Research Highlights in Social Work – serie

How is the modern world shaping young people and youth crime? What impact is this having on the latest policies and practice? Are current youth justice services working? With contributions from leading researchers in the field, this book offers an insightful, scholarly and critical analysis of such key issues.Youth Offending and Youth Justice engages constructively with current policy and practice debates, tackling issues such as the criminalisation and penalisation of youth, sentencer decision-making, the incarceration of young people and the role of public opinion. It also features an applied focus on professional practice.Drawing on a wide range of high-quality research, this book will enrich the work of practitioners, managers, policy-makers, students and academics in social work, youth work, criminal justice and youth justice in the UK and beyond.

Social care needs excellent leaders now more than ever. Effective leaders aim high, listen to what the service users want and need, inspire their staff and continually question what they are doing and why. This book draws together the latest research on fundamental leadership issues in social care, discussing collaborative leadership and the importance of place-based development, exploring the key disciplines of supervision, management and leadership and examining the purpose of a learning framework for social care. Comparative approaches are also provided by practitioners working outside of social work, placing leadership development in context across the public, private and voluntary sectors and presenting authoritative guidance from an international perspective.Leadership in Social Care will appeal to social care practitioners and service providers, academics, researchers and students who are passionate about making a difference for the people who use their services.

Substance misuse and its pervasive problems is a constant challenge for social work, health and related professionals today. With heightened political and policy emphasis on all aspects of substance misuse, it is paramount that professionals remain up-to-date on current issues and their responsibilities. Based on research and evidence, this book provides a sound basis for grounded and innovative practice.Leading international contributors outline holistic and specialist approaches to policy and practice, and highlight the shift in emphasis from immediate risk minimisation to long-term recovery, the importance of prevention and the pivotal role of workforce development. Issues surrounding work with children and families affected by substance misuse are explored, and ways of implementing new approaches revealed. The book also looks at the impact of the smoking ban in Scotland, and suggests ways to support tobacco use cessation. This book is essential reading for all front-line practitioners working with substance misusers, including social work, health professionals and counsellors.

Excellent social work education and training is vital for ensuring best practice, and it is important to understand the key approaches and methods in order to provide the best teaching and ensure effective learning.This volume provides an overview of social work education, including the background and current context. It covers the key debates surrounding social work education, such as the evaluation of social work education, the use of IT, research-mindedness, and the effectiveness of interdisciplinary education. The book also offers guidance on effective teaching and learning approaches tailored to the needs of social work educators, covering teaching within a higher education institution, on student practice placements, and in post-qualifying settings. This will be an indispensable text for educators and trainers in the field of social work.

Social Care, Service Users and User Involvement provides a definitive introduction to practical, philosophical and theoretical issues at the heart of user involvement. This book provides an accessible account of the latest research findings regarding user involvement on three levels: the delivery and provision of services, practice and practitioners, and research and evaluation. It explores a wide range of service user needs and concerns, including the latest developments in personalisation and the effect of the Equality Act 2010. First-hand accounts illustrate the range of issues and service user needs which could be addressed by increased involvement within and beyond the social care system. The book also distinguishes between user views and user involvement, and addresses their processes outcomes and impact, as well as their measurement. This book will be a key source of information for care workers, service managers, policy makers, researchers, service users and social and health care professionals involved in social care and support service planning.

Violence against women is a pervasive problem in society and responding appropriately to those who experience it and those who perpetrate it is a constant challenge for social work, health and related professions today. This volume seeks to address issues surrounding violence against women at all levels, from its root causes to the specific needs arising in victims of gendered abuse from a particular social or ethnic group. Drawing on the expertise of a range of 'front line' service providers and practitioners as well as academic researchers, it seeks to provide those working in social work and related professions with up-to-date coverage of the major issues pertaining to violence against women, and suggest ways to tackle the rise in violence against women by translating knowledge into effective training and practice.This important book will be essential reading for practising social workers and allied professions, as well as academics and students.

