Effective Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
Putting Systems Theory into Practice
- Steven Walker - Anglia Ruskin University, UK
This book looks at the changing context of children and young people's services heralded by the structural, organizational and funding changes put forward in Eileen Munro's Review of Child Protection. It is strongly grounded in research and theory, and gives specific consideration to how systems theory can help practitioners in understanding families.
It highlights the need for every social work practitioner to develop the capacity to undertake unified assessments and interventions in a wide variety of settings with individuals, families, and groups where there are child protection and safeguarding concerns.
With case studies, interactive activities, summaries and guidance throughout, this book will be essential reading for all social work students and qualified social work practitioners, as well as all those involved in the field of child protection.
'This book provides a clear and accessible account of how to use a systems approach in working with families' -
Eileen Munro, London School of Economics
'An insightful text which highlights the current context within children's services' -
Tracey Wornast, Canterbury Christchurch University
I found this book useful when discussing the issues around the children's services.
A framework/reference book which could be very useful for students studying these modules/about to practice in this field
Like the summary of Children Act 1989 sections p 31 - 33. Dissapointed not more detail re Munro and that the Hackney model is only mentioned briefly
This is a really useful book, bringing toether several contemporary theories and approaches and presenting them in a very relevant and concise manner.
Overall I found the text easy to read and engage with. I would recommend the text be considered as key to those professionals and students working within the field of children’s services including Health, Education, Early Years, Policing and especially Social Work students.
A clear account of applying systems theory in social work with Children, Young people and families including a good exploration of the dilemmas and challenges of putting it into practice. It includes well laid out material divided into chapters covering key areas of practice. The case studies and commentary sections will enable students to apply and reflect on their learning.
Many practitioners at different levels of competency can struggle to articulate or put into practice systems theory, yet recognise its importance in working with families.
Steve Walker has managed to produce a text that is easily understood and equally accessible to a broad range of professional disciplines on effective ways to working with families through being able to utilise systems theory in practice.
The book provides context in terms of history and ways of understanding a systemic mindset that will help families make sense of their families through practitioners being able to comprehend the advantages of systems theory, strengths and limitations.
This is an excellent book which focuses on the systems theory for intervention. It covers the changes which are happening within this area of social work and discusses cultural awareness, which is an essential component of effective assessment and support.