Social Work With Young People in Care

'...a refreshing and stimulating compendium of the journeys children may take as they join the care system and then leave it through various routes...I will keep my copy with me always. - Carolyn Matthews, Professional Social Work 'I found this volume very refreshing, both in the way it is set out and the way in which the examples of case studies underpin the book's messages. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to all those who provide social work and social care for young people in care.' - Richard Rose, Children in Society 'A good balance of theory, policy, research and practice is achieved. There is a lot of information and detail to absorb, but the book is easy to read and so structured that the reader can dip in and out of chapters.' - Rena Phillips, Adoption and Fostering 'This is an excellent reader for students studying social work or for anybody who wants to refresh their practice and find quick references to provide further reading on specific topic areas.' - Janet Rich, British Journal of Social Work

NIGEL THOMAS is Professor of Childhood and Youth Research in the Department of Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire, UK. He previously taught social work with children and families at the University of Wales Swansea and led the Postqualifying Child Care Programme for Wales. Before becoming an academic he was a social work practitioner and manager. He is author of Children, Family and the State: Decision-making and child participation (2002), co-author of What works in creating stability for looked after children? (2001), and co-editor of An Introduction to Early Childhhod Studies (2004).

Acknowledgements A Note on Terminology PART ONE: THEORY Introduction: Themes and Key Principles The Needs of Children and Young People Who Come into Care Listening to Children and Young People Caring for Young People from Different Backgrounds Law, Policy and Practice in Looking after Young People PART TWO: PRACTICE Assessment and Planning Placement and Contact Residential and Foster Care Adoption and Working for Permanence Leaving Care and Aftercare Conclusion: Outcomes, Effectiveness and Good Practice References