Kieran O'Hagan – författare

This book could only have been written by a social worker. It is full of energy, laced with pathos and humour, and the warts are not only visible but highlighted. It offers a thoughtful, down-to-earth view of crisis work in one social services team.' - Paul Reading, Oxford MIND

The principal objectives of this book are to enable childcare workers to understand and deal more effectively with cases of emotional and psychological abuse. The concepts of emotional development, emotional abuse, psychological development, and psychological abuse are fully explored and clearly defined, within the contexts of: Existing literature and research Childcare legislation and practiceChild abuse enquiry reports, in particular that of Victoria ClimbiéThe book identifies emotional and psychological development and abuse in specific age categories, 0-4, 5-12, and adolescence. Case studies and vignettes are used to highlight normal development and abusive situations. Comprehensive frameworks which are easily applicable to current practice, are provided, enabling workers to observe and accurately assess the quality of emotional and psychological life of children.

Identifying Emotional and Psychological Abuse is key reading for health and social care professionals, as well as students with an interest in child protection.

Since the publication of the first edition of this classic text, the major reforms in social work education resulted in the National Occupational Standards Framework (NOSF), which requires all social workers to demonstrate competence in a number of key areas.This practical text book covers all areas of the NOSF including social work ethics, residential care practice, child protection, risk analysis and protecting adults with learning difficulties. Numerous case studies effectively convey competent practice in social work practice, and relate core areas of competence explicitly to the relevant section of the framework.Professionals and students involved in social work training, as well as new practitioners will value this book as an indispensable resource.

The right of minority groups to define their culture and identity in their own terms is the central theme of this book. O'Hagan argues that a comprehensive definition of culture, and an awareness of all the issues involved, may enable practitioners to fulfil their statutory obligations more effectively. The current assumption of much literature in the caring professions that race is the most crucial component of cultural identity, is challenged. O'Hagan takes a practice-orientated approach, providing case study examples of how self-awareness tools may be employed within the caring professions.The book is divided into three parts. The first part illustrates the challenge of cultural competence for practitioners by describing the experiences of clients in contact with public agencies. The meaning of culture and identity is explored, based on different theoretical approaches, including social theory and international relations theory. The second part identifies many features of the caring professions which have not been conducive to acquiring cultural awareness and sensitivity. This leads on to the last part, which analyses frameworks for good practice. Each of these frameworks will enable the reader to explore their own attitudes and approaches to different aspects of culture. This book is essential reading for all those working with minority groups in the caring professions.