Helping Abused Children and Their Families

Book excerpt: `I think this has the potential to be a very good resource for social work students on qualifying and post-qualifying courses: there aren′t enough books on how to do the job at this level′ - Chris Beckett, Division of Social Work, Anglia Polytechnic University `This book moves beyond investigation and risk assessment to decision making about the most effective ways of working with a family. Trotter provides a strong case for why practitioners should make these decisions evidence based. Only with such an approach is it going to be possible to increase the confidence of those working in Child Protection′ - Professor Margaret Lynch Editor, Child Abuse Review 1992 -2003 `This book gives us fresh insights into the complex task of child protection and must be essential reading for all those engaged in this demanding work. Both practitioners and policy makers will find much to stimulate them here′ - Robbie Gilligan, Professor of Social Work and Social Policy and Associate Director of the Children′s Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin Helping Abused Children and their Families is a timely guide to the main challenges faced by social workers working in the context of child abuse and child protection. Written in a sensitive and accessible style, the book outlines the knowledge and skills needed for effective practice. By drawing upon current international research, Chris Trotter shows that rates of re-abuse and client and worker satisfaction can be improved with certain approaches to intervention. Key strengths of the book include: Draws directly upon the author′s first-hand practice experience to give the book considerable authority Outlines a direct-practice model, including role clarification; problem-solving; pro-social modelling; and client-worker relationship skills Successfully links theory to practice by adopting an evidence-based approach Debates issues from the perspective of the workers; the service-user; and their families. Illustrates the discussions with a comprehensive range of case-studies Helping Abused Children and their Families highlights important research in the field of child protection, and offers a unique opportunity to assess and critique the issues and skills relevant to practice. It will be an invaluable teaching and learning resource for social work trainees, child protection practitioners, and all professionals working in the context of child welfare.