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Child and family social work faces pressing challenges, from high care rates – particularly among marginalised communities – to limited family involvement in decision-making. How can social work evolve to better empower children and families?
Rooted in original empirical research, this edited volume argues for collaborative, relationship-based practice. It explores participatory approaches to working with both children and parents/caregivers, innovative advocacy strategies and emerging trends, including increasing use of digital platforms.
Essential reading for academics, policy makers and practitioners working in child welfare and social work, it provides evidence-based guidance for fostering inclusive, family-centred social care. Using interviews and observations, it amplifies the voices of those directly involved in the social care system while offering practical tools for creating more responsive, effective and ethical social work practices.
“This thought-provoking book provides a compelling argument for the centrality of participatory practices with children, families and communities. Bringing together a range of contributors, models of practice are presented, systemic barriers discussed and fundamental values reaffirmed. This book is a must-read for students, practitioners and policy makers.” Anna Gupta, Royal Holloway, University of London
“An essential contribution to participatory scholarship – bridging theory, practice and lived experience with clarity, compassion and conviction.” Lisa Merkel-Holguin, University of Colorado Anschutz
Clive Diaz is Professor of Social Work at Swansea University.
Sammi Fitz-Symonds is Research Associate in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University.
Tim Fisher is National Practice Lead at Kinship and founder of Relational Activism.
PART I: Foundations and contemporary challenges
1. Introduction - Hayley Pert, Clive Diaz, Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Shane Powell
2. Increasing and varying rates of children in out-of-home care: insights from Ecological Systems Theory - Sophie Wood
3. Contemporary challenges in social work service delivery to children and families - Liz Frost
4. Participation and decision-making - Hayley Pert
PART II: Advocacy and family participation
5. Family Drug and Alcohol Courts - David Westlake and Melissa Meindl
6. Strengthening families through Family Group Conferencing - Lorna Stabler, Tim Fisher and Kar Man Au
7. Parent activism in child welfare in high- income countries - David Tobis and Fae Rowley
8. Models of parental advocacy in child and family social work - Shane Powell, Clive Diaz, Tim Fisher, Kar Man Au
and Jourdelle Bennett
9. Advocacy for children in care - Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Lorna Stabler
PART III: Rights and innovation
10. Children in Care Councils - Clive Diaz, Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Elen Newton
11. Digital participation and technology in social work - Sammi Fitz-Symonds and Shane Powell
12. Concluding reflections - Clive Diaz and Tim Fisher