The potential for early intervention to prevent social problems later in life has become the focus of much debate in recent years and finds itself at the centre of contemporary social policy. The meaning of ‘vulnerability’ – one of the key concepts in this drive – is examined in this book, as well as the relationship between vulnerability and the individual, communities and society. This book introduces students to a broad debate around what constitutes vulnerability and related concepts such as risk and resilience, and examines how vulnerability has been conceptualised by policy makers with a clear focus on early intervention. Adopting a case study approach, it opens with chapters examining the concept of vulnerability from sociological, psychological and social policy perspectives before looking at examples around disability, homelessness, leaving care, victims of violence, sexual abuse, prison, the Internet and drug use. Supporting students in engaging with and evaluating the conceptualisation and application of vulnerability in professional practice, this book is suitable for anyone either preparing for or currently working within the children’s workforce, from social work and health care to education and youth work.

The potential for early intervention to prevent social problems later in life has become the focus of much debate in recent years and finds itself at the centre of contemporary social policy. The meaning of ‘vulnerability’ – one of the key concepts in this drive – is examined in this book, as well as the relationship between vulnerability and the individual, communities and society. This book introduces students to a broad debate around what constitutes vulnerability and related concepts such as risk and resilience, and examines how vulnerability has been conceptualised by policy makers with a clear focus on early intervention. Adopting a case study approach, it opens with chapters examining the concept of vulnerability from sociological, psychological and social policy perspectives before looking at examples around disability, homelessness, leaving care, victims of violence, sexual abuse, prison, the Internet and drug use. Supporting students in engaging with and evaluating the conceptualisation and application of vulnerability in professional practice, this book is suitable for anyone either preparing for or currently working within the children’s workforce, from social work and health care to education and youth work.

This definitive textbook provides accessible information on best practice for assessing the needs and strengths of vulnerable children and their families. It explores the challenges that practitioners face routinely - with suggestions as to how to address them - as well as the established areas for assessment, of children's developmental needs, parenting ability and motivation, and socio-economic factors. This new edition has been extended substantially to include recent practice, policy and theoretical developments, such as understanding the lived experience of children, young people, and family members. It also considers children's neurological development, assessing parental capacity to change, early help assessments, emerging areas of practice such as child sexual exploitation, and working with asylum-seeking and trafficked children. Crucially, this updated edition takes a broader approach in offering relevant information to a range of professionals working with vulnerable children. The importance of inter-professional working is emphasised throughout.

The ability to build a trusting relationship is essential when working with vulnerable children. Through the use of numerous engaging games and activities developed over 20 years of working with abused and neglected children, this book shows how these lines of communication can be opened up through effective engagement with the child's world.

This book is essential reading for anyone studying and working in the new integrated children′s services. The Children′s Workforce Development Strategy sets out the basic skills and knowledge needed by people whose work brings them into regular contact with children, young people and their families. Built around this Common Core of Skills and Knowledge and packed with case studies and reflective exercises, this book helps students and practitioners understand the theory behind these issues and develop strategies for embedding them within their own practice.

Safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children is a statutory duty for all nurses and midwives. This book helps equip student nurses and midwives with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed for working with families to support and protect children. It covers the full spectrum of safeguarding work, from professional issues such as boundaries and confidentiality through to attachment and communication. Key features: -A clear explanation of the policy and key theories informing safeguarding work. -Consideration of the common challenges you are likely to face, such as vulnerability in pregnancy, domestic violence and parenting capacity. -Reflective activities and case histories which help you to develop and enhance your own practice. The book also considers multi-agency working and includes important coverage on professional issues like boundaries, confidentiality, referral and accountability. Written with clarity and accuracy, the authors have produced an important resource suitable for any nurse or midwife preparing to work with children and families.

Poverty, domestic violence, marginalisation, drug and alcohol dependence are just some of the issues faced by many Australian families. Now in its second edition, Working with Vulnerable Families provides a comprehensive and evidence-based introduction to family-centred practice in Australia. It explores the ways in which health, education and social welfare professionals can support and protect children and their families. Fully revised and updated, with eight new chapters, the book examines recent research and programs on relationship-based family support, harnessing 'resilience' and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. It encourages readers to 'think child, think family, think community' in order to promote the development, wellbeing and safety of young children and future generations. Each chapter features learning goals, local case studies and reflective questions to help reinforce and extend the reader's understanding. Written by a diverse team of experts, this is an indispensable resource for students and practitioners alike.