Challenging Child Protection offers a ground-breaking new perspective which will illuminate and improve the professional understanding and practice of social workers and child protection workers.Taking a fresh look at the principles underlying child protection, this book provides a thought-provoking analysis of the evidence base which underpins professional understanding and intervention. It outlines the ways in which agencies have worked to prevent child abuse and neglect and traces key changes in UK policy, as well as situating these amid wider trends in Europe. With contributions from a wide variety of disciplines, including philosophy and anthropology, this is a uniquely diverse collection of academic perspectives. This book challenges our conceptions of child protection and encourages readers to think critically about why children are harmed by adults, how society views child abuse and how this informs practice.

In the wake of the profound changes in policy and practice around caring over the past ten years, this volume takes a fresh look at the social and legal status of carers. Demonstrating the scope and diversity of 'caring', the contributors highlight the positive aspects of caring and the interdependence of many caring relationships but also broach the sensitive and complex subject of `poor' care and the importance of identifying and meeting the needs of 'hidden carers'.Arguing that policy and practice must take account of both carers' and users' interests, the contributors re-evaluate the existing role of carers in developing new ideas in the planning and delivery of their services. Each of the book's chapters points to the future and looks at alternative and innovative ways forward in relation to thinking, policy and practice. This will make essential reading for social work and social science academics and students; professionals in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors looking after the interests of carers; health and social care practitioners; nurses and care agency workers.

Presenting research that will underpin effective practice with women who offend, this unique and thought-provoking text aims to help professionals meet the needs of this group as well as providing a theoretical resource for policy makers and academics. The authors, coming from a variety of professional and research perspectives, discuss important issues concerning women in the criminal justice system, including:* the increase in custodial sentences for women* black women in prison* patterns of female offending* drug use and the criminal justice system* the needs of women on release from prison.Calling into question the relevance to female offenders of research conducted with men who commit crime, the contributors provide a comprehensive knowledge base on women and crime for professionals who work in this area. With a broad range of contributions, this book will be helpful to probation officers, social workers, policy makers and others who work with female offenders.

Evidence-based practice - what it might mean, how it can be achieved, whether it should be aspired to - is the subject of much debate and argument in social work. Covering areas of social work practice that are well established and those in which evidence is just beginning to become available, the authors address issues such as:* What is to count as evidence, and who decides this?* If relevant evidence is agreed on, how should it be used in practice?* How can the thing that made the difference be identified?* Does success result from the theory employed by the worker, or because the worker is skilled, conscientious and effective?* How predictable, controlled and orderly can social work become?Exploring these issues within a range of contexts - from child abuse and domestic violence to looked after children and disability - the authors demonstrate why evidence-based practice is important, but also why it is important to think clearly and carefully about its implications for the social work profession and the users of social work services. Social Work and Evidence-Based Practice will enable practitioners, managers and policy makers to deepen and coordinate their understanding of the key themes in evidence-based practice.

Based on key research into assessment, treatment and recidivism, this book offers practical guidance on improving intervention techniques with sex offenders. The contributors explore the monitoring and surveillance strategies and cognitive-behavioural techniques currently used both in prison and in the community, and give clear directions for future practice. Providing a detailed overview of the typologies and characteristics of offenders, they suggest strategies for managing different kinds of offender, including children and young people who are sexually aggressive.The Sex Offenders Act and the Crime and Disorder Act emphasise the need for effective community management of the predatory paedophile. Reviewing the recent growth in multi-agency approaches to this challenge, the book discusses how police, prisons and social work departments can share information and collaborate effectively, and will be essential reading for probation officers, prison staff, social workers and anyone involved in the assessment and management of sex offenders.

Residential Child Care draws on the latest research to offer guidance for developing best practice, policy and improved outcomes for children and young people.Contributors examine important aspects of residential care work, and address the concerns about the poor outcomes for young people leaving care and the role of residential child care as a positive choice within the range of care services. Key issues addressed include promoting well-being and development for young people; tackling potential discrimination in residential policy and practice; responding to areas of discord in residential child care; and underpinning themes relating to residential child care, such as staff development and support.This book will provide essential reading for policy makers, managers and practitioners in residential care and the social services, and students in the field.

