Social Control and the Use of Power in Social Work with Children and Families
Social Control and the Use of Power in Social Work with Children and Families

Author: Toyin Okitikpi

Publisher: Russell House Publishing Limited

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781905541713

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The role of a social worker has always been about balancing the necessity for care and control, yet practitioners are generally more comfortable with the care element of their profession rather than the control element. In this book, ten contributors explore the complex nature of power and its important function, both in social work in general and the childcare field in particular. The book: examines the extent of social work powers in working with children and families * explores the changing role of social workers, and childcare social work in particular * discusses the crisis of confidence about the role, duties, and responsibilities of working within the children and families sector * examines the increasing policy shift towards social control * looks at the tensions and contradictions inherent in the helping process * considers the role of social workers in the school environment, where exercising power and control is readily accepted by parents, but how that is done is crucial * discusses whether social workers are not only aware of their powers, but also know how they utilize their powers when working with 'at risk' cases * asks how the 'rule of optimism' can be redefined and still safeguard vulnerable children and young people * examines the ethics of exercising power in practice.

Critical Social Work with Children and Families
Critical Social Work with Children and Families

Author: Steve Rogowski

Publisher: Policy Press

Published: 2024-02-27

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1447369300

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In dealing with individual problems and difficulties, critical social work (CSW) is an emancipatory practice which seeks to address social injustice. In this book the author draws on almost 40 years’ experience as a social worker to consider CSW in core areas of practice with children and families. Fully updated to cover the impact of austerity, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis, this accessible textbook is essential reading for students, educators and practitioners of child and family social work. It features: • clearly signposted ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ sections; • over 10 case studies including those drawn from the author’s experience; • end of chapter ‘Key points’ summaries; • further reading suggestions. With expanded coverage of race and intersectionality, contextual safeguarding and critical child protection, the book champions the development of resilient social workers working towards a more just and equal world.

Social Work
Social Work

Author: Jan Fook

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2016-04-30

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1473984874

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Social work is a human profession founded on social justice. It is difficult, however, to negotiate this in the constantly changing context of the 21st century. Drawing on her own experiences and the experiences of others, Jan Fook returns to address the critical tradition of social work, supporting students in their understanding of the possibilities of critical practices in changing contexts. Part One: Critical Potential and Current Challenges sets the historical and current contexts for critical social work, introducing students to what critical social work is and what it means for practice. Part Two: Rethinking Ideas unpicks the major concepts associated with critical social work, including knowledge, power, discourse, identity, and difference, and how these need to be rethought in new contexts. Part Three: Redeveloping Practices illustrates how these new ideas can inform new practices, proving students with all the tools you need to deliver flexible, responsible and responsive social work practice. Celebrating the ageless ideals of the profession, this book throws a life belt to all social work students and professionals looking to engage with the critical tradition of social work to improve their understanding and practice. Jan Fook is Visiting Professor of Professional Practice Research, Royal Holloway, University of London and Chair in Education (Critical Reflection), Kingston University and St Georges, University of London

Social Work and Power
Social Work and Power

Author: Roger Smith

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2018-06-26

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 1137043059

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Power is an unavoidable issue in social work. This important text explores these complex issues, both at a conceptual and applied level, in order to give students a clear understanding of the theoretical frameworks relevant to practice and to help them begin to think through the challenges they are likely to face and how they will deal with these.

The Sage Handbook of Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work
The Sage Handbook of Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work

Author: Brian J. Taylor

Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited

Published: 2023-08-16

Total Pages: 989

ISBN-13: 1529614635

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The SAGE Handbook on Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work provides a comprehensive overview of key strands of research and theoretical concepts in this increasingly important field. With 49 chapters and four section summaries, this Handbook describes the ‘state of the art’; discuss key debates and issues; and gives pointers on future directions for practice, research, teaching, management of services, and development of theoretical understandings. A key aim of this Handbook is to support the development of sound, applied knowledge and values to underpin reasoned professional judgement and decision making by social workers in practice and those in management and regulatory roles. With contributions from a global interdisciplinary body of leading and emerging scholars from a wide variety of roles, this handbook has been designed to be internationally generalisable and applicable to all major areas of social work. This Handbook provides a field-defining account of decision making, assessment and risk in social work which is unrivalled for its diversity and strength of coverage, and will be of value to social work researchers, teachers and practitioners, as well as to those in allied fields such as health care. Section 1: Professional Judgement Section 2: Assessment, Risk and Decision Processes Section 3: Assessment Tools and Approaches Section 4: Developing and Managing Practice Section 5: Concluding Section / Afterword

