Children in Society

This reader provides a critical and comprehensive account of the theoretical and practical issues raised in working with children and families. It draws on debates from a range of disciplines to shed light on different perspectives, forms of practice and dimensions of policy. Its strong applied focus allows it to address a rich variety of issues of concern to professionals working with children in a range of settings. The contributing authors consist of leading academics in the field as well as those with first-hand knowledge and experience; all write in a clear and engaging style.

List of Contributors.- Children in Society: Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice; P.Foley, J.Roche and S.Tucker.- SECTION 1: CONTEMPORARY CHILDHOODS.- The Development of Child Health and Welfare Services in England (1900-1948); P.Foley.- The Changing Experiences of Childhood; M.Robb.- Constructing Childhood, Constructing Child Concern; W.Stainton Rogers.- The Demonization of Children: From the Symbolic to the Institutional; B.Goldson.- Racism: An Important Factor in Practice with Ethnic Minority Children and Families; K.Owusu-Bempah.- Childcare Policy; M.Roberts.- Towards a 'Children's Policy' for the European Union?; S.Ruxton.- SECTION 2: QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN.- Quality of Life for Children; J.Roche.- Children's Welfare and Children's Rights; G.Lansdown.- 'Our Bodies, Ourselves'? Mothers, Children and Health Care at Home; P.Foley.- Listening to Children; N.Thomas.- Community Development A Strategy for Empowerment; S.Tucker.- SECTION 3:CONCEPTUAL AND PRACTICE FRAMEWORKS.- Working Towards Consensus: Children's Hearings in Scotland; A.Griffiths.- Parental Responsibility; L-A.Cull.- The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children; C.Humphreys.- Primary Education in Scotland; D.Christie.- Children, Sexual Abuse and the Child Protection System; L.Green.- Foster Families; D.BerridgeExternal Influences on Workplace Competence: Improving Services to Children and Families; R.Flynn.- An Ecological Perspective on Child Abuse; G.Jack.- SECTION 4: WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.- Children's Health at School; B.Mayall.- Theories of Child Development; W.Stainton Rogers.- Working with Disabled Children; R.Marchant.- Involving Children and Families in Decision-Making About Health; C.Thurston and J.Church.- Men Working in Childcare; M.Robb.- Perspectives on Parenting; D.Brown.- Developing Partnership Practice; J.Pinkerton.- References.