Public Services Inspection in the UK provides a detailed account of the changing role of inspection in public services management. It analyses the key debates about the role that inspection plays in increasing public accountability and encouraging service improvement.Contributors describe current inspection methods across the key public sectors of education, social care, the criminal justice system, local government services and healthcare, and examine the underlying issues and tensions associated with public services inspection. They compare approaches adopted in different parts of the UK and present evidence that can be drawn on to develop more effective practice, as well as offering recommendations for future policy and research.Public Services Inspection in the UK is essential reading for public service managers, social workers, policy makers, researchers, academics, students and professionals working in public services who have an involvement in the inspection process.

Developments in Social Work with Offenders explains the organisational and legislative changes that have occurred in social work and probation across the UK in the past 10 years, in the context of the accumulating body of knowledge about what constitutes effective practice in the assessment, supervision and management of offenders in the community.Three different aspects of working with offenders are covered: developments in policy; assessment, supervision and intervention; and issues and needs. Contributions from experts in the field discuss issues such as community `punishment', case management, accreditation and resettlement. The continuing concern with promoting evidence-based solutions to crime is addressed, and this book will assist professionals working with offenders with making focused interventions supported by research.This book will be essential reading for students of social work and probation and criminology, probation officers and social workers.

This book explores the theory and practice of the developing innovative practice of 'co-production' - a model of service in which users of a service will play an active and participatory role in the service provided to them, adopting a working partnership.Examples of methods and services designed on co-production principles are given by the experienced contributors, including housing initiatives in which the users, rather than professionals, provide support to each other and criminal justice settings in which offenders participate in active restorative justice programmes.Drawing together key figures in the field of social care, this book is important reading for social care practitioners and service providers wanting to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field , as well as academics, researchers and students.

How is the modern world shaping young people and youth crime? What impact is this having on the latest policies and practice? Are current youth justice services working? With contributions from leading researchers in the field, this book offers an insightful, scholarly and critical analysis of such key issues.Youth Offending and Youth Justice engages constructively with current policy and practice debates, tackling issues such as the criminalisation and penalisation of youth, sentencer decision-making, the incarceration of young people and the role of public opinion. It also features an applied focus on professional practice.Drawing on a wide range of high-quality research, this book will enrich the work of practitioners, managers, policy-makers, students and academics in social work, youth work, criminal justice and youth justice in the UK and beyond.

Substance misuse and its pervasive problems is a constant challenge for social work, health and related professionals today. With heightened political and policy emphasis on all aspects of substance misuse, it is paramount that professionals remain up-to-date on current issues and their responsibilities. Based on research and evidence, this book provides a sound basis for grounded and innovative practice.Leading international contributors outline holistic and specialist approaches to policy and practice, and highlight the shift in emphasis from immediate risk minimisation to long-term recovery, the importance of prevention and the pivotal role of workforce development. Issues surrounding work with children and families affected by substance misuse are explored, and ways of implementing new approaches revealed. The book also looks at the impact of the smoking ban in Scotland, and suggests ways to support tobacco use cessation. This book is essential reading for all front-line practitioners working with substance misusers, including social work, health professionals and counsellors.

Social care needs excellent leaders now more than ever. Effective leaders aim high, listen to what the service users want and need, inspire their staff and continually question what they are doing and why. This book draws together the latest research on fundamental leadership issues in social care, discussing collaborative leadership and the importance of place-based development, exploring the key disciplines of supervision, management and leadership and examining the purpose of a learning framework for social care. Comparative approaches are also provided by practitioners working outside of social work, placing leadership development in context across the public, private and voluntary sectors and presenting authoritative guidance from an international perspective.Leadership in Social Care will appeal to social care practitioners and service providers, academics, researchers and students who are passionate about making a difference for the people who use their services.

