This comprehensive book is a critical introduction to the theoretical and practical issues involved in working with children and families. It sheds light on different perspectives, forms of practice, and dimensions of policy, with a focus on the practical issues of concern to professionals working with children in a range of settings.

What issues, challenges and problems do young people face in 21st century society? How do they make sense of their lifeworlds? Are they proactive or reactive when it comes to dealing with the multiple pressures they face? This book brings together a variety of real life accounts, many of which were assembled from empirical research, that provide an important lens through which to view what it means to be a young person in todays world. One of the main purposes of the book is to challenge dominant and taken for granted assumptions about the young. You will find discussions of the ways in which young peoples lives are consistently problematised; how some are denied basic human rights; the way that education systems consistently fail them; and how for some the threat or experience of violence and aggression can come to dominate their lives. This book has been written from a global perspective it brings together contributors who share an academic interest and professional concern to improve outcomes for young people. Space is given to understanding the importance of developing a human rights framework that will foster young peoples potential. We foreground the importance of listening to young people because they have important things to say. The reader will be invited to reflect on: what can happen when young people become politically motivated; the challenges associated with super complexity, education and globalisation; the ways in which some young people are exposed to high levels of vulnerability and risk; and how information technology is utilised to secure peer and professional support. This book draws on a range of social science disciplines psychology, sociology, political science, education studies and social policy. It will be of interest to academics, students and those with the responsibility of developing and delivering services for young people. The contributors hope it will add knowledge, understanding and awareness of the issues, problems and challenges young people face in 21st century society.

This reader provides a critical and comprehensive account of the theoretical and practical issues raised in working with children and families. It draws on debates from a range of disciplines to shed light on different perspectives, forms of practice and dimensions of policy. Its strong applied focus allows it to address a rich variety of issues of concern to professionals working with children in a range of settings. The contributing authors consist of leading academics in the field as well as those with first-hand knowledge and experience; all write in a clear and engaging style.