Penelope Welbourne

Twenty-first century social work: the influence of political context on public service provision in social work education and service delivery

This article explores the thesis that there is a discernable ‘direction for social work’ in Britain, and considers the ways in which its development is influenced by state policies influenced by New Managerialist, ‘market’ based and neoliberal ideologies. It concludes that there have been substantial changes across services for children, for adults and in social work education over the last decade that reflect the ethos of central government policy, rather than the ethos and values of social work. Awareness of the role of government policy in shaping the identity of the profession, and responsiveness to that agenda, is critical to maintaining social works integrity.

The education of children in care: a research review

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore three key aspects of the education of children in care: the composition of that population of children and the extent to which they differ from the general population of children due to difficulties most of them have experienced prior to as well as after entering care; issues relating to the identification of causal relationships and the extent of “underachievement” by children in care; and any evidence that care may provide more positive opportunities than is often supposed.Design/methodology/approach – The papers approach is an extensive literature review of existing published research into social policy and practice of caring for looked after children.Findings – The significant factors that contribute to better achievement for children in care are: placement stability and support at school but for some children therapeutic help and specialist assessments are necessary to improve outcomes. Different analyses produce different results and the scrutiny of childrens ...

Child protection and welfare: cultures, policies, and practices

Child protection and welfare have become international issues in a globalized world. Ideas about childhood and the upbringing of children vary widely, depending upon the prevailing economic, socio-cultural, religious, and political contexts. These have had dramatic effects on the way societies value children, and the role acquired by the state in their protection and advancing their well-being. Children, however, remain at risk. They are placed at risk by the breakdown of extended family systems as a result of urbanization, and as a result of impaired functioning of some nuclear families, in the absence of kinship safety nets. Some traditional cultural practices place children at risk, especially girl children. Poverty creates risks for all children but it can create specific catastrophic risks for girls. Countries can enact visionary laws intended to protect children, but they will be ineffective against entrenched social attitudes, especially if only limited resources can be provided to implement and enforce them. This is the ultimate challenge that the world community must address if the vision of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is to be realized.

Accountable Corporate Parenting Local Authority Practice in England and Wales and Some Reflections on Community Participation in the US

• Summary: This article explores some complex issues involved in promoting accountability in local authority public services. In the UK, a gap in accountability for services for Looked After children was identified by the High Court. We offer an analysis of policy initiatives developed in response. Citizen review, another approach to strengthening accountability in widespread use in the USA, is described and appraised. • Findings: Accountability in services for Looked After children in the UK has been substantially improved by recent developments in law and policy. However, it is argued that the continuing absence of external review and reliance on upward accountability still leaves a flawed structure. The paucity of quality evaluation of citizen participation in US is noted, but we identify its potential to promote both outward accountability and diversity in accountability and review. • Application: The article is a contribution to the ongoing analysis of accountability in public services, and promotes more inclusive practice in reviewing service provision. Its focus is on Looked After children, but some of the principles discussed are capable of application to other vulnerable groups and communities.

John Triseliotis, Selected Writings on Adoption, Fostering and Child Care

they have conceded or where they accept neglectful or harmful aspects of their parenting. Similarly, the final chapter — ‘Know What Actions You Should Take After Court’ — provides a crucial reminder that the social worker must continue to work in co-operation with the family after the court process has ended. Whilst this is a concise guide, it is comprehensive in scope and explores key issues surrounding the court process. It provides simple, but crucial, information that all social workers need to be aware of. Some of this knowledge is of a practical nature, whilst some details the more intricate aspects of the court process. For example, the text offers a simple reminder of arriving to court in good time, but also details the hierarchy of different types of court and the varying powers available to that court. Therefore, this guide is not only highly recommended to social workers in training and those who are preparing their first set of care proceedings, but also more experienced practitioners who are looking to consolidate their knowledge of the court system. Indeed, the accessibility of the book means that all practitioners can use it as a quick and helpful point of reference at any point during the court process.