Based on key research into assessment, treatment and recidivism, this book offers practical guidance on improving intervention techniques with sex offenders. The contributors explore the monitoring and surveillance strategies and cognitive-behavioural techniques currently used both in prison and in the community, and give clear directions for future practice. Providing a detailed overview of the typologies and characteristics of offenders, they suggest strategies for managing different kinds of offender, including children and young people who are sexually aggressive.The Sex Offenders Act and the Crime and Disorder Act emphasise the need for effective community management of the predatory paedophile. Reviewing the recent growth in multi-agency approaches to this challenge, the book discusses how police, prisons and social work departments can share information and collaborate effectively, and will be essential reading for probation officers, prison staff, social workers and anyone involved in the assessment and management of sex offenders.

Presenting research that will underpin effective practice with women who offend, this unique and thought-provoking text aims to help professionals meet the needs of this group as well as providing a theoretical resource for policy makers and academics. The authors, coming from a variety of professional and research perspectives, discuss important issues concerning women in the criminal justice system, including:* the increase in custodial sentences for women* black women in prison* patterns of female offending* drug use and the criminal justice system* the needs of women on release from prison.Calling into question the relevance to female offenders of research conducted with men who commit crime, the contributors provide a comprehensive knowledge base on women and crime for professionals who work in this area. With a broad range of contributions, this book will be helpful to probation officers, social workers, policy makers and others who work with female offenders.

Evidence-based practice - what it might mean, how it can be achieved, whether it should be aspired to - is the subject of much debate and argument in social work. Covering areas of social work practice that are well established and those in which evidence is just beginning to become available, the authors address issues such as:* What is to count as evidence, and who decides this?* If relevant evidence is agreed on, how should it be used in practice?* How can the thing that made the difference be identified?* Does success result from the theory employed by the worker, or because the worker is skilled, conscientious and effective?* How predictable, controlled and orderly can social work become?Exploring these issues within a range of contexts - from child abuse and domestic violence to looked after children and disability - the authors demonstrate why evidence-based practice is important, but also why it is important to think clearly and carefully about its implications for the social work profession and the users of social work services. Social Work and Evidence-Based Practice will enable practitioners, managers and policy makers to deepen and coordinate their understanding of the key themes in evidence-based practice.

Placing adult day services within the whole spectrum of social provision and support, the contributors to this key text explore their complementary role alongside field social work, health care, domiciliary services and supported accommodation. Focusing on how to meet the diverse needs of service users rather than on the running of 'day centres', they highlight the importance of this sector in contributing to social inclusion.The book is divided into two parts: the first looks at existing policy, including users' feedback, and the second part outlines the practical applications of both theory and policy, illustrated with case studies. Adult Day Services and Social Inclusion examines services for people experiencing old age, learning disabilities, mental health problems or physical disability, and those socially excluded by unemployment, poverty, homelessness or crime. Policy makers, service managers, care workers and social care professionals in all sectors of adult health and social care will find this an essential guide to the provision of an effective day service.

Reparation and the place of the victim in the criminal justice process have been the focus of recent legislation and policy initiatives. As a result practitioners are required to place more emphasis on working with victims. The contributors to this book bring together research material from the wide range of disciplines involved and present an overview of the information needed for effective practice.They examine the practicalities of reparation orders, family group conferencing, restorative cautioning schemes and the workings of youth offending teams. They also evaluate the effects of legislation such as the Crime and Disorder Act and the Victim's Charter and explore issues raised by specific types of crime such as urban and rural crime, 'hate crimes' and male violence in the home. This book is essential reading for all agencies and individuals working with offenders and their victims.

