ABSTRACT

Meeting the needs of children at the same time as promoting family life is more than a question of resources: it needs a culture change in social services: a rediscovery and a modernization of the social action and community development traditions in social work. In Social Action with Children and Families the authors argue that ways must be found to work together to promote environments in which children can flourish, and to develop forms of public life which are friendly to children and their parents.
Recent changes in child care systems have put more pressures on those working in it. Social workers have become more open to public scrutiny and are expected to respond to problems rooted in social and economic aspects of their clients' or services users' lives. Legislation stresses working in partnership with parents, other professionals, and community groups.
The central aim of Social Action with Children and Families is to help those working in this field to find a new, more positive sense of direction and purpose. It will be invaluable reading to those studying social work, social policy and public administration as well as to all professionals working in these areas.

part |102 pages

New strategies in social action

chapter |20 pages

Community development and children

A contemporary agenda

chapter |19 pages

Mapping the future?

A contribution from community social work in the community care field

part |93 pages

New practices with children and families

chapter |20 pages

Mechanisms for empowerment

Family group conferences and local family advocacy schemes

chapter |18 pages

Long-term development

Neighbourhood community development work on estates

chapter |19 pages

Think global, act local

Towards residents' control of their life, health and environment—tools and skills in social development in France