Policy Press Critical Social Work with Children and Families: Theory, Context and Practice

Product Description This book traces the changing fortunes of radical and critical social work in the U.K., and examines the theory, context and application of such approaches. Radical social work of the 1970s declined as the rise of neoliberalism changed the nature of the welfare state along with what social workers do and how. A looser critical approach developed, although practitioner demoralisation and disillusionment led to the second wave of radical social work in the late 2000s. Despite challenges, critical practice is both necessary and possible in the neoliberal world. Drawing on the authors unique experience, core areas of practice with children and families are covered, including real life case studies, key point summaries and suggestions for further reading. The essential argument is for an emancipatory practice geared to meeting immediate needs, as well as having some vision of a future, more socially just and equal, society. The book will be invaluable to undergraduate and postgraduate social work students, experienced practitioners, educators, managers and policy makers. Review "Provides a much needed contribution to social work knowledge."-- "Journal of Social Policy" "Rogowski writes with characteristic commitment, clarity and vision. Here we have sharp analysis along with an invaluable guide to practice consistent with the emancipatory principles of modern radical social work." --Mary Langan "Open University" "Rogowski. . . has come up trumps with this latest work which focuses on children and family work in the UK . . . the book is a useful compliment to the contemporary UK radical literature in its attempt to bridge the divide between the academic standpoint of those works and the actualities of practice."-- "British Journal of Social Work" About the Author Dr. Steve Rogowski is a qualified social worker and has been practicing, mainly with children and families, for approaching 40 years. He has a particular interest in young offending having published in this area, as well as in the social work and social policy fields more generally. Recent work includes the book Social Work: The Rise and Fall of a Profession? 2010, Bristol: Policy Press.