The recent review of the Diploma in Social Work highlighted the fact that children and young people who are in care have less successsful records of educational achievement than their peers. Social Work with Children encourages students to view the educational experiences of the young people they will work with seriously and to provide them with the necessary information to do so with confidence and authority. It takes account of the problems asssociated with inter-agency and inter-professional work drawing upon the authors own practical experience and research. Illustrative case studies are provided.

Although pupil disaffection has been a major concern to professionals, policy makers and researchers for quite some time, recent professional books in the area tend to focus on behaviour and exclusion from schools. Despite considerable government funding in both LEA's and schools- to promote new measures to improve school attendance, non-attendance at school is a relatively neglected topic as far as serious researched-based literature is concerned. This book will be the first in several years concerned with non-attendance.
Previously unpublished research material in the book will provide a multi-disciplinary evaluation of practice at LEA, whole school and individual levels.

The recent review of the Diploma in Social Work highlighted the fact that children and young people who are in care have less successsful records of educational achievement than their peers. Social Work with Children encourages students to view the educational experiences of the young people they will work with seriously and to provide them with the necessary information to do so with confidence and authority. It takes account of the problems asssociated with inter-agency and inter-professional work drawing upon the authors own practical experience and research. Illustrative case studies are provided.

The number of pupils excluded from school has risen sharply over the past few years. To a great extent, this can be directly attributed to the increased competition between schools, following the introduction of the 1988 Education Reform Act. Many schools are concerned that children with behavioural problems will damage the image of the school and so can be reluctant to admit these pupils to the classroom. However, little has been done to follow up what happens to these pupils once they have been excluded from school, or to examine ways in which their exclusion might be prevented.
This collection, written from a range of professional perspectives, examines current trends in exclusion, including the consequences of exclusion. It also gives practical guidance on preventative strategies, based on real life experiences and examines how professionals such as teachers, social workers and other support agencies can work together to help to avoid exclusion.

The number of pupils excluded from school has risen sharply over the past few years. To a great extent, this can be directly attributed to the increased competition between schools, following the introduction of the 1988 Education Reform Act. Many schools are concerned that children with behavioural problems will damage the image of the school and so can be reluctant to admit these pupils to the classroom. However, little has been done to follow up what happens to these pupils once they have been excluded from school, or to examine ways in which their exclusion might be prevented. This collection, written from a range of professional perspectives, examines current trends in exclusion, including the consequences of exclusion. It also gives practical guidance on preventative strategies, based on real life experiences and examines how professionals such as teachers, social workers and other support agencies can work together to help to avoid exclusion.

Social workers and social care practitioners are increasingly required to engage directly with matters relating to sex and sexuality in their everyday work. Policies and guidance on how to approach these sensitive areas are emerging. This book provides busy practitioners with a ready reference for the day-to-day problems that they are likely to face in key areas of engagement, such as promoting sexual health, preventing sexual violence, working with those subjected to sexual abuse, and engaging with the complexities of contemporary sexualities. The book: * reviews current policy in each area; * outlines the relevant guidance; * and provides links to further reading and other helpful sources of information. Concise but comprehensive, practical and accessible, the book is realistic in terms of what services practitioners can provide. "Sexual issues in social work" is essential reading for anyone who works with others where sex and sexuality have become part of the practice concerns.

Although pupil disaffection has been a major concern to professionals, policy makers and researchers for quite some time, recent professional books in the area tend to focus on behaviour and exclusion from schools. Despite considerable government funding in both LEA's and schools- to promote new measures to improve school attendance, non-attendance at school is a relatively neglected topic as far as serious researched-based literature is concerned. This book will be the first in several years concerned with non-attendance.
Previously unpublished research material in the book will provide a multi-disciplinary evaluation of practice at LEA, whole school and individual levels.

