This collection charts the key developments in the social work field from 1970 to the present day and shows how by fully understanding social work's past, we can make better progress for practitioners and service users in the future. It brings together a broad collection of experts from across social work who trace how thinking and approaches to practice have changed over time, examine key legislative developments in the field, look at the impacts of major inquiries and consider the re-emergence of certain specialisms. Providing students and practitioners of social work and social policy with a full picture of the evolution of social work, it also shares important insights for its future directions.

This collection charts the key developments in the social work field from 1970 to the present day and shows how by fully understanding social work's past, we can make better progress for practitioners and service users in the future. It brings together a broad collection of experts from across social work who trace how thinking and approaches to practice have changed over time, examine key legislative developments in the field, look at the impacts of major inquiries and consider the re-emergence of certain specialisms. Providing students and practitioners of social work and social policy with a full picture of the evolution of social work, it also shares important insights for its future directions.

In the consciousness of politicians, professionals and the public, children and young people loom increasingly large as a challenge to be faced. This problematic image includes not only the inevitable and traditional difficulties faced by the young in negotiating a role in society, but also an increasing tendency for children to be problematized, even vilified, and for state intervention in their lives to reflect this trend. Indeed, the increasing scale and scope of central and local government policy responses to the age group can sometimes result, both intentionally and unintentionally, in additional challenges for children to overcome. The text starts with the assumption that we cannot assume that state intervention in the lives of young people will always lead to positive outcomes. The contributors explore the key policy areas such as health, education and the youth justice system, within the broader social and economic context, including race and culture, the economy and European integration.

Designed to meet a range of day care needs for individuals, families or wider communities, Family Centres are central to the government's provision of effective child care services. The study of family centres - monitoring their objectives, examining key challenges faced and evaluating approaches to practice - is fundamental to the delivery of effective, evidence-based services. This book details and evaluates expert research into the developing role of family centres in the light of current political and social trends including, the Every Child Matters legislation. It outlines the different user groups serviced by family centres; the various combinations of services provided and the contribution that these are making to positive outcomes for children; major tasks facing family centres such as optimising access to services; and important partnerships between family centres and other services such as education and health care. Based on the evidence, the authors highlight key messages for future development. A vital addition to the literature on child care services, Improving Children's Services Networks is essential reading for social care practitioners and students, government policy makers and planners.