In the wake of the profound changes in policy and practice around caring over the past ten years, this volume takes a fresh look at the social and legal status of carers. Demonstrating the scope and diversity of 'caring', the contributors highlight the positive aspects of caring and the interdependence of many caring relationships but also broach the sensitive and complex subject of `poor' care and the importance of identifying and meeting the needs of 'hidden carers'.Arguing that policy and practice must take account of both carers' and users' interests, the contributors re-evaluate the existing role of carers in developing new ideas in the planning and delivery of their services. Each of the book's chapters points to the future and looks at alternative and innovative ways forward in relation to thinking, policy and practice. This will make essential reading for social work and social science academics and students; professionals in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors looking after the interests of carers; health and social care practitioners; nurses and care agency workers.

Written by key figures in the field of social care training and management this much-needed book provides practice guidance for front line managers in social care. Refocusing attention on the management of practice and accountability within services and to service users, the authors provide a variety of perspectives on how front line managers can support practice. Highlighting important aspects of management, such as promoting knowledge-based practice and continuous professional development through lifelong learning, they discuss major issues such as:* setting and monitoring new standards and frameworks* what different communities want from social services* implications of the gender imbalance in social work management* bullying and harassment in the work environment* managing multidisciplinary teams.Drawing together important research on management practice, this book will ensure front line managers are prepared for shifts in policy, making it an essential resource for managers and policy makers in all areas of social care.

Developments in Social Work with Offenders explains the organisational and legislative changes that have occurred in social work and probation across the UK in the past 10 years, in the context of the accumulating body of knowledge about what constitutes effective practice in the assessment, supervision and management of offenders in the community.Three different aspects of working with offenders are covered: developments in policy; assessment, supervision and intervention; and issues and needs. Contributions from experts in the field discuss issues such as community `punishment', case management, accreditation and resettlement. The continuing concern with promoting evidence-based solutions to crime is addressed, and this book will assist professionals working with offenders with making focused interventions supported by research.This book will be essential reading for students of social work and probation and criminology, probation officers and social workers.

Residential Child Care draws on the latest research to offer guidance for developing best practice, policy and improved outcomes for children and young people.Contributors examine important aspects of residential care work, and address the concerns about the poor outcomes for young people leaving care and the role of residential child care as a positive choice within the range of care services. Key issues addressed include promoting well-being and development for young people; tackling potential discrimination in residential policy and practice; responding to areas of discord in residential child care; and underpinning themes relating to residential child care, such as staff development and support.This book will provide essential reading for policy makers, managers and practitioners in residential care and the social services, and students in the field.

This book explores the theory and practice of the developing innovative practice of `co-production' - a model of service in which users of a service will play an active and participatory role in the service provided to them, adopting a working partnership.Examples of methods and services designed on co-production principles are given by the experienced contributors, including housing initiatives in which the users, rather than professionals, provide support to each other and criminal justice settings in which offenders participate in active restorative justice programmes.Drawing together key figures in the field of social care, this book is important reading for social care practitioners and service providers wanting to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field , as well as academics, researchers and students.Research Highlights in Social WorkThis topical series examines areas of particular interest to those in social and community work and related fields. Each book draws together different aspects of the subject, highlighting relevant research and drawing out implications for policy and practice. The project is under the editorial direction of Professor Joyce Lishman, Head of the School of Applied Social Studies at the Robert Gordon University.

Public Services Inspection in the UK provides a detailed account of the changing role of inspection in public services management. It analyses the key debates about the role that inspection plays in increasing public accountability and encouraging service improvement.Contributors describe current inspection methods across the key public sectors of education, social care, the criminal justice system, local government services and healthcare, and examine the underlying issues and tensions associated with public services inspection. They compare approaches adopted in different parts of the UK and present evidence that can be drawn on to develop more effective practice, as well as offering recommendations for future policy and research.Public Services Inspection in the UK is essential reading for public service managers, social workers, policy makers, researchers, academics, students and professionals working in public services who have an involvement in the inspection process.Research Highlights in Social WorkThis topical series examines areas of particular interest to those in social and community work and related fields. Each book draws together different aspects of the subject, highlighting relevant research and drawing out implications for policy and practice. The project is under the editorial direction of Professor Joyce Lishman, Head of the School of Applied Social Studies at the Robert Gordon University.