undertaking CPD.

Jools Page teaches on the MA in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

Ann Clare is an Associate Tutor at the University of Sheffield.

Cathy Nutbrown is Head of the School of Education at the University of Sheffield.

The United States spends more on programs for the elderly than it does on programs that enhance child development and improve child welfare. Why has public policy neglected the development phase of young Americans' lives not only in substantive dollars spent, but also in program design and implementation? Noted child care and education policy expert William Gormley highlights the portrayal of children's issues in both the mass media and in public policymaking to explain why children have gotten short shrift. A key explanation is the limited mass media coverage of strong arguments in support of children's programs.

After documenting changes in rhetoric on children and public policy over time and variations across policy domains and government venues, Gormley demonstrates that some "issue frames" are more effective than others in persuading voters. In two randomized experiments, he finds that "economic" frames are more effective than "moralistic" frames in generating public support for children's programs. Independent voters are especially responsive to economic frames. In several illuminating case studies, in Connecticut, Utah, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, he finds that strong rhetoric makes a difference but that it is sometimes eclipsed by even stronger political and economic constraints.

"Voices for Children" offers a fresh perspective on raging debates over child health, child poverty, child welfare, and education programs at the federal and state levels. It finds some hopeful examples that could transform how we think about children's issues and the kinds of public policies we adopt.

Family abduction is the most prevalent form of child abduction in the United States. Regardless of the abductor's motive, it is an illegal act that has lasting consequences for the abducted child, the custodial parent and the abducting family member. Written with the help of six persons who have experienced family abduction, this book features valuable insights from a firsthand perspective. It is designed to provide the searching family, law enforcement and mental health professionals with strategies to build a comprehensive, child-centred approach to recovery and healing, and to support victims subjected to the crime of family abduction.

"Investing in Children: Work, Education, and Social Policy in Two Rich Countries" presents new research by leading scholars in Australia and the United States on economic factors that influence children's development and the respective social policies that the two nations have designed to boost human capital development.

The volume is organized around three major issues: parental employment, early childhood education and child care, and postsecondary education. All three issues are intimately linked with human capital development. Since both Australia and the United States have created extensive policies to address these three issues, there is potential for each to learn from the other's experiences and policies. This volume helps fulfill that potential.

The authors demonstrate that in both nations, the effects of low family income and income inequality emerge early in life and persist. However, policies that increase parental employment, augment family income, and promote quality preschool and postsecondary education can boost children's development and at least partially offset the negative developmental effects of family economic disadvantage.

While most young people have access to emotional and financial support systems throughout their early adult years, older youth in foster care and those who are emancipated from care often face obstacles to developing independent living skills and building supports that ease the transition to adulthood. Older foster youth who return to their parents or guardians may continue to experience poor family dynamics or a lack of emotional and financial supports. This book provides an overview of the federal foster care system and provisions in federal foster care law that are intended to help prepare youth for adulthood.

This book highlights a report to Congress which outlines the findings of two adoption-research studies conducted as part of The Collaboration to AdoptUsKids. In the first study, a nationwide purposive sample of 300 families seeking to adopt children with special needs from the public child welfare system was selected, interviewed and surveyed to determine actual and potential barriers to the completion of the adoption process. In the second study, a four-year prospective examination of a nationwide sample of 161 families who had adopted children with special needs was conducted in order to determine factors that contributed to successful adoption outcomes.

When Shane Dunphy starts work at Little Scamps creche, he has no idea what he has let himself in for. He had not worked in an early years setting for many years and on arriving for his first day he found that two members of staff, Susan and Tush, are at the end of their tether and on the verge of resigning. The children themselves are completely out of control. At the centre of this chaos Shane finds Tammy, a pretty, doll-like five-year-old who is a mystery to everyone: she does not talk, or even smile, yet shows signs of remarkable intelligence. Through the course of the year, Shane attempts to bring order to this motley group and we learn the stories of some of the other children in the creche: Milandra, an angry, violent four year old, the daughter of a Nigerian father and Irish mother; Rufus, a gypsy child who is direly neglected; Julie, a tiny, painfully shy little girl with Down's Syndrome. How is Shane ever to find a way to communicate with and ultimately befriend such diverse and challenging personalities? Then one afternoon, Gus, the class tear away, receives the gift of a blue crayon - a crayon he claims is magic. And Shane begins to wonder if this magic could be the answer to all his problems ... Shane Dunphy's moving portrait of a year at Little Scamps is a testament to the redemptive power of love and nurturing, of finding oneself through the care of others, as well as finding the secret of a girl who couldn't smile.

Across 30 chapters, a team of experienced teachers and practitioners introduce the fundamental professional issues concerning children, young people and their families in the 21st century. Working with Children and Families explores the diverse contexts in which children develop, and the policies and practices that directly affect them - essential knowledge for effective practice. Offering a multidisciplinary approach, this inclusive text gives a broad range of perspectives to support the study of children and childhood. Take a look inside to discover more about: - Key policies and agendas: introduces the policies, agendas and government guidance that serve as the foundation of children's services. - Contemporary issues: tackles complex topics such as anti-discriminatory and ethical practice, child protection and safeguarding. - Reflective practice: offers reflective activities throughout to help you engage, understand and apply knowledge in practice. - Diversity: helps you understand the variety of backgrounds and experiences children may have - from sociological, psychological, educational and cultural perspectives. - Integrative working: focuses holistically on the child, rather than on specific professional approaches, offering insight into important themes in all areas of work with children. This text offers a broad basis from which to launch into any area of work or study involving children, including early years, social work, education, social policy, nursing, sociology and childhood studies. It is great introductory reading for foundation and undergraduate degree level students.