ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is threefold. First, it summarizes the key issues covered in this book regarding the importance of social workers developing meaningful relationships with young children. Specifically, it draws attention to the findings of public inquiries, the value placed on relationships by young children and their social workers and the barriers that currently exist in this crucial area of practice. Second, the chapter outlines the main characteristics of a child rights-based approach, which it argues is necessary to overcome some of the currently identified challenges. The application of a child rights-based approach to real-life case studies of young children between the ages of 4 and 7 years provides the basis from which to explore the principles, methods and skills that enable effective communication with young children. This approach can lead to some commonly held reactions and concerns, which are identified and addressed in detail. Third, the chapter ends by making a series of recommendations as to how social workers and their senior managers can use a child rights-based approach to both fully inform the development of practice guidelines and as an audit tool with the aim of improving their relationships and communication with young children.
