Over the last decade there has been a series of Government policy initiatives in respect of children's services and social work education in England, many of which aim to de-regulate or privatise aspects of these services. Critically considering the impact of the MacAlister Review, this book explores the past, present and future of children's services in the UK from a range of perspectives - lived, professional and academic. This accessible guide provides a timely and incisive overview of the current children's services reform agenda in the UK. It identifies current challenges, analyses both strengths and weaknesses in the current policy agenda and sets out alternative policy and practice directions for a system that can meet families' needs.

About the Author
Robin Sen is Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh and a qualified social worker who has practiced in statutory child and family social work in Scotland. He is also a qualified practice educator. Christian Kerr is a social worker and Lecturer in Social Work and Social and Community Studies at Leeds Beckett University.

Reviews
"Working with children and families forms the bedrock of social work in the UK. This collected edition provides a trenchant critique of the McAllister Review, and essential reading for qualifying social workers. It also offers hope for future practice following a rights-oriented trajectory." Lena Dominelli, University of Stirling
"I know of and respect each and every author in this book. That is testament to the power of their individual and collective voice. Read the truth of their words." David Anderson, Social Work Consultant
"Incisively critical yet full of hope - I would recommend this book to all children's social care workers and more importantly to the people we aim to serve." Fiona Daniels, children's social worker



Book Information
ISBN 9781447368267
Author Avery Bowser
Format Paperback
Page Count 236
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Bristol University Press