This topical book, now available in paperback, comprehensively draws together diverse perspectives from key leaders in the field to address critical issues for children in relation to their rights, welfare and protection at a critical time in Ireland. The broad array of chapters addresses the changing and complex landscape of policy, practice and law. It discusses the politics of children's rights, the impact of child abuse within the Catholic Church, diverse approaches to service delivery and professional practice, the media and representations of child protection practice and the relationship between research evidence and practice. It offers a critique of governance in children's services and identifies key barriers to fundamental progress in the area of children's rights and the protection of children. This original book fills a gap in publications in this area in Ireland. It is vital reading for academics, practitioners, managers, students and policy-makers, as well as being accessible to individuals with a broad interest in child welfare and protection. -- .

Adolescent substance use is a serious-and potentially deadly-problem with many repercussions for the adolescent, the family, and society at large. It is also an issue that too few education professionals feel prepared to address even as they see it playing out in their schools and classrooms. Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students' Social Emotional Learning presents evidence on the magnitude of the problem and the many underlying factors and commonly co-occurring disorders associated with student substance use. It covers the risk factors for adolescent substance use (e.g., trauma, ADHD, peer pressure, and family dysfunction) and contrasts each with specific protective factors that education professionals need to consider when designing schoolwide programs and classroom initiatives. Each chapter concludes with an example of an evidence-based program that has made a difference for students and families. Armed with knowledge, understanding, and examples of proven programs, school professionals can incorporate the necessary protective factors to provide hope and help for struggling students and their families.

An Open Letter to President Obama: Chicago Teachers Speak Out on Education describes the greatest challenges facing urban teachers today, as well as lessons learned about teaching children in poverty; detailed recommendations about how our urban school systems can close the achievement gap; teachers' assessments of various reform efforts in the system and in their schools; their analysis of school leadership, climate and morale; the stories of experiences that have moved them the most; and, whether, if given the chance and the choice, they would go into urban education all over again.

Adolescent substance use is a serious-and potentially deadly-problem with many repercussions for the adolescent, the family, and society at large. It is also an issue that too few education professionals feel prepared to address even as they see it playing out in their schools and classrooms. Struggling with Substance Use: Supporting Students' Social Emotional Learning presents evidence on the magnitude of the problem and the many underlying factors and commonly co-occurring disorders associated with student substance use. It covers the risk factors for adolescent substance use (e.g., trauma, ADHD, peer pressure, and family dysfunction) and contrasts each with specific protective factors that education professionals need to consider when designing schoolwide programs and classroom initiatives. Each chapter concludes with an example of an evidence-based program that has made a difference for students and families. Armed with knowledge, understanding, and examples of proven programs, school professionals can incorporate the necessary protective factors to provide hope and help for struggling students and their families.

School violence of all kinds continues to be a major concern today. Nearly a third of all parents report fear for their children's safety in today's schools. It provides a detailed overview nine types of school violence and also a detailed analysis of the research base on effective policies, approaches and programs. It is designed to aid school, criminal justice and mental health professionals, as well as interested parent and community groups, in preventing, responding to, and recovering from school violence. The book covers school shootings, physical violence, bullying and cyber-bullying, suicide, sexual harassment and violence, teen dating violence, gang violence, intruder violence and violence against teachers and staff. In addition to discussing each type of violence using detailed case studies, each chapter details known causes and correlates of each type, legal and policy implications, a description of evidence-based models and what stakeholders can do to address each type of violence. Selecting the right evidence-based approach (or approaches), and implementing it coherently, effectively, and with the right leadership and resources, can make all the difference.

School violence of all kinds continues to be a major concern today. Nearly a third of all parents report fear for their children's safety in today's schools. It provides a detailed overview nine types of school violence and also a detailed analysis of the research base on effective policies, approaches and programs. It is designed to aid school, criminal justice and mental health professionals, as well as interested parent and community groups, in preventing, responding to, and recovering from school violence. The book covers school shootings, physical violence, bullying and cyber-bullying, suicide, sexual harassment and violence, teen dating violence, gang violence, intruder violence and violence against teachers and staff. In addition to discussing each type of violence using detailed case studies, each chapter details known causes and correlates of each type, legal and policy implications, a description of evidence-based models and what stakeholders can do to address each type of violence. Selecting the right evidence-based approach (or approaches), and implementing it coherently, effectively, and with the right leadership and resources, can make all the difference.

At a time of growing social, economic and environmental challenge, this book offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the connections between social work and community development and on how social workers can use a community development approach to practice in critical, creative and sustainable ways.