This fully updated and expanded third edition of a classic text provides a comprehensive introduction to key theory, knowledge, research and evidence relating to practice learning in social work and social care. It outlines the theories that underpin social care practice, the main assessment models and interventions, and also offers guidance on the effective implementation of assessment across a range of professional contexts. Contributors from research, policy-making and practice backgrounds offer guidance on how to apply policy and research findings in everyday practice while ensuring that the complex needs of each individual service user are met. This third edition also features new chapters on group work, social pedagogy and personalisation. The Handbook for Practice Learning in Social Work and Social Care is an essential resource for ensuring effective evidence-based practice which will be valued by students, educators and practitioners alike.

Written as part of a training pack for practitioners working in child care and child protection, and bringing together leading figures from a range of disciplines, this important text shows how the latest child development theories can be applied to professionals' working practice. Considering theories of development throughout the lifespan from the early years through to adolescence, and transitions to adulthood, this resource is essential reading for a range of professionals including social workers, teachers, and health and mental health professionals. The authors build up an integrated picture of the developing world of the child, looking at genetic and biological influences alongside individual psychological, interpersonal, familial, educational and wider community domains. The final part of the book looks specifically at issues for practice, including chapters on communicating with children exercising professional judgment, and planning, interventions and outcomes in child care.

The contributors to this book provide a comprehensive review of child care policy and practice. They present evaluations and critiques of new or impending legislation and policies, and describe innovative services for children and young people who are deemed to be in need of protection, care or control as a result of abandonment, neglect, ill-treatment, offending or other difficulties. They also examine changes in adoption law, where such issues as placement policies in relation to children from ethnic minorities, intercountry adoption and the trend towards greater openness have become prominent and controversial in recent years.