Solution focused approaches offer proven ways of helping children overcome a whole range of difficulties, from academic problems to mental health issues, by helping them to identify their strengths and achievements. Based on solution focused practice principles, this book illustrates communication skills and playful techniques for working with all children and young people, regardless of any health, learning or development need. It demonstrates how the approach can capture children's views, wishes and worries, and can assist them in identifying their strengths and abilities. The approach encourages positive decision-making, and helps children to overcome challenges, achieve their goals and reach their full potential. The book is packed with case examples, practical strategies, and practice activities. This valuable text will be of great use to a range of practitioners working with children and young people, including social workers, youth workers, counsellors, teachers and nurses.

Exploring creative ways to implement solution focused practice, this book is packed full of ideas to inspire ways of working with clients which focus on their strengths as a means to finding solutions. Outlining how and why strengths-based interviewing for solutions is effective, the book provides a wealth of different ways to apply key solution focused techniques. With exercises, sample questions and top tips for tricky situations, the authors show how to apply creative methods in a variety of different settings and with different service user groups. Suitable for use with children and adults, this accessible book will offer exciting ideas for those new to solution focused working as well as more experienced practitioners looking for inspiration.

More than any other challenging behaviour, the sexual abuse of one child by another generates anxiety, puzzlement and confusion. Adults confident in dealing with a defiant or delinquent child find their confidence leaves them when confronted with sexual misbehaviour in a child who they expect to be asexual. In this book, Jackie Bateman and Judith Milner provide an accessible overview of the evidence relating to such problem behaviours, from inappropriate behaviour to sexual abuse. They go on to propose research-based effective and creative methods that professionals can use to develop responsibility-taking and safety in the child, and outline a strengths-based model for practice. Using the model, the authors show how behaviour can be managed through the development of safe care plans for the home and/or school - addressing communication, supervision, and supportive networks. They also provide guidance for working across a range of settings - whether directly with families, in schools or with children with learning difficulties. This practical guide will be an essential tool for social workers, counsellors, teachers, nurses and any professional with responsibility for child protection.

An authoritative, interdisciplinary book which outlines how solution focused practice is particularly effective in addressing violent behaviour in clients and service users, encompassing work with both adults and children. Solution focused approaches have been used successfully with a range of violent behaviours from school-based bullying to severe domestic violence, as well as with victims of violence. Solution focused approaches hold people accountable for building solutions to their violent behaviour. The book shows how to engage clients in solution talk as opposed to problem talk, set useful goals and help clients to develop new behaviours. It outlines the practice principles and working techniques that make up solution focused practice with physical, emotional and sexual violence. Illustrative case studies and practice activities are provided. This book is suitable for anyone working to help reduce violent behaviour, including social workers, counsellors, therapists, nurses, probation workers and youth offending teams.

Whilst assessment has long been central to the counselling process, with the recent moves towards evidence-based practice and increased regulation it is taking an increasingly pivotal role in service provision. This important new text helps clarify the nature and purpose of assessment in counselling. It explores the theoretical underpinnings of assessment across the core therapeutic schools and addresses critical differences in the meanings and importance deferred to it. It will be invaluable reading for all trainees as well as for practitioners wishing to gain a broad insight into therapeutic practice across the boundaries of the many therapeutic models.

Assessment is a core component of social work. Since first publication, Assessment in Social Work has provided students and practitioners with a clear overview of the complex issues they face and a map of the theory they need to draw on in order to conduct thorough, effective and meaningful assessments. New to this Edition: - Updated and revised chapter on Signs of Safety/Strengths in light of recent research and guidance - Coverage of recording and sharing information included throughout the text - Added coverage of confidentiality and inter-agency workingUpdated material in light of the Mental Capacity Act - More material on Cultural differences throughout - Updated legislation and professional guidance throughout Refreshed and updated examples thought-out the text - A more detailed outline of the different national perspectives within the UK

Solution focused practice offers proven ways of helping adults overcome a range of life difficulties, from physical and mental illness to learning disability and the challenges of old age. This book outlines the basic principles and techniques which can be used to identify people's strengths and abilities to overcome challenges, make their own decisions and achieve their goals. Using case examples of life challenges at every stage of adulthood, including problematic behaviours, trauma, loss and end of life care, it provides stimulating activities and questions that will help professionals develop constructive conversations with service users and help them find the solutions they need. This comprehensive guide is an essential introduction for all those working with adults in health and social care.