Sustaining Social Work
Sustaining Social Work

Author: Robbie Duschinsky

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2017-09-16

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1137403918

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Social work is a profession under strain, and practitioners report finding the role increasingly challenging. What can sustain social work in these times? How can social workers sustain themselves in the role? How can they derive confidence and meaning from what they do? In addressing these questions, Sustaining Social Work is a source of understanding and support for professionals struggling with the tensions of practice. Accessible and engaging , it explores the fallout that results from social workers experiencing these tensions, including feelings of powerlessness, responsibility, optimism and cynicism. Drawing on ideas from social theory and the social sciences, it puts forward a model of sustainable social work that will help practitioners not just cope but flourish – even in the context of ongoing crises. An enlightening, uplifting read in a difficult and uncertain time for the profession, Sustaining Social Work addresses the challenge of finding sustenance and consolation within day-to-day practice, enriching it beyond the short-term.

Action Learning in Social Work
Action Learning in Social Work

Author: Christine Abbott

Publisher: Learning Matters

Published: 2013-08-12

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1446287114

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Throughout their careers, social work students and practitioners need to demonstrate an understanding of critical and reflective practice. The Professional Capabilities Framework sets out how newly-qualified social workers can achieve this, and become 'critical practitioners' who are able to make decisions in fast-moving situations. This book is a complete guide for those practitioners who wish to engage with action learning as a way of developing critically reflective practice. The authors use Action Learning to explore fundamental aspects of good social work including for example person centred and anti-oppressive practice. The notions of social and emotional intelligence and being critically reflective are also explored in the context of action learning. This book is practical, skills-based and essential reading for all social workers who wish to extend their understanding and knowledge.

Advocacy and Social Work Practice
Advocacy and Social Work Practice

Author: Tom Wilks

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)

Published: 2012-04-16

Total Pages: 211

ISBN-13: 0335243045

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"This is a welcome contribution that introduces the important aspects of advocacy and social work practice. It will be particularly useful to readers who are committed to developing their knowledge and understanding of advocacy and social work ... There is a strong focus on practical skills that will help practitioners take forward their advocacy role." Jane Boylan, Director of Social Work Studies, Keele University, UK and Jane Dalrymple, Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England, UK Skills in advocacy are essential for every social work student and practitioner. This accessible book provides an introduction to advocacy, examining the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to undertake advocacy roles and work constructively with the growing number of independent advocates. Beginning with the historical background to advocacy and its place within social work, the book explores different definitions and understandings of advocacy and explores a range of practice models, presenting a multi-dimensional model as an analytic framework. The book also includes: A range of practical examples from a variety of different settings, linking theory and practice A strong focus on skills, with specific strategies for presenting a case effectively and assertive negotiation Coverage of the current practice context, including statutory advocacy roles and the impact of personalisation on advocacy The second part of the book focuses on practice and looks at process models of advocacy and how advocacy fits with social work methods and theories of intervention. Finally, the book examines a range of issues which will impact on the future of advocacy. Advocacy and Social Work Practice is ideal for social work students and is also suitable for a wide range of practitioners who are either undertaking advocacy roles or working with independent advocates to achieve the best outcome for a client.

Best Practice with Children and Families
Best Practice with Children and Families

Author: Barry Cooper

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2014-12-12

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 1350314013

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Social work practice with children, young people and families is complex, highly skilled - and fascinating. Writing about social work increasingly acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of practice but rarely features the voice of the social worker themselves. This book takes a different approach, that of Critical Best Practice: a constructive, realistic and strengths-based approach that takes as its starting point the telling and analysing of in depth stories about 'live' practice. The reader is encouraged to join the social work practitioner or manager as they engage with the everyday dilemmas and uncertainties of 21st century practice. Ten narratives, based round the themes of relationships, risk, and negotiation & problem solving provide varied opportunities for critical reflection and learning about social work in different contexts. Insights are offered into social work with children, from young babies to adolescents, and families with differing needs in different parts of the UK: England, Scotland and Wales.