Addresses theory, practice, and outcomes of adopting an empowerment and family resource approach to supporting and strengthening individual family functioning.

Recent government initiatives and developments in professional practice have been designed to help families in difficulty effectively, in order to prevent child harm. This book examines whether these changes have worked, by examining a large scale study conducted by the NSPCC and drawing out the main messages for practice and future policy. The research findings are set out in terms of children's and families' needs and expectations, agency interventions and outcomes, community context, measures and perceived changes over time. ? Highly topical - national priority designated by government ? Professionals are required to learn quickly about this and little information is presently available to them ? Clear presentation - lots of boxes and diagrams to be incorporated

From time to time all families face predicaments, and use their own resources to overcome them. However, sometimes these resources are insufficient and they need help. Through the use of richly detailed practice examples and case studies, this comprehensive book clearly and succinctly examines the knowledge, skills and attitude that social workers require in order to engage with and help families experiencing strain in a multitude of different situations. Taking a strongly ecological stance, it outlines the variety of external stressors that can push families into difficulty and provides a thorough examination of the ways in which social workers can understand, help and support them. Concise and accessible, Supporting Families is an essential sourcebook for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking modules related to working with children and families as well as practitioners seeking a fresh source of reference.

Natural disasters, illness, layoffs, shootings, and family violence are events experienced by families. In many of these highly stressful or traumatic situations, the lives of families are disrupted and basic family responsibilities may not be met. Head Start staff throughout the country report the growing and complex needs of the children and families they serve. This guide offers Head Start staff training on how to prevent, identify, and respond to family crises in ways that can build resiliency in families. Focuses on the skills of crisis prevention and intervention. Examines issues of family and staff safety at a number of levels: risk assessment, protection of family members, staff self-protective measures, and program measures aimed at staff safety. Illustrations.

Understanding the perspective of carers is an essential aspect of nursing. Supporting Families and Carers: A Nursing Perspective offers insights into the fundamental principles of caring for families and carers irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. This book discusses the concepts and theories that underpin our understanding of the behaviours and feelings that families and caregivers may experience. While the book covers theoretical dimensions to understand the caregiving experience, it also provides practical perspectives for nursing and is a unique resource to inform nursing practice and learning at all levels. The book covers topics such as the stress process, stressors and how they relate to caregiving as well as actions and resources to help alter stressful situations. Interventions discussed include training and education programs, problem-solving skills, information technology–based support and formal approaches to planning care that take into account the specific needs of carers. Carers are a central aspect of contemporary health services, and working with carers is fundamental to the delivery of high-quality person- and family-centred nursing care. This invaluable resource helps nurses to work effectively in partnership with patients and their carers.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Understanding and Supporting 'Families with Complex Needs'" that was published in Social Sciences